Central Botanical Garden in Minsk

The Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus is the largest botanical garden in the country and one of the most extensive in Europe in terms of area and richness of collections. Located in the green part of Minsk, it covers an area of 144.7 hectares, where scientific collections, landscape compositions, walking alleys, decorative parks, water features, and greenhouse complexes are harmoniously combined. The garden is not only a scientific and educational institution but also a favorite place of recreation for locals and tourists. It is visited both independently and as part of tours around Belarus. The Central Botanical Garden is a true "green museum" in the open air, where thousands of plant species from all continents are presented. Tourists and residents of the capital enjoy visiting it as part of tours from Minsk.

History of Creation

The history of the Central Botanical Garden began in 1932, when the decision was made to create the main botanical institution of the Belarusian SSR. The territory of a former agricultural exhibition in Minsk was allocated for the garden. In the first years, the structure of the collection plots was established and the gathering of plant specimens from various regions of the USSR and other countries began.

During the Great Patriotic War, most of the collections were destroyed, but in the postwar years, large-scale reconstruction and development began. In the 1950s–1970s, key scientific laboratories, greenhouse complexes, and pavilions were built; a dendrological collection and rose garden were laid out. Special attention was given to the introduction of rare and endangered species, the creation of specialized exhibitions, and the development of educational activities.

Today, the botanical garden is a respected scientific center operating under the National Academy of Sciences and cooperating with botanical gardens around the world. Thanks to its historical heritage and natural diversity, it has become an integral part of many tours around Belarus, and its history attracts schoolchildren, students, and foreign tourists alike.

Collections and Exhibitions

The botanical garden maintains and presents around 10,000 species, forms, and varieties of plants, making it unique both scientifically and culturally. The collections are systematized and located across various parts of the garden:

• The dendrological collection — a vast area with trees and shrubs from Europe, Asia, North America, and other regions. The conifer collection is especially noteworthy.

• The rose garden — one of the most picturesque areas, where hundreds of rose varieties bloom in summer, including rare and collectible species.

• The lilac collection — more than 200 varieties, many of which were bred by Belarusian breeders. The blooming season (May–June) becomes a time of increased tourist interest and large-scale tours from Minsk.

• The garden of continuous blooming — plants are selected here to ensure a succession of blooming flowers throughout the warm season.

• The greenhouse complex — features collections of tropical and subtropical plants: palms, ficuses, cacti, orchids, ferns, fruit trees, and ornamental shrubs.

• The medicinal plant garden — an exhibition representing plants used in folk and traditional medicine.

• The Japanese garden — a unique area designed in the spirit of Eastern philosophy, with stone paths, bridges, ponds, and sakura trees.

• Alpine and rock gardens — compositions of mountain and rocky plants using natural stone.

The garden regularly hosts exhibitions, flower festivals, master classes, and lectures, and participates in international biodiversity conservation programs.

Tours with a Visit to the Central Botanical Garden

Tours with a visit to the Central Botanical Garden are a great opportunity to combine relaxation in nature with an educational walk. The botanical garden is often included in tours around Belarus, especially for school groups, students, foreign guests, and nature lovers. Tourists can book a tour with a visit to the garden on our website. Tours from Minsk are especially popular, as the garden is located within the city and is easy to reach.

The tour programs include a walk through scenic alleys, visits to the dendrological collection, rose garden, Japanese garden, medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as a visit to the greenhouse complex featuring tropical and subtropical species. In spring, the most popular attractions are the blooming lilacs and magnolias; in summer — the rose collections and decorative shrubs; in autumn — the colorful foliage landscapes. In winter, tours are mainly held indoors in the greenhouses and include informative presentations about tropical plant cultures.