Groundbreaking: Japanese Shōrō (Bell Pavilion)

Be there from the beginning! Join us as we break ground on a new Japanese structure for the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum. Called a shōrō, the roofed but wall-less structure will offer protection to a sacred Japanese temple bell, called a hanshō, that was cast in 1798. 

A gift from the National Bell Festival, the bell will be dedicated and installed on New Year's Day – but first it needs a fitting home. The shōrō will be built of cedar by Japanese woodworking specialist Peter Wechsler. It will provide cover from the elements while allowing the bell's resonance to permeate beyond.

Expect brief remarks from Paul Ashe, director of the National Bell Festival; a photo op when the spade first hits the earth; and time to meet and mingle with officials as we embark on this exciting new addition to the spectacular Arboretum grounds.

Cover image: Two spades scoop rocky terrain during a groundbreaking ceremony.
 

Don't forget!

Join us on New Year's Day for the dedication ceremony to hear the resonant tolls of the hanshō ring out for the first time.