Photo Policy & FAQs

Photo Policy

Personal photography is permitted in the gardens during regular operating hours, and we encourage guests to share their experiences on social media using #morikami. Photographers may only carry a small hand-held camera. Additional photography equipment, props, and wardrobe changes are not permitted. Areas or pathways within the gardens may not be obstructed or closed off to other visitors.

All private/commercial photography sessions must be scheduled in advance with our Facility Rental Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

ACCESSIBILITY: Are the museum and gardens wheelchair accessible? Do you rent wheelchairs or scooters?

Morikami is wheelchair accessible, however, wheelchairs are not provided. For more information on accessibility and special assistance, please visit our Hours & Admission page.

ADMISSION ONLINE: Can I purchase daily admission online?

Daily admission cannot be purchased online. Gift certificates are available, and can be purchased by phone at (561) 495-0233 or in person. Tickets to special events, as well as classes and memberships, can all be purchased online. Gift memberships are also available.

ADMISSION TICKET: How long are my tickets good for?

Tickets are valid for the date of purchase only. The price of admission cannot be exchanged for a refund or rain check due to inclement weather, personal time constraints, or periodic closures of the museum or gardens clearly stated before purchasing admission.

APPROPRIATE ATTIRE: What is the appropriate attire to wear to the Morikami?

We suggest comfortable shoes and casual attire suitable for a family-friendly environment.

CHERRY BLOSSOMS (SAKURA) Do you have cherry blossoms in the garden?

Unfortunately, we no longer have cherry trees in our gardens. The sakura trees we previously planted didn’t thrive in Florida’s climate and eventually didn’t make it.

What we do have are beautiful Pink Shower Trees (Cassia bakeriana) in our gardens, which begin to bloom in March. These trees, native to Thailand and Burma, offer delicate pink blossoms and have a similar vibe to cherry blossoms. They’ve become one of the most successful flowering trees in South Florida, and you can find them planted along the south trail to Yamato Island, creating a lovely display each spring.

CORNELL CAFE: Can I eat at the Cornell Café without paying for admission? Can I make a reservation for Cornell Café?

No. The Cornell Café is an amenity of the museum for paying guests and members.

The cafe does not take reservations. The Cornell Café seating is first-come, first served. There are seats indoors and outside on the terrace overlooking Morikami Lake.

DISCOUNTS: What kinds of discounts do you offer?

We offer discounts on daily admission for seniors, students, military personnel—both active and retired—and groups. Details can be found on our Hours & Admission page. And of course, daily admission for members is free, with a 10% discount at the Cornell Café and the Museum Store.

DONATIONS: I would like to donate an item to your collections, who do I contact?

Thank you for your interest in donating to our collections! We appreciate your generosity and are happy to guide you through the donation process. Depending on the type of donation, please contact the appropriate person below:

Monetary Donations: Sharyn Samuels at ssamuels@pbc.gov
Art/Artifacts Donations: Carla Stansifer at cstansifer@pbc.gov
Garden Donations: Heather Grzybek at hgrzybek@pbc.gov

Each contact will provide you with further information and assist you with the donation process. We look forward to working with you!

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING: Do you offer classes, workshops or demonstrations?

Yes, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens offers a variety of classes, workshops, and cultural demonstrations focused on Japanese culture and the arts. These programs are designed for all levels of experience and are open for registration on August 1st each year, with sessions running from October through the summer of the following year.

Classes:

Our classes run in sessions of 1 to 2 months, covering topics such as Bonsai, Ikebana (flower arranging), Koto (Japanese zither), Nihongo (Japanese language), Sado (tea ceremony), and Sumi-e (brush painting). Classes are generally for adults and teenagers aged 15 and older, with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis.

Registration: Registration closes by 4:00 pm the day before the first class, or by 2:00 pm on the Friday prior for weekend classes. To learn more and register, visit our Class Calendar.

Workshops:

Morikami also offers 1- and 2-day workshops on various traditional Japanese arts and cultural practices such as Calligraphy, Kintsugi (mending pottery), Taiko drumming, Sumi-e painting, Block Printing, and more. Workshops are typically 1.5 hours long and include museum admission, while Mini Workshops last 1 hour and are offered at a reduced price (museum admission not included).

Registration: Registration for workshops closes by 4:00 pm the day before the event, or by 2:00 pm on the Friday prior for weekend workshops. Explore upcoming workshops and register via our Workshop Calendar.

Cultural Demonstrations:

We offer live cultural demonstrations throughout the year, where visitors can experience Japanese traditions such as Sado (tea ceremony), Koto (traditional stringed instrument), Karesansui (Zen garden raking), Kyudo (archery), and Kimono Culture.

