Botanical Gardens and Arboretum of Mendel University

About

The Botanical Gardens and Arboretum of Mendel University in Brno form one of the city’s most beautiful green sanctuaries, shaped by nearly a century of botanical research and landscape design. Founded in 1938, it reflects the university’s long tradition in forestry, horticulture, and plant sciences. A charming fact is that some of the earliest plantings were gifts from foreign universities, creating an international living collection that continues to grow. The outdoor arboretum spreads across gently sloping terrain, showcasing trees and shrubs from Europe, Asia, and North America. Visitors can wander through themed areas such as the Japanese garden, the conifer collection, and seasonal flower displays that transform the landscape throughout the year. The pond ecosystem, with its wooden bridges and water plants, adds a peaceful focal point. Inside the greenhouses, tropical and subtropical species thrive—orchids, ferns, palms, and unusual fruiting plants that highlight global biodiversity. Educational exhibits explain plant adaptations, making the visit both relaxing and informative. The gardens also host exhibitions and plant sales, connecting scientific work with the public.

Brno Czech Republic
Botanical Gardens and Arboretum of Mendel University
Location

Tucked into Brno’s Černá Pole district, the Botanical Gardens and Arboretum of Mendel University offers a peaceful escape just north of the city center. You’ll find it on Zemědělská Street, about a 15-minute tram ride from Náměstí Svobody, set within the university campus. Founded in 1938, the gardens cover over 10 hectares and showcase more than 4,000 plant species. Walk through themed sections including alpine rock gardens, Mediterranean plants, an iris collection, and a Japanese garden. Five greenhouses display tropical and subtropical flora, orchids, cacti, and carnivorous plants. The arboretum’s mature trees and winding paths make it popular for study, photography, and quiet strolls. What’s nearby? The area is rich in Brno’s architectural gems. Villa Tugendhat, the UNESCO-listed functionalist masterpiece by Mies van der Rohe, is a 10-minute walk away. Just south lies Lužánky Park, Brno’s oldest public park, perfect for combining two green spaces in one trip. The city center with Špilberk Castle, Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, and the bustling Zelný trh market is easily reached by tram. Cafés and student spots around the university give the neighborhood a lively, local vibe.

Moravian Museum Moravian Museum Museum Museum of the City of Brno Museum of the City of Brno Museum Technical museum Technical museum Museum Museum of Romani Culture Museum of Romani Culture Museum Anthropos Pavilion Anthropos Pavilion Museum Mendel Museum of Masaryk University Mendel Museum of Masaryk University Museum Villa Tugendhat Villa Tugendhat Museum Villa Löw-Beer Villa Löw-Beer Museum Museum of Applied Arts Brno Museum of Applied Arts Brno Museum Pražák Palace Pražák Palace Museum Diocesan Museum Diocesan Museum Museum Leoš Janáček Memorial Leoš Janáček Memorial Museum Retro muzeum Na statku Retro muzeum Na statku Museum VIDA! science center VIDA! science center Museum Špilberk Castle Špilberk Castle Castle Veveří Castle Veveří Castle Castle Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Cathedral Church of St. James Church of St. James Church Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady Church Mahen Theatre Mahen Theatre Theatre Janáček Theatre Janáček Theatre Theatre Lužánky Park Lužánky Park Park Brno Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science Brno Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science Botanical Garden Brno Observatory and Planetarium Brno Observatory and Planetarium Observatory