Cantonal Botanical Museum and Gardens

The Cantonal Botanical Museum and Gardens (Jardin botanique cantonal) is a green retreat in the middle of Lausanne, in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Since 1 January 2023, the museum and the botanical garden have formed a single botanical department of the Naturéum, Switzerland's natural science museum based in Lausanne.

What is this place?

The garden and museum now operate as part of the Naturéum. The botanical department covers the museum and botanical garden in Lausanne, plus a second garden, La Thomasia, set in the Alps near the town of Bex. The whole is run under the Service of Cultural Affairs of Vaud.

The mission is twofold: studying and protecting local flora, and raising public awareness of biodiversity and nature education more broadly. For a visitor, a walk here is also a lesson in the plants of the region and the reasons to protect them.

What can you see in the garden?

The garden presents itself as a green space in the city with around 4,000 plant species. Highlights include:

• a tropical greenhouse, a warm contrast to the Swiss weather outside,
• a collection of carnivorous plants, a favourite with children,
• an arboretum with trees that offer plenty of shade for a rest.

The garden also takes part in the Naturéum's exhibition programme. Exhibitions change, so check natureum.ch for what is currently on.

How to get there

The garden is at avenue de Cour 14B in Lausanne, with the main entrance on the place de Milan side. Take the M2 metro (Délices stop) or buses 1 and 25 (Jardin botanique stop). Coordinates: 46.5134, 6.6236.

Frequently asked questions

Is the garden free to enter? As of 2024, entry to the garden was free. Check the Naturéum website for current rules before you go.

Is it the same place as the Naturéum in the Palais de Rumine? They are two sites of the same institution. The botanical garden belongs to the Naturéum's botanical department, while the zoology and geology displays are in the Palais de Rumine on place de la Riponne.

Does the institution have another botanical garden? Yes. La Thomasia lies in the Alps near Bex, outside the city.

Who is it for? Plant lovers, families with children, anyone after a calm break from city sightseeing, and everyone interested in nature conservation.

Tips

Plan an unhurried stroll. The garden is best enjoyed slowly, with a stop in the tropical greenhouse and another at the carnivorous plants. If you enjoy natural history, combine the visit with the Naturéum in the city centre for a fuller picture of Vaud's nature. It also works well as a pause between exploring the old town and a walk along Lake Geneva.

The garden suits a trip in any season, since the tropical greenhouse is independent of the weather and the arboretum changes through the year. Spring brings blossom, summer brings shade, and autumn brings colour. Thanks to its city location and easy public transport links, it is one of the most accessible places in Lausanne to genuinely slow down.