Tickets: Tickets for cultural demonstrations are available for purchase online by 2:00 pm on the Friday prior to the weekend demonstration, and any remaining tickets are sold at the theater doors the day of the event. All demonstrations are $5 with paid museum admission, except for Karesansui, which is free with admission.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit our Cultural Demonstration Calendar.

For any Educational Program Enrollment & Questions – contact the Education Program Coordinator, Ayano Hamilton | ahamilton1@pbc.gov | 561-233-1367

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS: What type of events do you offer?

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens hosts a wide variety of events celebrating Japanese culture, from immersive culinary experiences to traditional arts and wellness programs. Key annual events include:

A Taste of Asia (February or March): A culinary and cultural event featuring Asian-inspired food, sake tastings, Taiko drumming, and a live auction. Learn more.
Obon Weekend (August): Celebrate the Obon festival with traditional Bon dance workshops, lantern floating, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include the Bon Dance Performance, Guiding Lights & Lantern Kits, and the Large Lantern Floating ceremony at Morikami Lake. Learn more.
Orchid Weekend (February): A two-day celebration featuring orchid vendors, bonsai plants, ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) demonstrations, and kimono culture presentations. Featured vendors include Lady Vanda Orchids, Bonsai Brothers, and Brian Reedy (block print artist). Learn more.
Sunset Stroll (April – September): Enjoy the gardens after hours with Taiko drumming, cultural performances, and food. Learn more.
Stroll for Well-Being: A free therapeutic walking program designed to reduce stress and promote well-being in the tranquil gardens. Learn more.
Youth Summer Music & Culture Camp (June): A hands-on program for students in grades 3-12 to learn traditional Japanese instruments like the koto and taiko drums, while exploring Japanese culture. Learn more.

These events offer a rich blend of cultural experiences, educational opportunities, and community engagement throughout the year.

GARDEN SIZE & OFFERINGS: How large is the garden and what are it's features?

Inside the Morikami Museum Grounds: The 17-acre property surrounding Morikami’s two museum buildings is a stunning display of Japanese gardens, featuring tranquil strolling paths, peaceful resting areas, our renowned bonsai collection, and serene lakes filled with koi and other wildlife. The path through the garden is 7/8 of a mile.

Outside the Morikami Museum Grounds: The expansive 200-acre park offers a scenic natural setting with nature trails, peaceful pine forests, and inviting picnic areas, perfect for exploration and relaxation.

Lake Biwa Pavilion (located on Jog Road) is a picturesque venue with picnic tables, grills, and even a playground that are available for your use at no charge. (Reservations are required through Palm Beach County for the large pavilion only) To reserve the large Lake Biwa Pavilion please call 561-966-6611 or visit Lake Biwa Pavilion Rentals.

GIFT CERTIFICATES: Can I purchase Gift Certificates?

Yes, gift certificates are available. To purchase a gift certificate please contact the following departments:

Admission Gift Certificate: Marcelo Andrade at 561-233-1343
Cornell Cafe Gift Certificate: 561-233-1366
Education Gift Certificate (Classes, workshops, lectures, demonstrations & films): Ayano Hamilton at 561-233-1367
Membership Gift Certificate: Membership Department at 561-233-1315
Store Gift Certificate: 561-233-1312

JOBS: I want to work at Morikami. Where do I find your Job Postings?

Job opportunities at Morikami can be found under the “Connect” section in the menu on our website: https://morikami.org/job-opportunities/. For open positions in our garden or admissions, check Palm Beach county’s website here: https://secure.co.palm-beach.fl.us/onlinejobs

LOST & FOUND: I lost something during my visit. How can I find out if you have it?

At the end of each day, our security, maintenance, and admissions teams collect any found items and bring them to our Lost & Found area. To inquire about a lost item, please contact our Admissions Department at 561-233-2058. We will be happy to assist you in locating your belongings.

MUSEUM RECIPROCITY: I am a member at another museum do you allow us to use our membership at Morkami?

Thank you for being a member of another museum! Currently, we offer membership reciprocity only to members of the American Alliance of Museums. We appreciate your understanding!

OUTSIDE FOOD: Do you allow outside food in the gardens?

To ensure the grounds are clean and litter free, we do not permit food of any kind in the gardens as it can attract unwanted animals. If you’re looking for lunch, or a quick bite, the Cornell Café offers a variety of Pan-Asian treats to enjoy on our back terrace, and the Museum Store carries an array of Japanese snacks and drinks.

Helpful hint: down the road from the Morikami, is Lake Biwa pavilion, with picnic tables, grills, and even a playground that are available for your use at no charge. (Reservations are required through Palm Beach County for the large pavilion only) To reserve the large Lake Biwa Pavilion please call 561-966-6611 or contact www.PBCParks.com.

