About Us

1 of only 35 botanical gardens accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (formerly American Association of Museums).

A Garden Born to Save the Desert

The Garden began with a simple idea: save the desert. In 1939, a small group of passionate Phoenicians—including botanist Gustaf Starck and desert plant champion Gertrude Divine Webster—came together to make that vision a reality.

What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a world-renowned botanical garden and living museum, connecting people to the beauty, resilience and importance of desert plants through collections, exhibitions, education, research and conservation.

Our Garden Today

Set among Phoenix’s Papago Buttes, Desert Botanical Garden spans 140 acres, with 55 acres under cultivation and more than 50,000 plant displays.

Its living collection represents 4,818 species, including 520 rare and endangered species, while an herbarium of more than 103,000 specimens supports research and conservation.

More Than A Garden

For more than eight decades, the Garden has protected plants in its living collections, conducts research, shares knowledge, teaches people of all ages and creates experiences that invite visitors to see the desert differently.

At the heart of all of it is a simple purpose: bring people together to protect and celebrate the unique wonders of the desert.

A History of Growing Forward

1939 - 1979

The Garden Takes Root

From its opening in 1939, the Garden grows from a small group of desert advocates into a thriving place for plants, people and learning. Through wartime challenges, expanding collections and the creation of its Docent Program, the Garden begins building the foundation for its future. In 1979, the first Las Noches de Las Luminarias marks the beginning of a beloved holiday tradition.

1980 – 2002

Conservation & Expansion

The Garden strengthens its role as a leader in desert conservation, earning national recognition and becoming a charter member of the Center for Plant Conservation. New trails and experiences deepen visitors’ understanding of the relationships between people, plants and the Sonoran Desert. A $17 million expansion project in 2002 creates new spaces for research, horticulture, education and visitors.

2003 – 2017

A Garden for the Community

The Garden continues to grow with new galleries, gardens, trails and spaces designed to connect more people with the desert. In 2013, the Garden launches The Saguaro Initiative as it celebrates its 75th anniversary and looks toward the future. Conservation and community impact expand through efforts such as the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance and Spaces of Opportunity.

2018 – 2023

Art, Culture & Connection

The Garden expands its role as a place where science, nature, art and culture come together. During these years, new experiences and exhibitions—including Chihuly in the Desert and works by Fernando Botero—invite visitors to see the desert in new ways. Even during the 2020 closure, the Garden continues caring for its collections and advancing its mission.

2024 – Today

New spaces such as the Christensen Family Desert Oasis and Ahearn Portal continue to transform the visitor experience while celebrating Arizona’s native landscape. The RAF Exhibit Gallery adds new opportunities for plant-focused exhibitions, events and learning. Today, the Garden continues to grow as a community dedicated to protecting desert plants and inspiring the next generation.

Quick Facts

140

acres

113

full-time staff members

103,250

total herbarium specimens

55

acres under cultivation

550

volunteers

520

rare and endangered species

50,000+

plant displays showcased in beautiful outdoor exhibits.

51,480

volunteer hours

650,000+

annual attendees

4,818

species in the Living Collection

28,000+

member households

Partial funding provided by Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture through appropriations from the Phoenix City Council.