Exhibits
Guided Tours
Plan Your Visit
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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2 events,
Canceled
Arboretum Highlights Tour
Canceled
Arboretum Highlights Tour
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
Canceled
Arboretum Highlights Tour
Canceled
Arboretum Highlights Tour
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
6 events,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
–
Rescheduled
Olmsted and the Arnold Arboretum
Rescheduled
Olmsted and the Arnold Arboretum
Frederick Law Olmsted, considered the father of landscape architecture, designed some 500 public spaces in North America. The Arnold Arboretum is the only arboretum he designed, a National Historic Landmark, and a model for others around the world. Docent Bill Beizer, will identify the elements of the Arboretum that best reflect Olmsted’s philosophy and approach to landscape design.
Free
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Stop by Bussey Hill to chat with the Arboretum’s Head Arborist and learn how arborists take care of the trees here through climbing, pruning, and expert chainsaw wielding. Head Arborist AJ Tataronis will be there from 12:00 to 2:00pm answering questions: no registration is required, just stop by! |
3 events,
–
Rescheduled
Solar Pollinator Meadow Up Close
Rescheduled
Solar Pollinator Meadow Up Close
*Rescheduled from September 13 due to rain.* In 2021, Arboretum staff started transforming a large swath of grass next to the Weld Hill Research Building into the thriving pollinator meadow that it is today. Join Horticulturist Brendan Keegan, the main caretaker for this space, for a deep dive into the meadow: how it was created, what kinds of plants and pollinators can be found here, and how the plants are integrated with the solar panel array that supplies energy for the Weld Hill Research Building.
Get Tickets
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
–
Rescheduled
Beeches Up Close
Rescheduled
Beeches Up Close
*Rescheduled from September 26 due to rain.* The stately beeches of the Arboretum used to tower over other trees–and some still do–but pests, diseases, and other pathogens have taken their toll in recent years. Join Arborist Delia Mahoney for a walk in the beech collection and learn about the challenges these trees have faced, what the Arboretum is doing in response, and what the collection looked like in years past.
Get Tickets
Free
|
2 events,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
2 events,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
0 events,
|
3 events,
–
Many of us assume that growing plants from seed is as simple as opening a seed packet and sticking them in the dirt, but many of the trees and shrubs in the Arboretum’s collections require a complicated process of stratification, maceration, and dormancy breaking before they will sprout. Join Arboretum Propagator Sarah Shank for a workshop on growing these plants from seed and get a chance to try your own hand at germinating seed from Arboretum trees and shrubs.
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
3 events,
–
Docent Katrina Scott will lead this interactive tour with stops for moments to reflect on specific trees and the stories associated with them. Were they revered or feared? A home for deities or tricksters? We will begin at the Walter Street Gate to visit the oldest ginkgoes at the Arboretum, then head up the Conifer Path and diverge to walk, rest, and reflect among various conifers, eventually ending by the yews near Bussey Brook and Hemlock Hill Road.
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
|
0 events,
|
2 events,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Free
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
2 events,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
6 events,
–
Oaks have been more closely associated with the development of human civilizations across the northern hemisphere than any other genus of tree. From the Royal Oak to the Charter Oak to the Emancipation Oak, from wine and whisky barrels to tall ships to the roof of Notre Dame, from King John to Shakespeare to Leonardo da Vinci, oaks have been inextricably entwined with the human experience. Join docent Paul Eldrenkamp as we learn more about the cultural history of oaks and explore what it is that makes them so useful, so distinct — and so essential.
Get Tickets
Free
–
With a park as large as the Arboretum, a bike ride is one of the best ways to see the entire landscape in one trip. Join Director of Horticulture and Landscape (and personal bike enthusiast) Rodney Eason for a bike tour of the Arboretum: we will begin in front of the Hunnewell Building and ride all the way to Peters Hill, stopping to learn about various collections along the way. Rodney will share his expertise on the maples, hickories, mountain laurels, ginkgoes, paw paws, and more, before getting back on our bikes and pedaling to the next stop!
Get Tickets
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
3 events,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
–
Sourwood is a fall foliage favorite, with beautifully bright red leaves to compliment its deeply furrowed bark. Join Horticulturist Brendan Keegan for a Tree Mob on this showstopper and learn why the leaves are so vibrant in the fall and how it got the name “sourwood” in the first place.
Get Tickets
Free
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
2 events,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
2 events,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
2 events,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
3 events,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
–
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year at the Arboretum, with leaves changing color and all sorts of unique seeds and fruits appearing on the branches. Join docent Vicki Amalfitano for a tour to learn about all the changes that happen in the Arboretum’s collections in the fall.
Sold Out
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
3 events,
–
Most of us can point out an oak or a maple by their unique leaf shapes, but what about telling a black oak from a red oak, or a Norway maple from a sugar maple? Join herbalist Alex Klein for a class on identifying oak and maple species using leaf shape, bark, form, and other key identification features. The class will focus on species common to Massachusetts streets and forests, so that you will be prepared to identify the trees around you on your next walk in the woods or around town.
Sold Out
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
–
Rescheduled
Centre St Beds Up Close
Rescheduled
Centre St Beds Up Close
*Rescheduled from October 18* The Centre Street Beds hold everything from winter hazel and silverbell to hickories and osage orange, and October is a great time to see this lesser-known part of the landscape in all its fall glory. Join Horticulturist Ryan Devlin to learn about the plants that grow here, the history of this part of the Arboretum, and how the Horticulture team manages these diverse plantings.
Get Tickets
Free
|
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
1 event,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
4 events,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
–
On the afternoon of Halloween, stop by the Hunnewell Lawn to learn about the most sinister plants in the Arboretum’s collections. Armed with spiky thorns, sticky latex, and chemical warfare, these plant species defend themselves from hungry herbivores, other plants—and sometimes from humans who wander too close. Others try to poison their neighbors, practice explosive seed dispersal, or even glow under black light. Drop by for this family friendly event and experience Halloween, Arboretum-style.
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|
2 events,
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour.
Get Tickets
Free
|