Situated on the grounds of the United States Capitol in Washington D.C, Bartholdi Park has been around since 1932. This public park has been a quiet, green refuge for numerous inhabitants of the capital city of the United States. In the summertime, sitting on the park benches can be a great way to take all your stresses away. In the winter, the very same benches are the perfect place to soak in the sunshine. Home to a wide variety of plants and shrubs, this place presents a pretty picture during springtime. A majestic fountain makes up the centerpiece of this serene green refuge at the heart of the city. The park recently became a model for sustainable development, with 10 rain gardens and a variety of native plants. Locally sourced furniture such as benches made from naturally fallen white oak are some other examples of efforts made in this direction. For more information, here’s a guide to Bartholdi Park.
Things to do/highlights
See Bartholdi Fountain
Standing as the park’s centerpiece, this beautiful fountain was sourced from Fairmont Park in Philadelphia. It was originally created for the 1876 International Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia and stands 30 feet (9 m) tall. The fountain is comprised of three nymphs holding up the basin. Known as the “Fountain of Light and Water”, it was crafted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the same creator of the Statue of Liberty. There are a dozen electric lamps around the fountain as well as sculpted figures of turtles, cherubs, fish, and frogs. The fountain was restored a few years ago to include modern pumps and motors, and it was also given a fresh coating of bronze and cast iron.
Check out the themed gardens
The park is divided into three distinct themed sections in keeping with the symmetry of the fountain that has three sections too. Redesigned in 2016, the park now has sustainable features and some modern trends in American horticulture. Quite a few new varieties of plants have also been introduced to the park. A rock garden and a romantic garden are just some of the examples of the themes that can be seen here. There is also a kitchen garden on-site. The innovative plant design and themes make for a delightful visual experience.
Admire the botanical variety
The sprawling park is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Every plant type can be seen in this park, from deciduous trees and perennials to evergreens and vines - it has everything. A free journal is available at the Conservatory’s Information Desk that acts as a guide to the plant species found here, and it also has details about the park’s sustainability initiatives.
Take photos
The beautiful environs of the park and its fountain make for a picturesque photo opportunity. Springtime is when the colorful flowers are in full bloom, so this is a great place to hone your photography skills. It is a popular spot for engagement and wedding photography too.
Travelers tips
Plan a night visit
Try going to the park in the evening, when the lights are switched on, giving the place an ethereal feel. The illuminated fountain is a sight to behold.
Avoid weekday afternoons
This park is within walking distance from a lot of government buildings and offices in the area. It is also close to National Mall, so while you might want to think about combining a trip to these places on your park visit, be aware that it can get a bit cramped during their lunch breaks. You can take a walking tour around the area, but it might be wise to avoid it at this time of the day. Otherwise, when it’s not too crowded, you can bring a picnic and some drinks to enjoy on one of the park benches as you watch the beautiful fountain. There are shaded gazebos too if you want to get out of the summer sun.
How to get there
By car
If you have a rental car, then you can drive to National Mall to park since Bartholdi Park is within easy walking distance. You can also hail a cab or hop into an Uber. Ask the taxi driver to drop you off at Independence Avenue, where Bartholdi Park is located, or simply key in the park’s name on the Uber app.
By bus
Make use of the Washington D.C. public bus service and get on the 30N or 30S bus. You can alight at Independence Avenue and then walk to the park.
By metro
The efficient and extensive metro network in the city can get you to the park in a jiffy. Federal Center SW stop is the closest metro stop and is accessible on the Blue, Silver, and Orange lines*.
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Bartholdi Park information
Bartholdi Park
Address: Independence Ave, Washington, DC 20024
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Official website: Bartholdi Park
Department of tourism: Washington
Washington Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the city's rich heritage and its continuing legacy as the birthplace of the United States of America. Book my tour. Explore and learn about this unique city where you will walk on the footsteps of our America's founding Fathers. My tours are conducted in English, French and Italian.
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Washington Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
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