The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden at UCLA, a living museum that maintains one of America’s largest collections of tropical and sub-tropical plants, now offers free docent led tours as part of its public education program.

The seven-acre garden includes some 5,000 species of plants from regions all over the world. Because the UCLA Mathias Garden is a living museum, and not a recreational park, visitors can learn about plants and develop a greater appreciation for the relevance of plants to society and to their lives. Tours of the UCLA Mathias Garden last approximately one hour and are automatically canceled in the event of rain. Basic botanical concepts are introduced along with interesting historical facts and unusual characteristics of several rare specimens.

For logistical information about garden tours (Directions, parking, meeting place etc) clcik here

School and Community Group Tours

School and Community Group tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance and are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday anytime from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Tables in the shaded eating area may be reserved for use prior to or following a tour. Unless arranged otherwise, tours meet in the MEMBG driveway on South Tiverton across from the Factor Building.

Tours can be designed for specific ages, interests, restrictions, and the scientific knowledge of the visitors. As an added feature for our school groups, the garden has a set of curriculum guides for use in preparing students before coming to the garden, and another set as a follow-up after their tour. The guides enrich both the actual tour experience and allow for its continuation in the classroom.

To schedule a tour for groups of 10 or more visitors, or for more information call (310) 206-6707 or email cfelixso@ucla.edu.

Drop in Tour

We offer drop in tours on the first Sunday of the month. The tour begins at 1 at the Nest, an outdoor classroom with semicircular bench seating, located in the northern end of the garden near the Botany Building. This enables visitors of all ages to enjoy a guided tour without having to make advance reservations.

Non-scheduled Self-Guided Tours

Non-scheduled, self-guided tours are another way to enjoy the MEMBG, especially so if your group is unable to schedule a tour for any reason. However, large groups are requested to visit the garden on Tuesdays and Thursdays so as not to conflict with the scheduled tours. Click here for a tour map and legend