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Main Botanical Garden of RAS

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Main Botanical Garden of RAS (Russia)

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The Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow, founded in 1945 to commemorate the victory in World War II, stands as the largest botanical facility in Europe, covering an expansive 360 hectares. This massive 'green lung' of the metropolis masterfully combines rigorous scientific research with outstanding landscape architecture. It currently houses a monumental living collection of over 18,000 plant species sourced from almost every climatic zone on Earth. The absolute centerpiece is the gigantic arboretum, which merges harmoniously into an ancient, naturally occurring oak forest and features diverse tree species from North America, East Asia, and across Europe. Additionally, the garden has a meticulously crafted authentic Japanese garden, extensive tropical and subtropical greenhouse complexes, and one of Russia's largest rosaries. Beyond being a serene recreational haven for city dwellers, it functions primarily as a premier global research center dedicated to plant acclimatization, genetics, and flora conservation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-11-10-4413161917124-2-8
Rain mm484243498686937564695852

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Located right in Moscow, the garden is highly accessible via the city's extensive public transit, with the Vladykino and VDNKh metro stations being the most convenient walking entry points.
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Best season
Late spring (May for blooming lilacs) through golden autumn (October) provides the best outdoor displays, though the impressive indoor tropical greenhouses are wonderfully warm year-round.
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Terrain & paths
The expansive grounds feature perfectly paved main avenues transitioning into softer, shaded dirt paths through the arboretum, making it highly accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
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What to bring
Comfortable urban walking shoes and perhaps a small umbrella for sudden showers are generally all that is needed; bringing your own water bottle is highly recommended for long walks.
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Parking
Limited paid municipal parking is available along the perimeter streets, but spaces fill up very quickly on sunny weekends, making the metro the far superior choice for visitors.
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Safety
It is a remarkably safe urban environment; visitors simply need to respect the botanical rules, stay on designated paths to protect fragile plants, and watch out for speeding bicycles.
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Time needed
A casual stroll might last just one to two hours, but serious botanical enthusiasts or photographers often spend a full afternoon exploring the Japanese garden and remote oak forests.

Geography

Coordinates
55.84000, 37.60000

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ostankino TowerOstankino Tower2 km · NWExplore →
Petrovsky PassagePetrovsky Passage7 km · WExplore →
Moscow ZooMoscow Zoo8 km · SWExplore →
Cathedral of Christ the SaviourCathedral of Christ the Saviour8 km · WExplore →
Ivanovskaya GorkaIvanovskaya Gorka9 km · NWExplore →
Tretyakov GalleryTretyakov Gallery9 km · WExplore →
Novodevichy ConventNovodevichy Convent11 km · SWExplore →
Moscow City Business DistrictMoscow City Business District11 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Main Botanical Garden of RAS (5)

Moscow Botanical Garden of Academy of Sciences🌳 park

Botanical garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Water road

Waterway or canal in the botanical garden.

Drop Veik Park

Water park in the botanical garden.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-21:00

Pavilion No 27. "Physical Culture and Sports"

Pavilion for sports and exercise in the garden.

Japanese Garden

Japanese-styled garden in Moscow.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for roses?
June to July the rose garden is at its best.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, bookable at the info desk at the entrance.
Is the park open in winter?
Yes, but the greenhouses are the main attraction.
Can I picnic there?
Only allowed in designated zones.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, free for private use.
Main Botanical Garden of RAS: where is it located?
Main Botanical Garden of RAS is located in Russia.
Main Botanical Garden of RAS: what is there to see?
Highlights include Moscow Botanical Garden of Academy of Sciences, Water road, Drop Veik Park.
Main Botanical Garden of RAS: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Main Botanical Garden of RAS: why is it worth visiting?
The Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow, founded in 1945 to commemorate the victory in World War II, stands as the largest botanical facility in Europe, covering an expansive 360 hectares.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Kolomna — Main Botanical Garden of RAS (Russia)
Kolomna
An ancient city famous for its preserved Kremlin and traditional apple pastila treats.
Murom — Main Botanical Garden of RAS (Russia)
Murom
An ancient Russian city on the Oka River, known as the home of the epic hero Ilya Muromets.
Vyshny Volochyok — Main Botanical Garden of RAS (Russia)
Vyshny Volochyok
Known as the 'Venice of the North', this city is famous for its complex 18th-century canal system.
Torzhok — Main Botanical Garden of RAS (Russia)
Torzhok
A historical town famous for its gold embroidery and classicist architecture.
Tutayev — Main Botanical Garden of RAS (Russia)
Tutayev
A unique Volga town divided into two banks without a bridge, preserving two distinct historical atmospheres.
Pereslavl-Zalessky — Main Botanical Garden of RAS (Russia)
Pereslavl-Zalessky
A historic city on Lake Pleshcheyevo, the birthplace of Alexander Nevsky and the cradle of the Russian Navy.