Herbarium der Universität Leipzig

About the museum

The Herbarium of the University of Leipzig was founded in 1806 by C. F. Schwägrichen and is considered the oldest university herbarium in Germany. Little is known about its early years. From about 1830 the collection grew considerably at the suggestion of G. Kunze, and other Leipzig botanists also contributed collections. For a long time the focus was on ferns, for which the herbarium was famous.

In the bombing raid of December 1943 the Botanical Institute was destroyed, and the herbarium was lost completely. From 1947 it was rebuilt under the direction of G. Weichsel. During the GDR period it was housed only provisionally in the attic. Since 1995 it has had spacious rooms on the upper floor of the building at Johannisallee 21–23.

Today the collection comprises about 150,000 specimens, mainly seed plants (around 130,000) and fungi (around 13,000), along with smaller holdings of algae, mosses and lichens, as well as fruits, woods and wet preparations. It serves mainly research and teaching. Several hundred especially attractive specimens are displayed in cases as a teaching and display collection, and a study herbarium gives an overview of the native flora.

Highlights

• Oldest university herbarium in Germany (founded 1806)
• Around 150,000 plant and fungus specimens
• Teaching and display collection with several hundred specimens in cases
• Study herbarium with about 250 native plant species
• Free guided tours, including for school classes and kindergarten groups

Permanent exhibition

• Lehr- und Schausammlung – Several hundred especially attractive or systematically important specimens are displayed in cases; in addition there is a study herbarium with about 250 native species.

Founded

1806

Operated by

Universität Leipzig – Fakultät für Lebenswissenschaften, Institut für Biologie

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The guided tours are free of charge.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the university, access is barrier-free; the herbarium is on the upper floor.

Kids & families

School classes and kindergarten groups are expressly welcome on the guided tours.

Getting there & parking

The building at Johannisallee 21–23 is about 100 m from Ostplatz.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit