Coronavirus (COVID-19) Garden Updates
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Dear Garden Supporters,
As of June 1, as San Francisco Botanical Garden reopens to the public in the midst of mass protests against racial injustice and a global pandemic that disproportionately impacts people of color, we stand in solidarity with those seeking justice. This is Everybody’s Garden. Everyone is welcome at San Francisco Botanical Garden.
At the Garden, we value and are committed to cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity. As proud participants in the Museums for All program, we believe that everyone should have access to beautiful outdoor spaces and cultural institutions like the Garden.
The Garden is essential, now more than ever, as a place of peace, calm, and reflection. Research shows that outdoor places like the Garden promote well-being, good health, and empathy. We invite you to experience the awe and wonder of the planet’s biodiversity as you enjoy more than 9,000 kinds of plants from across the globe. Even under the current public health orders, you can still travel the world in 55 acres at the Garden.
While we recommend advance ticket reservations to reduce wait times, monitor crowd size, and ensure enough space for social distancing, the Garden remains free to all San Francisco residents and Garden members. We are also continuing to offer free admission every morning to everyone from 7:30am to 9:00am - a fantastic time for bird-watching. The second Tuesday of the month is also free to everyone.
Join us as we commemorate 80 years of service to the community and the 150th anniversary of Golden Gate Park - Everybody’s Park. Come visit us soon!
Be well and safe,
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Stephanie Linder
Executive Director
Frequently asked questions
When will the Garden reopen?
The Garden is back open as of Monday, June 1 with regular spring operating hours – open daily, 7:30am-7pm, last entry 6pm.
What is the Garden doing to reopen safely?
Upon reopening, the Garden will implement all necessary measures to ensure visitor, staff, and volunteer health, manage social distancing, and other operational guidelines based on Order of the Health Officer No. C19-07d.
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If Sick, Stay Home
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Face Coverings Required
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Stay 6 Feet Apart
Do I need to buy tickets in advance? What if I am a member? Or a resident?
Advanced tickets are highly recommended for all Garden visitors including members as well as residents. There will be expedited entry for members and advanced ticket holders. Onsite ticket purchases will be available when possible but there will be capacity limits and potentially longer than normal wait times.
Are face coverings required for visitors and staff?
Yes, face coverings must be worn by all staff and visitors, subject to the limited exceptions in Health Officer Order No. C19-12 (e.g., for young children), including as that order is amended in the future.
Can I picnic? Sunbathe?
Yes, when sufficient distance is maintained at all times between members of a household and others not in the same household.
Are Restrooms open? Drinking fountains? Waste receptacles?
Yes, all are open and available for visitors.
Are the Library, Bookstore, Children's Garden, and Plant Arbor open?
The Plant Arbor is now open on weekends, 9am - 3:30pm and the Children's Garden is open daily with the same hours as the rest of the Garden.
Helen Crocker Russel Library of Horticulture is now offering Children's Books To Go but the interior Library remains closed. Garden Bookstore remains closed at this time. Please stay tuned to further announcements about those spaces reopening.
Are onsite programs returning?
Bean Sprouts Family Days presented by Kaiser Permanente have returned in a new, safe form with limited capacity and additional COVID-19 protocols - learn more here.
Garden Camp has also returned in a new, safe form with limited capacity and additional COVID-19 protocols - learn more here.
Other onsite programming remains on hold and further updates will be posted here and in other Garden communications - stay tuned to Garden emails and social media channels for more.
Do you need volunteers right now?
No, thank you for asking but we are currently not accepting volunteer applications.
Why did the Garden ever close?
In mid-March we closed the Garden to comply with the shelter-in-place orders and to protect the health of our visitors, volunteers, and staff.
Has this pandemic affected the Garden’s budget?
Like many families and businesses, the closure had an immediate and devastating impact on the Garden’s budget, necessitating many staff layoffs and reduced hours. Now, the Garden is facing a staggering $1 million in lost revenue due to the closure and cancelations of major events and programs.
San Francisco Botanical Garden is seeking charitable contributions to support reopening efforts. Thanks to a generous Garden board member, donations received by June 30, will be matched up to $50,000.
Donations to support the Garden can be made at sfbg.org/donate.