FASCINATION WITH PLANTS – Tales of Living Treasures

WHAT CAN YOU LOOK FORWARD TO?

The beginnings of exotic plant cultivation from distant lands are closely linked to the era of early modern exploration and the extraordinary courage of countless adventurers who spent months—even years- journeying across land and sea. In uncharted territories, they searched for new plant species to bring back home, fuelling the growing desire among collectors and enthusiasts from the highest ranks of society.

As the range of imported species expanded, so did the need to create suitable conditions to keep warmth-loving plants alive in the cold European climate. So began the story of scientific curiosity and technological innovation.

Join us on an expedition through time and space to uncover the history behind the plants we grow in our homes and gardens today. Discover the origins of geraniums, carnivorous plants, witch’s brooms, orchids, alpines, and dahlias. Alongside plant tales, you’ll explore the lives of explorers, botanists, breeders, and engineers whose fascination with flora brought us the joy of cultivating exotic species across Europe’s cooler regions.

This exhibition was inspired by the interactive display ZaUjatí rostlinami (Captivated by Plants), which introduced visitors to the history of plant cultivation at Lednice Chateau in 2022. It was created with the support of the project DG18P02OVV007 – “Overlooked Topics of Landscape Architecture for Heritage Conservation” (NAKI II, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic).

ESSENTIAL VISITOR DETAILS

Dates & Opening Hours

The exhibition runs from 4 July to 31 August 2025 in the Exhibition Hall within the Ornamental Garden.

Open daily from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm, in line with garden opening times.

Admission

Admission to the exhibition is included in the standard entrance fee to the botanical garden, which provides access to all expositions, exhibitions, and ongoing events (unless otherwise specified).

 E-ticket purchases (Czech language only) come with a 15% discount on admission.

Annual passes, neighbourhood passes, and VIP tickets are valid for this event.

* Dog entry is allowed only in Outdoor expositions.

** ZTP/P visitors are entitled to one accompanying person free of charge.

How to Get to Us

The garden is easily accessible, with public transport being the most convenient option. Full details on travel and parking can be found here.

EXHIBITION CREATORS

Curated by Jiří Martinek, Alena Nováková, Jarmila Skružná, and the team of curators at Prague Botanical Garden.

Assoc. Prof. Jiří Martinek, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Horticulture at Mendel University in Brno, is the only Czech florist certified as an International Judge in Floristry Design. He has long collaborated with the Prague Botanical Garden, including regular gardening exhibitions in Cervia, Italy.

Ing. Alena Nováková, Ph.D., is curator of annuals, balcony plants, and bulbs at the Prague Botanical Garden. She is the co-author of the books Perennial Flowerbeds and Pelargoniums.

We would like to thank our partner for their support of this exhibition.

We look forward to welcoming you to the garden!