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Visiting: What to See, When to Come, How Long to Stay

How long does a visit take?

Seeing the entire Garden would take a full day. There are suggested itineraries for shorter visits.

What is in bloom right now? When are the cherry trees in bloom?

The Plants in Bloom page will tell you!

The cherry trees typically bloom throughout April and early May. CherryWatch provides frequent updates in the spring.

Do you offer guided tours?

Yes, we offer free, seasonal guided tours.

Are you ever open in the evening?

Yes, if you are a member, you can attend Members' Summer Evenings on Wednesdays until 8:30 p.m. from June to September.

Rules

What rules must all visitors follow?

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a museum of living plants. The following policies were designed to protect the plant collection and enhance the experience of all visitors.

Do not pick flowers, touch foliage, walk in planted beds, or climb trees.
Children under 14 must be supervised by an adult.
No food or beverages except bottled water and baby bottles.
No smoking.
No blankets or folding chairs.
Sitting on the lawn is only permitted on Cherry Esplanade.
No recreational equipment or athletic activity.
No pets.
Tripods and easels are not permitted in the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Conservatory, in flower beds, or blocking paths.
Commercial and wedding photography is only permitted by prior arrangement.
Earphones must be used for all electronic audio devices.
Shirt and shoes are required.

Please read through the rest of these FAQ and other areas of the website for more detailed information on specific rules and policy.

Garden Etiquette: Picnics, Strollers, Bikes, Pets, Tree Climbing, Smoking

Can we bring a picnic? May we sit on the lawn?

Picnicking is not allowed at BBG, with the exception of Member's Sunset Picnics. You may sit on the lawn of Cherry Esplanade only.

Are strollers allowed?

Strollers are allowed on the grounds and in the Visitor Center, but not in the Steinhardt Conservatory Gallery or Garden Shop.

Are scooters, bikes, roller skates, or skateboards allowed?

No. Bike racks are located near all entrances, and scooters may be checked with Security at the entrance. Please do not bring skates or skateboards.

Are pets allowed in the Garden? What about service animals?

Pets are not allowed, but service animals are. Our accessibility guidelines provide more details.

May we climb the trees? May we pick flowers and vegetables?

Tree climbing is not allowed in order to keep both the trees and visitors safe. Please don't pick flowers or vegetables. Edible food from our Herb Garden and display gardens is donated to local charities.

Is smoking allowed?

No, smoking is prohibited throughout the Garden.

Disability Access

Is the entire Garden accessible to people with disabilities?

All of our entrances and most of our pathways are accessible to people in wheelchairs and those with other disabilities. Certain paths may be uneven or steep. Please see our accessibility guidelines for more information.

Amenities: Bathrooms, Food, Lockers, Plants and Merchandise for Sale

Where can I buy food? Do you have vegetarian and vegan choices?

The Yellow Magnolia Café offers full-service dining. The Yellow Magnolia Canteen offers counter-service lunch and refreshments. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at both. Please see the menus for details.

Where are the bathrooms?

There are bathrooms in the Steinberg Visitor Center, the Administration Building, and the Steinhardt Conservatory, and at the Flatbush Avenue Entrance.

Do you sell plants?

Yes, the Garden Shop sells plants, gifts, books, and more.

Do you have daily lockers or a coat check?

No.

Construction

Why is there construction fencing in the middle section of the Garden?

Portions of the Plant Family Collection will be closed to the public during construction of the final phase of the Water Conservation Project, which involves installing underground pipes and restoring the brook. BBG and its project partners will work to preserve the tranquility of the Garden during this construction. All the adjoining specialty gardens are open and as beautiful as ever!

Photography

Can I take photographs? Can a professional photographer shoot my portrait?

In general, visitors may take nonprofessional photos for personal use. Professional photographers must adhere to our photography policy.

Can BBG be used for a commercial photo or film shoot?

Yes, but you must receive prior approval. Please see our commercial and editorial photography guidelines for details.

Weddings, Private Events, and Space Rental

Can we get married at the Garden? Can I rent space for other events?

Yes. Please see our Weddings and Celebrations and Private and Corporate Events pages for details.

Field trips: Schools and Camps

I’m a teacher/camp counselor. Can I bring my students on a self-guided field trip?

Yes. School and camp groups may visit for free, but registration is required two weeks in advance. Please see our School and Camp Group Visits page for more information.

Volunteer Positions, Jobs, and Internships

Do you need volunteers?

Yes. There are volunteer opportunities of all kinds. Please visit our volunteer overview for more details.

Is the Garden hiring?

Our Jobs & Internships page lists any open positions at BBG.

General Inquiries

Mailing Address

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
1000 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
718-623-7200
Email BBG

Frequently Asked Questions ›

Hotline: Contact
Composting Project bbg.org/composting: [email protected]
718-623-7290
Continuing Education Information bbg.org/catalog: [email protected]
718-623-7357
Development bbg.org/support: [email protected]
718-623-7356
Garden Shop shop.bbg.org: [email protected]
718-622-0963
Library bbg.org/library: [email protected]
718-623-7270
Lost and Found: [email protected]
718-623-7277
Membership bbg.org/membership: [email protected]
718-623-7210
Neighborhood Greening bbg.org/community: [email protected]
718-623-7250
Public Programs bbg.org/annual: [email protected]
718-623-7333
School Groups bbg.org/childrensgroups: [email protected]
718-623-7220
Visitor Services bbg.org/visit: [email protected]
718-623-7260
Wedding and Event Catering bbg.org/weddings: [email protected]
718‑307‑7133
Yellow Magnolia Café bbg.org/yellowmagnolia: 718‑307‑7136

Departments

All Departments

Department: Contact
Children's Education Information: [email protected]
718-623-7353
Children's Education Registration: [email protected]
718-623-7220
Commercial Photography: [email protected]
718-623-7241
Communications: [email protected]
718-623-7241
Community Greening: [email protected]
718-623-7250
Continuing Education Information: [email protected]
718-623-7357
Continuing Education Registration: [email protected]
718-623-7220
Development: [email protected]
718-623-7356
Event Catering: [email protected]
718‑307‑7133
Horticulture: [email protected]
Human Resources: [email protected]
Internships: [email protected]
Library Services: [email protected]
Marketing/Advertising: [email protected]
Membership: [email protected]
718-623-7210
Patina Events at Brooklyn Botanic Garden: [email protected]
718‑307‑7133
President's Office: [email protected]
Public Programs: [email protected]
Publications: [email protected]
Registration Office: [email protected]
718-623-7220
Scientific Research: [email protected]
Security: [email protected]
718-623-7200
Conservatory Gallery: [email protected]
Visitor Services: [email protected]
718-623-7260
Volunteer: [email protected]
718-623-7260
Website: [email protected]
Wedding Catering: [email protected]
718‑307‑7133

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