Lighting the Lawn for the National Cherry Blossom Festival

In 1912, the city of Tokyo, Japan gave an incredible gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees to Washington, D.C. The trees have withstood the test of time and, a century later, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The National Building Museum is looking forward to its participation in this epic, 5-week event (March 20 – April 27, 2012).  

The Museum is celebrating the festival centennial in two ways this year:

City in Bloom

Inspired by the blooming trees around the city, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will project pink lighting and blossom images on iconic buildings throughout Washington, D.C. Starting on March 24, the Museum will take part in this “electrifying” display by lighting our own lawn on 5th Street NW between F and G Streets NW. Visitors can stroll by the Museum after dark to see its grounds lit up in pink during a limited time.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Days

Join the National Building Museum and the National Cherry Blossom Festival for two days of free, family fun. The annual event features hands-on activities and dynamic performances, all part of the Centennial Celebration honoring the 100-year anniversary of the gift of trees.

The Great Hall decorated with cherry blossom balloons for the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Day and Opening Ceremony.

© Bob Peavy

Saturday, March 24, 2012  10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Be there when the United States Postal Service issues the commemorative Cherry Blossom Centennial Forever stamps and first-day covers. Additional happenings on the performance stage include the popular taiko drumming group Nen Daiko, the energetic dance company Culture Shock, and much more.

Sunday, March 25, 2012  11:00 am - 3:30 pm
See Washington Ballet kick of the second Family Day on the performance stage. Additional performances include pianist Motoki Harai, Blues Alley Youth Orchestra, and Shizumi Kodomo Dance Troupe. Craft activities include origami teahouses, pop-up architecture, pop-corn blossom trees, kokeshi dolls, and a special coloring contest. 

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Days are sponsored by SAFEWAY with additional support from The Washington Examiner and media partner WMZQ.     

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