pacific bonsai museum

This museum is in the middle of the Weyerhaueser forest of towering evergreens, located in Federal Way, about 15 minutes south of Seattle Tacoma International Airport along I-5.. The exhibition area consists of a series of open air walls which enclose large pedestals that display approximately 60 Miniature Bonsai specimens from around the world. The grounds and plantings are pristine and manicured, the layout of the display garden is wonderful: you see 4 or 4 specimens then follow a winding path to the next viewing point. The actual trees are just gorgeous, graceful and they have been lovingly pruned, wrapped with wire and protected. Each tree is accompanied by labeling indicating year and location of the tree's origin, the year it began being trained as a Bonsai and the name of the Bonsai artist. Periodically there is more information accompanying the tree. There is also an indoor room with the specimens which require high humidity and protection from the Exterior weather. We are unbelievably fortunate to have such a treasure in this suburb of Seattle. It is FREE and open to the public 6 days a week: Tuesday to Sunday 10-4pm. There are signs on the Freeway indicating which exit to take.

We have been twice now. Once for a candlelight walk at Christmas and once in the fall. Both times were beautiful but I loved the fall best when we could see the leaves changing colors. We plan for go again in the spring when the flowers are blooming.

Next door (but separate from) the Rhododendron Garden We've tried bonsai ourselves but don't have the dedication to maintain it, so we truly appreciated this fairly large collection. Most of the collection material are 50 years old or older and by a number of designers including the esteemed John Naka. Very well kept (even at 50 some of the plants are still wired) and the facilities were simple and clearly well designed to highlight the bonsai.Outdoors so plan accordingly

If you enjoy Bonsai, this is a must-see in the Federal Way area - the exhibit is not large - you can cover it all in less than 2 hours, but it is a free exhibit, and the trees on display range in age from dozens of years to hundreds. This is truly a beautiful art form, and a good way to enjoy an afternoon, especially if you take in the Rhododendron gardens next door (there is a fee for those). The staff were very friendly and helpful in explaining some of the exhibits. Enjoy!

On the grounds of the Weyerhauser Headquarters in Federal Way this is a must see if you like bonsai trees. Most of the trees in the collection range from 30 to 60 years under cultivation and some older trees. They are beautifully displayed and identified as to artist, souce of tree and time in cultivation as well as other information about the tree species. There is no admission fee but donations are accepted. These trees are outside so take an umbrella if it is rainy.

When he was alive, my father used to create bonsai. When I found there was an extensive collection, I just had to go see it. I was not disappointed. The age of some of these trees astounded me. I only wish the bonsai garden had been larger because I wanted to see more!

A good collection of bonsai both you and old. Well presented with most trees outside. Free entrance but donations are welcome. We chatted to a member of staff who was knowledgable.What a joy to get away from the hustle and bustle of a lively city.

I've been in the fall and in the dead of winter so far, and both times its been great. The grounds are quiet and well maintained, and it's free! Don't go when it's raining though, as there aren't really any covered areas to stand under. Some of the trees are 100's of years old. We had a lot of fun trying to figure out which tree was the oldest. And the designs of the bonsai's are diverse and awe inspiring. I will definitely be going again.

It's off the beaten path, but you can see beautiful mature trees in miniature, and well taken care of. Also, a paid Rhododendron exhibit. Sponsored by Weyerhauser.

This free collection of bonsai is very well presented and just off of I5. The rhododendron garden adjacent has an admission charge, but the bonsai are free.

Well worth the visit. So e of these trees have been alive for centuries. Amazing, beautiful setting, each masterpiece is displayed to show its magnificence. There were trees that resembled a couple dancing... Truly one of the very best places I have visited . I will go back again..go early.. All of these gardens are most beautiful.A little weird getting out back to freeway..so pay attention. To which round a bout exit you need.

Took family with teens to see Bonsai gardens. Recommend going late morning during week. Easy drive off interstate 5. Very wooded area, pretty neat to see all the trees on the way to park. Bring walking shoes, need to walk gravel path to get to Bonsai collection from parking lots. Took lots of photos and info provided on collection is vey educational.

Beautiful, amazing collection. Very well maintained with good access to all trees. Just 10 minutes from SeaTac, And it's free. There is also Azalea garden there that is also nicely done (that one isn't free though)

This is the best exhibit of Bonsai art we have ever seen. And, it is an outdoor display in an efficient informative arrangement. Lots of great info on each tree. Well done!

We were looking for something to do in the morning before flying out of Seattle. I could have spent more time in the gardens but this was perfect for a less than three hour committment including the drive to and from the airport. The bonsai collection is well-displayed, easy to see and quite lovely. A few trees are in a small greenhouse but the majority are outside, beautifully displayed and easy to see. There is also a lecture and education space even with information on the ceramics of bonsai. Be prepared for a video to suddenly begin playing when it detects you walking by...Surprise!The Rhododendron Garden is much more than that with plants ranging from jack-in-the-pulpit to local plant, a nifty stump garden as well as rhododendrons. About a mile loop with lots more small wandering paths. Extras, a nice greenhouse and, there were plants for sale!