Botanical Garden Liberec

Botanical Garden Liberec (Botanická zahrada Liberec) is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Czech Republic, tucked into the heart of the city right next to the North Bohemian Museum. Despite covering just under two hectares, it holds an impressive collection of roughly 9,000 plant species gathered from around the world, ranging from cacti and succulents to tropical ferns and orchids.

How did the garden come to be?

The story begins in 1876, when the local Society of Friends of Nature (Verein der Naturfreunde) started planting trees and shrubs on the site where the museum building now stands. After fifteen years, the original garden had to give way to the museum's construction and was relocated. The reorganized garden opened its gates to the public on September 5, 1895, and has served as one of Liberec's public natural attractions ever since.

What is inside the greenhouses?

The first greenhouse appeared on the grounds in 1930, but the complex only took its current shape at the end of the 20th century. Between 1995 and 1999, the outdated, deteriorated greenhouses were dismantled and replaced with a modern complex designed by architect Pavel Vaněček. The new structure, shaped like a cluster of crystals or enlarged cells, consists of nine exhibition pavilions of varying sizes along with additional cultivation greenhouses, together covering around 4,500 square meters.

Inside the pavilions, visitors move through several climate zones — from dry cactus gardens, through a humid tropical rainforest section, to collections of subtropical plants. It is precisely this variety of microclimates that allows such a rich collection of species to thrive within such a compact area.

Why is this garden worth a visit?

The Liberec botanical garden stands out among Czech botanical gardens for its compact yet densely arranged space — a walk through all the pavilions can be completed in an hour or two, making it an ideal stop for a short visit while exploring Liberec. Its location right next to the city center and the North Bohemian Museum makes it easy to combine a garden visit with other cultural sightseeing.

For lovers of exotic plants, this is one of the few places in the region where desert, tropical, and Mediterranean plants can all be seen in one location, grown under conditions that closely mimic their natural habitats.

Frequently asked questions

When was Botanical Garden Liberec founded? The original garden was established in 1876, and it has operated at its current location since September 5, 1895.

How many plant species can be seen in the garden? The collection includes approximately 9,000 plant species from various climate zones around the world.

How large is the greenhouse complex? The greenhouses and exhibition pavilions together cover about 4,500 square meters, while the garden itself spans just under two hectares.

Who designed the current greenhouses? The present complex of nine pavilions was designed by architect Pavel Vaněček and built between 1995 and 1999.