Hryshko National Botanical Garden

Hryshko National Botanical Garden

The idea of creating the garden was born in the autumn of 1918, alongside the foundation of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The garden’s scientific concept, structure, and development plan were designed by renowned botanist, traveler, and one of the Academy’s first presidents — Volodymyr Ipolytovych Lipsky.

Construction of the botanical garden began in the fall of 1935. From the very start, the plans included the creation of a dendrological collection, botanical-geographical zones, systems of herbaceous and cultivated plants, and areas for the acclimatization of new, potentially valuable plant species for agriculture and industry.

Today, the Hryshko National Botanical Garden stands among the largest and most prestigious botanical gardens in Europe. It spans over 130 hectares and houses an extraordinary collection of more than 11,180 plant taxa, representing 220 families and 1,347 genera from around the globe. The garden includes 8 scientific departments, conducting world-class research in botany, ecology, plant biodiversity conservation, and landscape design.

Its botanical-geographical displays are especially impressive, showcasing vegetation from the Carpathians, Crimea, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Siberia, and the Far East, as well as rich collections of tropical and subtropical plants in greenhouses. In spring, the garden transforms into a floral paradise — most notably famous for its lilac garden, which attracts thousands of visitors annually.

The M.M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden is not only a scientific hub but also a beloved recreational space for Kyiv residents and guests, where one can experience the beauty of nature, feel harmony with the environment, and draw inspiration from Ukraine’s profound scientific and cultural heritage.