ABOUT & MISSION

Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) is an urban oasis where people, plants, and cultures are celebrated through inspiring gardens, innovative educational programs, and real-world applications of environmental stewardship. QBG is located on property owned by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Queens Borough President, the New York City Council, State elected officials, the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, along with corporate, foundation, and individual supporters. 

COMMITMENT

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, marital status, and political affiliation, as well as gender expression, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, predisposing genetic characteristic, or immigration status.

HISTORY

Located at the northeast corner of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Flushing, QBG evolved from the five-acre “Gardens on Parade” exhibit showcased at the 1939-1940 New York World’s Fair. Officially opening as “The Queens Botanical Garden Society” in 1946 after local residents saved and expanded the original exhibit, the Garden remained at the original World’s Fair site until 1961, when it was moved to its current location on Main Street in Flushing. Among the original plantings taken from the 1939 site are two blue atlas cedars that frame the iconic tree gate sculpture at the Garden’s Main Street entrance today. QBG has become a 39-acre oasis in one of New York City’s most bustling and diverse neighborhoods.

LIVING LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Queens Botanical Garden acknowledges that it is situated on the traditional land of the Matinecock people, the first people of Flushing, Queens. We pay respect to the Matinecock people, past, present, and future, their ancestors who have stewarded the land for generations, and their continuing presence on this land today. We honor these origins by continuing to steward the land with sustainable practices, love for community, and commitment to equity, as well as helping to educate the public about the history, significance, contributions, and impact of indigenous peoples and culture.

We thank Tecumseh Ceaser, Artist and Cultural Consultant of the Matinecock Tribal Nation, for his guidance as we reflect on our acknowledgement.

Left: Poster cover for 1939 World’s Fair “Gardens on Parade” horticulture exhibition
Center: English cottage garden from the “Gardens on parade” exhibit of the 1939 World’s Fair
Right: Gates to “Gardens on parade”