Exhibition Explores the Arboretum and Korea |
Discover a remarkable story of plants, history, and international partnership in Living Connections: The Arnold Arboretum and Korea, a new exhibition opening this weekend in the Hunnewell Visitor Center. Drawing on rare archival photographs, botanical records, and contemporary collaborations, the exhibition traces more than a century of connections between the Arnold Arboretum and Korea. Visitors will encounter stories of plant exploration, cultural exchange, and the people whose work helped shape our understanding of Korea’s rich botanical heritage. Join us on Saturday, October 24, from 10:00am to 4:00pm for a free public opening celebration. Throughout the day, Head of Library and Archives Lisa Pearson will be available to discuss the historic photographs and archival materials that informed the exhibition’s development. Registration is not required. On view through June 13, 2027, Living Connections offers a fresh perspective on the Arboretum’s past and present, showing how collections continue to foster conservation, research, and cultural understanding. |
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Meet Korean Plants in Our Landscape |
As detailed in the Arboretum's new exhibition, Living Connections: The Arnold Arboretum and Korea, many of the plants that help define our collections trace their origins to the Korean Peninsula. Register to join Keeper of the Living Collections Michael Dosmann on Saturday, October 24 at 10:00am for a guided walk introducing visitors to some of these remarkable plants and the stories behind their arrival in Boston. From historic plant exploration and botanical exchange to modern collaborations, the tour offers a closer look at species that have become important parts of the Arboretum’s collections. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the collections and participation in recent expeditions to Korea, Dosmann will share insights into the region’s rich woody flora and its lasting influence on North American horticulture. The tour coincides with the public opening of the exhibition, offering a timely opportunity to experience these plant ambassadors firsthand. |
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State of the Arboretum: An Annual Update |
What does philanthropy make possible at the Arnold Arboretum? The answer can be found in the Fiscal Year 2026 donor report and annual impact letter from Director William (Ned) Friedman, who reflects on a year of progress across the Arboretum’s living collections, scientific programs, public engagement efforts, and long-term stewardship of the landscape. The report includes a statement on the health of the Arboretum’s finances, recognizes leadership donors, and demonstrates how charitable support helps sustain the institution’s mission. We invite you to read Ned’s letter and explore a companion video highlighting the people and plants that shaped the past year at the Arboretum. As we look ahead to 2027, we hope you consider making a year-end contribution. Every gift helps support the Arboretum’s efforts to care for its collections, advance knowledge of plants, welcome visitors, and preserve this extraordinary landscape for future generations. |
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Rhythms of Fall in the Leventritt Garden |
As autumn reaches its peak, the Leventritt Shrub & Vine Garden will host a one-of-a-kind musical experience. On Sunday, November 1 at noon, the Iris Percussion Quartet, a student ensemble from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, will present an imaginative outdoor performance inspired by fallen leaves, seasonal change, and the autumnal beauty of the Arboretum. Using small percussion instruments and found objects, the quartet will create a rich soundscape that echoes the textures and rhythms of the landscape itself. The program will feature new works composed specifically for this setting, inviting listeners to experience the garden through fresh ears and a renewed sense of wonder. Whether you are a lover of music, nature, or both, this free performance offers a memorable opportunity to slow down, listen closely, and celebrate the season surrounded by spectacular autumn color. Advance registration is encouraged. A rain date is scheduled for November 8. |
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