Second-oldest botanical garden in Germany, with open-air grounds, an alpine garden and five display glasshouses, closely linked to Goethe's work in Jena.
From June 20, 2026
Unique Polaroid emulsion transfers, in which the image layer has been moved onto a new support and can stretch or fold. All the photographs were taken in the Jena garden between 2019 and 2025. On view until December 2026.
As early as 1586, a small physic garden (Hortus Medicus) was created near the Collegium Jenense to serve physicians and pharmacists for training and research. After Leipzig, this makes the Jena garden the second-oldest institution of its kind in Germany.
The present garden dates back to 1794. Goethe, who oversaw the scientific institutions, together with the botanist August Batsch pushed through the use of the Fürstengarten (princely garden) as a botanical garden. He had a water pipe laid, greenhouses built and the Inspektorhaus (inspector's house) constructed. The "Goethe-Ginkgo" recalls his time here.
After the Second World War the site grew rapidly: the alpine garden was created in 1953, the system garden and the Victoria House in 1969, and the remaining display houses between 1980 and 1983. Today more than 10,000 plant species from around the world are cultivated on about 4.5 hectares. The focus is on aroids, epiphytic cacti and carnivorous plants.
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Pupils, students, disabled persons, JenaPass holders, people doing military or social service |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · Children up to 6 years free; pupils reduced. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3 |
| Students & apprentices | €3 |
| Groups | €2 per personPupil groups, one accompanying person free |
| Families | €132 adults and their own children |
| Annual pass, adults | €40 |
| Annual pass, pupils | €25 |
| Combined ticket Botanical Garden + Goethe Laboratory (adults) | €6 |
| Combined ticket Botanical Garden + Goethe Laboratory (reduced) | €3.50 |
| Combined ticket Botanical Garden + Goethe Laboratory (family) | €152 adults and their own children |
| Combined annual pass, adults | €44 |
| Combined ticket, pupil groups | €2.50per person; one accompanying person free |
Annual passes are also available online in the University Shop.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Free public guided tours according to the annual program. Groups of 10 or more can book guided tours Monday to Friday: 1 hour €80, 1.5 hours €100, plus admission per person. Special tours and weekend tours by arrangement (phone +49 3641 9-49271). Dogs are not allowed anywhere on the grounds. |
