National Bonsai and Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum

This U.S. Government facility contains the largest and oldest collections of bonsai and penjing in the United States. Trees are displayed in Japanese, North American, and Chinese pavilions as well as in the central upper and lower courtyards. This museum also has a permenant collection of over 100 viewing stones from many countries, but primarily from the U.S., Japan, and China. Stones are displayed throughout the year in glass cabinets in the International Pavilion within the museum. Large stone are periodically displayed in the main exhibition area and the special exhibits wing. Special exhibits of stones are staged throughout the year by the museum staff and by the Potomac Viewing Stone Association. There is a large Hubei chrysanthemum flower stone of exceptional quality that is 122 cm—over four feet high. Call or e-mail ahead to find out when special exhibits are being held. This museum is located in north East Washington D.C. just two miles from the Capitol.

The classical Garden of Flowering Fragrance at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California is an excellent place to see Chinese Garden stones. This beautiful example of a Suzhou style Chinese Garden has incorporated numerous Taihu style stones from Jiangsu Province around the seven pavilions, and border of the lake. A massive Taihu stone dominates the southwestern lake side while fascinating needle-like bamboo stones greet visitors as they enter the garden and along the covered walkway. It is sheer pleasure to visit this large garden, and admire the beauty of the buildings, rocks, and plants and pause at the many viewing points to contemplate on the meaning and beauty of the various aspects of this magnificent garden. During the lunar New Year celebrations, the Southern Breeze Society exhibits fine examples of penjing and viewing stones or scholar rocks in the Chinese garden.

A site for small- to medium-sized stones, mainly from southern China. 

An appointment is needed to see the stones. Contact Freeman Wong at 626-524-5021.