USA Joins 2027 International Horticultural Expo in Yokohama, Japan | USBG.gov

The United States of America is pleased to announce our official participation in the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Japan. The U.S. entry will be led by the United States Botanic Garden in collaboration with the American Public Gardens Association. This marks the first time that the United States will participate in an International Horticultural Expo since they officially began in 1960.

Participation in this six-month expo will strengthen horticultural ties between the United States and Japan, showcasing the diversity of American flora, U.S. horticultural ingenuity, and the beauty of American public gardens.

Mrs. Mary Glass, wife of U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass, will serve as Commissioner General for the U.S. exhibit. Mr. Thomas E. Austin, Architect of the Capitol, will serve as Commissioner of Section.

"We are honored to lead this collaborative initiative that brings together federal agencies and public gardens to showcase America's diverse and beautiful native plants, horticultural expertise, and remarkable gardens," said Dr. Susan K. Pell, executive director of the United States Botanic Garden. "We thank the U.S. Congress for their support of our participation."

This Expo is an A1-class international horticultural exhibition, held with the approval of AIPH (Association Internationale des Producteurs de l'Horticulture) and recognition from BIE (Bureau International des Expositions). An international horticultural exhibition promotes international horticulture and landscaping, fostering lives filled with plants and nature. The 2027 Expo will be held on almost 600 acres that were the site of a former U.S. military communications facility.

The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is the oldest continuously operating public garden in the U.S., established by the U.S. Congress in 1820. The Garden welcomes more than one million visitors annually and inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally.

The USBG will collaborate with the American Public Gardens Association, the leading professional organization for the field of public horticulture, with nearly 600 member institutions spanning all 50 states and 20 countries. A steering committee with representatives from multiple U.S. public gardens will develop plans for design, plant selection, and programming.

"We are thrilled to share America's public gardens and horticulture expertise with the more than 15 million visitors from around the world that are expected to visit the expo," said Michelle Provaznik, CEO of the American Public Gardens Association.

The 2027 Expo theme is "Scenery of the Future for Happiness," and the U.S. exhibit theme will be "The Pursuit of Happiness." The design for the U.S. entry will be revealed in summer 2026.

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Media contact: Devin Dotson, 202-206-6743, [email protected]

About the United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is the oldest continuously operating public garden in the United States, established by Congress in 1820. The U.S. Botanic Garden inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally. With over a million visitors annually, the USBG strives to demonstrate and promote sustainable practices. It is a living plant museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and Botanic Gardens Conservation International. www.USBG.gov

About the American Public Gardens Association
Rooted in over eight decades of dedication, the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) champions and advances public gardens as global leaders in plant conservation, education, and appreciation. Guided by its core values-Cultivate Passion, Collaborate Authentically, Elevate Our Voice, and Grow Thoughtfully-APGA connects and empowers professionals through education, advocacy, and community. Representing more than 10,000 individuals across 600+ institutions in all 50 states and 20 countries, APGA's members include botanic gardens, arboreta, zoos, museums, universities, cemeteries, and urban greenspaces worldwide.