Belarusian Central Botanic Gardens, Minsk

The Belarusian Central Botanic Gardens is one of the largest centers of biodiversity preservation and a leading scientific institution in plant ecology. The garden offers a captivating blend of beauty and knowledge.

Established in 1932, when the Minsk City Council allocated about 106 hectares for its development, the garden has grown into a lush sanctuary that didn't cease operations even during wartime. This resilience has allowed the garden to expand both geographically and in its collection, now boasting a gene pool of over 12,000 ornamental and useful plants-a true national treasure.

Visitors are treated to a rich tapestry of plant life, from rare and endangered species native to Belarus to exotic varieties from the Far East, East Asia, North America, Europe, Siberia, the Crimea, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The garden’s greenhouses, housing over 600 species of subtropical and tropical plants, are particularly noteworthy. The citrus greenhouse, with its exhibition of around 100 varieties of lemons, oranges, mandarins, and grapefruits, is unparalleled in Belarus.

The Belarusian Central Botanic Gardens is not just a place for leisurely strolls; it is a vibrant educational and cultural hub. Seasonal events like Maslenitsa celebrations and the blooming of lilacs and tulip trees offer visitors unique experiences throughout the year. The garden’s well-designed areas provide a perfect setting for relaxation, environmental lessons, and exhibitions that deepen one’s understanding of the world’s flora.

In the mid-1950s, under the guidance of N.V. Smolski, the garden gained recognition as one of the finest in the USSR, with significant advancements in plant acclimatization, selection, and environmental protection studies.