Discover a Century of Connection:
The Arboretum and Korea |
On Saturday, October 24, the Arboretum celebrates the public opening of Living Connections: The Arnold Arboretum and Korea, a free exhibition exploring more than a century of shared botanical history, cultural exchange, and scientific collaboration. At its heart are striking photographs and archival records from Ernest Henry Wilson’s 1917–1919 expedition to the Korean Peninsula, offering a rare window into Korea’s plants, landscapes, and culture during a period of profound social and political change. Through historic records, living collections, and stories of Korean plants that continue to flourish at the Arboretum, visitors will discover how international partnerships have advanced botanical research and conservation. The exhibition also explores the complex histories behind plant exploration, examining colonialism, Korea's division, and biases embedded in scientific records and plant names. Join us to explore this fascinating intersection of plants, history, culture, and science at the Arnold Arboretum. |
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The Art of the Woodturner Returns |
On the weekend of October 17–18 from 10:00am–4:00pm each day, the Arboretum presents The Art of the Woodturner, a beloved autumn tradition now in its eleventh year. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the creativity, craftsmanship, and natural beauty that emerge when artists transform wood on a lathe into functional and sculptural objects. Featuring work by members of the Association of Revolutionary Turners, Central New England Woodturners, and Massachusetts South Shore Woodturners, the exhibition showcases an extraordinary variety of pieces crafted from maple, cherry, and other woods, each revealing the distinctive character hidden within the grain. Visitors can even discover works created from wood grown in the Arboretum's collections. Throughout the weekend, skilled artisans will demonstrate the woodturning process on the Hunnewell lawn, while in-depth lathe demonstrations in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall offer a closer look at this fascinating craft. Rain or shine, this is a unique opportunity to experience artistry inspired by trees. |
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A Wickedly Botanical Halloween |
This Halloween, discover the darker side of the plant kingdom at Wicked Plants: A Botanical Halloween, a free family-friendly event on Saturday, October 31 from 12:00–3:00pm on the Hunnewell Lawn. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore some of the most surprising and sinister species in our living collections and learn how plants use extraordinary strategies to survive. From trees and shrubs armed with formidable thorns to plants that ooze sticky latex or wield powerful chemical defenses, these botanical marvels will leave you spellbound. Guests will also discover species that poison nearby competitors, launch seeds explosively, or even glow under black light. Drop in anytime during the afternoon to enjoy hands-on activities and fascinating plant stories and bring young explorers to a special story time at 1:00pm. Whether you're a plant enthusiast, a Halloween fan, or simply looking for a fun seasonal outing, join us to explore some of nature’s spookiest plants. No registration is required. |
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Partnering to Preserve the Serbian Spruce |
Our magazine Arnoldia shares stories of plants, people, and conservation across the globe, including a compelling story from our summer issue on the endangered Serbian spruce (Picea omorika). Although common in cultivation, this distinctive conifer is perilously rare in the wild, with only a handful of scattered populations remaining in the Balkans. In “Serbian Spruce: A Tree of Hope,” Arboretum plant experts join partners from the University of Banja Luka on an ambitious effort to help safeguard this majestic species from disappearing in the wild. It is an inspiring example of how international collaboration, living collections, and conservation science can work together to help secure a future for a species at risk. Arboretum members receive Arnoldia by mail each quarter as part of their membership benefits. Join today to receive online access to the current issue—a special double issue on plant exploration—and a whole year of Arnoldia delivered directly to your home. |
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