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Moongate Garden

Enid A. Haupf Gardens, Washington DC

Moongate Garden

Gardens & Parks
National Mall, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC

Hidden away in the Enid A. Haupf Gardens between the Sackler Gallery and Smithsonian Castle, the Moongate Garden is a small oasis of calm. It’s inspired by the much larger Temple of Heaven Garden, a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) landscape in Beijing.

The centerpiece is a black granite pool with a small pink granite island and walkways. At two of the corners are round granite moongates.

185-151343811 Moongate Garden Smithsonian Castle Gardens Granite Pond and Island.Moongate GardenMoongate Garden185-151048801 Smithsonian Castle from Moongate Garden.Moongate Garden185-151405812 Moongate Garden Smithsonian Castle Gardens Black Granite Pond.185-151156804 Moongate Garden Smithsonian Castle Gardens Granite Gate.

Getting Here

The Moongate Garden is part of the Enid A. Haupt Garden at the back of the Smithsonian Castle, directly behind the entrance to the Sackler Gallery.

From the National Mall, go through or around the Castle. From Independence Avenue, just go through the gates. The closest metro stop is Smithsonian (Orange and Blue lines); L’Enfant Place (Orange, Blue, Yellow, and Green lines) is only a couple of blocks away. Depending on the day of the week and time of day, there’s some on-street parking, but you’ll have to contend with the usual competition for spots.

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Official Website

Smithsonian Gardens

For Photographers

There’s no problem using flash or tripods, and there’s easy access. But they do close the gates overnight; the gardens are open 7AM to 7PM.

Nearby & Related:

  • 185-154133825 Freer Gallery of Art Peacock Room Wide Shot.
    Freer Gallery of Art
  • Rose Garden in Arlington Virginia Peach and White
    Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden
  • Spirit of St Louis
    Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum National Mall Building
  • 185-150554797 Sackler Gallery Buddha Head.
    Sackler Gallery
  • National Arboretum Capitol Columns
    National Arboretum
  • Smithsonian Castle, Washington DC
    Smithsonian Castle

Washington DC Visitor Guides

If you're coming in from out of town, here are some of the most popular guidebooks that can help you make the most of your visit.

Lonely Planet Washington, DC (City Guide)
Lonely Planet Washington, DC (City Guide)
  • Lonely Planet (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
  • Fodor's Travel Guides (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
  • Pratt, Meredith (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

And here are some interesting options for less traditional guidesbooks if you'd like an emphasis on exploring DC on foot or diving into some of the region's rich history.

National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
  • Kennedy, Barbara Noe (Author)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit.

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Location: Enid A. Haupt Gardens
Coordinates:
      Latitude: 38.888240
      Longitude: -77.026449

      # Gardens & Parks
      # National Mall
      # Smithsonian Institution
      # Washington DC



About David Coleman

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living.

I’m based in Washington, DC.

You can find more of my work at havecamerawilltravel.com.

And if you’re visiting DC in the spring, be sure to check out my DC Cherry Blossom Watch site.

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.

Licensing Images

Looking for travel stock photos or prints? I might be able to help. You can search my collection here:

If you already have a buyer account with Alamy and would prefer to use that, you can search my images directly here.

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Photos by David Coleman. Please contact me for licensing images.
All images are registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.


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