PETS: Are pets allowed?

Pets are not allowed on Morikami grounds. However, we comply with all ADA requirements and accept service animals as defined by the ADA. Service animals are defined as dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not allowed as they are not classified as service animals by the ADA. https://morikami.org/hours-admission/#accessibility

RE-ENTRY: Can I leave and revisit the same day?

Absolutely! Your admission ticket is valid for the date of purchase, and you will receive a wristband that allows you to reenter the museum and gardens until 4:30pm.

TIME ALLOTMENT: How long does it take to experience the museum and Japanese gardens?

While everyone’s pace is different, we suggest giving yourself about three hours to see everything.

TOURS: Do you offer daily tours?

Try our mobile-guided tour of Morikami on your smart phone! Enter morikami.org/tour or click below to discover exclusive Morikami content as you stroll the gardens. Enjoy audio and images on a tour that takes you from our Wisdom Ring, through our six, distinct gardens, to our world-recognized bonsai collection, and back inside to the Seishin-an Tea House and latest exhibits!

Launch the Tour On Your Smartphone Now

School tours, and or, group tours can be scheduled in advance by visiting our Tours page.

VOLUNTEERING: Can I volunteer at the Morikami?

Yes, we offer several volunteer opportunities. For information on volunteering visit our Volunteer page.

WATER: Do you sell water?

Yes, both the Museum Store and the Cornell Café sell bottled water. We also have filtered water fountains equipped with bottle-filling stations for those who want to bring their own refillable bottles. They are located in the lobby near the restrooms and the hallway behind the Cornell Café.

WEDDINGS & PRIVATE EVENTS: I want to host an event at the Morikami. How do I go about doing so?

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is the perfect venue for weddings, corporate events, anniversaries, and more. With beautiful gardens, serene lake views, and unique photo opportunities, we offer a variety of event packages to suit your needs.

To get started, please contact our Facility Rental Department at 561-233-1304 to schedule an appointment and view the property. For more information, visit our Private Event Page.

We look forward to helping you plan your special event at Morikami!

YOUTH ACTIVITIES: Do you have activities for children?

Yes. Discover Japanese culture with our Family Fun programs! These activities and workshops allow the whole family to enjoy and learn Japanese arts and crafts together while learning about Japanese culture and customs. Family Fun Day Programs

A full list of our family fun activities can be found in our Calendar of Events.

The following items are prohibited and MAY NOT be brought onto the premises:

At Morikami, our top priority is visitor safety and providing a secure environment for our guests, employees, museum objects, and the gardens. Please be advised that Morikami does reserve the right to check bags, and our security and museum staff have the right to disallow certain items at their discretion. To ensure an authentic and safe visit for all, the following items are not permitted anywhere on our premises, including in the museum and gardens:

Advertising Materials: Any materials, items, or apparel constituting unauthorized advertising or promotion, including unapproved pamphlets, magazines, handouts, etc.
Alcohol
Amplified Music and Musical Instruments (Exception: For a pre-arranged event)
Animals (Exception: service animals)
Ashes / Urns
Artwork
Art supplies (Exception: Those that can be contained to your lap)
Balloons, beach balls, and other inflatables
Camera Equipment: No large bags or backpacks, extra lighting, reflective screens, umbrellas, gimbals, removable lenses, or tripods for use with a camera or a phone. (Exception: For a pre-arranged event)
Cigarettes, E-cigarettes, Vapes, and all other Tobacco Products
Confetti or glitter
Costumes that cover the entire face
Drones
Fireworks, missile-like objects, Frisbees, and any other form of projectiles
Flags, banners or signs
Flowers and plants (Exception: For a pre-arranged event)
Illegal Drugs
Lanterns
Laser Pointers & Laser Tag game equipment
Luggage on wheels (Exception: For a pre-arranged event)
Outfit changes (Exception: For a pre-arranged event)
Outside Food and Beverage Items (This includes food for wildlife.)
Picnic supplies (i.e., coolers, blankets, pop-up tents, BBQ, etc.)
Props
Skateboards, hoverboards, scooters, bicycles, rollerblades, wheel-heeled sneakers, or other personal recreational vehicles (Exception: ADA-required devices)
Signage of any kind
Sporting equipment of any kind
Tools of any kind (Screwdrivers, hammers, etc.)
Weapons of any kind (i.e., firearms, knives, ammunition, etc. | Regardless of permit)

The Morikami reserves the right to refuse entry to any visitor carrying these items or other items deemed inappropriate by museum personnel.