TSU Botanical Garden

The Siberian Botanical Garden of Tomsk State University is a unique natural and scientific complex that has become a true source of pride for the city of Tomsk. Founded in the 19th century, it holds the title of the first botanical garden in the Asian part of Russia. Today, it is not just a research base but also a magnificent recreational area spanning 128 hectares.

Tomsk State University Botanical Garden. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The garden's main treasure is its extensive collection, featuring over 6,000 plant species from all continents. Here, you can find both typical representatives of the local flora and exotic specimens carefully preserved through the Siberian winter. Due to its scale and beauty, the garden is deservedly known as the “green pearl of Tomsk.”

The historic greenhouses, which recreate the atmosphere of the tropics and subtropics, are of particular interest. Some inhabitants of these halls are true veterans: the age of plants like the Bidwill’s araucaria or the Forster’s howea palm is nearing 150 years. A visit here offers a rare chance to see living history and enjoy a lush burst of greenery at any time of year.

To plan your visit to the Siberian Botanical Garden, it is helpful to have current contact details on hand. You can contact the administration to inquire about guided tours or special events.

Below is the main contact information:

Everyone will find something to enjoy at the Botanical Garden. The main highlight is, of course, a visit to the famous greenhouses. Inside, "Siberian tropics" await you: giant palms, vines, and ficus trees grow under high glass and metal vaults. Here, you can literally travel around the world in a few minutes as you move between different climatic zones.

Be sure to pay attention to the historic specimens. Observing giant plants planted back in the 19th century impresses even seasoned travelers. This is a unique opportunity to touch the living heritage of the past, which scientists have carefully preserved for a century and a half.

A walk through the outdoor grounds also promises to be rewarding. There are collections of medicinal herbs, ornamental shrubs, and tree species. It is an ideal place for quiet relaxation, educational strolls, and artistic photography. Beautifully designed alleys and a variety of plant forms make every path in the garden a great backdrop for memorable photos.

Finding your way to this "green pearl" is easy, as the attraction is located in the very center of Tomsk, in the immediate vicinity of the main building of Tomsk State University. The exact address is: 34/1 Prospekt Lenina.

The most convenient way to get there is by public transport. Most city buses and trolleybuses running along the city's main artery—Lenina Avenue—pass through the "Universitet" (University) stop. If you prefer comfort, a taxi ride from the central square or the railway station will take only 10–15 minutes.

For those traveling by car, parking zones are available near the university campus and surrounding streets. Coordinates for navigation: 56.4665349, 84.9465137. A walk from the nearest stops to the garden entrance will take no more than a couple of minutes, allowing you to enjoy the architecture of Siberia's oldest university along the way.

The history of this amazing place began in 1880. It was then, on the initiative of Professor V. M. Florinsky, that the area south of the under-construction building of the first university in Siberia was laid out. It was a bold project—to create a large-scale scientific center in harsh climatic conditions.

The outstanding botanist Porfiry Nikitich Krylov played a special role in the garden's development. Arriving in Tomsk in 1885, he brought with him a real treasure—about 700 pots of rare plants, which became the foundation of the future collection. By the time the university opened, the garden already had an impressive greenhouse with tropical and subtropical sections.

Over the decades of its existence, the garden has undergone many transformations. In 1945, it received the status of an independent research institution. A significant recognition of the team's achievements was the RF Government Prize, awarded in 2001 for creating a unique botanical complex for northern latitudes that has no analogues in the Asian part of the country.

Today, the TSU Botanical Garden is not just a museum of living nature, but a recognized scientific center for plant introduction. The efforts of generations of scientists have allowed for the preservation of specimens whose age today reaches 150 years, turning every walk along the alleys into a journey through time.

To see the main displays at a leisurely pace, visitors usually need 2 to 3 hours. This is quite enough for an introductory walk through the outdoor grounds and a visit to the famous greenhouses.

If you are a passionate lover of flora, plan to participate in a themed tour, or want to study the collection of medicinal plants in detail, we recommend allowing 4–5 hours for your visit. The garden encourages contemplative relaxation, so there is no need to rush here.

The Siberian Botanical Garden welcomes guests on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. On weekends, Saturday and Sunday, the opening hours are slightly shorter—from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Please note that the schedule may change depending on the season or scheduled cleaning days. Before planning your trip, it is highly recommended to check the latest information on the official website or call for details to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible.

The Botanical Garden is located in the historical center, so its visit can be easily combined with seeing other interesting places. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the old Siberian city and find many cozy spots to relax.

Here is a list of notable sites within walking distance or a short drive away: