Botanic Garden of the Irkutsk State University

The Botanic Garden of Irkutsk State University is a research facility housing collections of Siberian and international plant species across outdoor grounds and temperature-controlled greenhouses. The layout includes designated planting zones, pathways for exploration, and indoor spaces that recreate specific growing conditions for sensitive species.

The garden was established in 1940, marking the start of systematic botanical research and plant conservation in the Irkutsk region. This founding enabled decades of documentation and protection efforts for the diverse plant species native to Siberia.

The garden serves as a living workspace where university students and researchers actively study and catalog plant species from across Siberia. Visitors can observe how botanical research integrates with education and witness the daily work of those documenting regional flora.

Visitors can move freely through well-marked garden sections and access both indoor and outdoor displays depending on the season. Comfortable shoes are recommended since pathways cover substantial distance, especially when exploring the outdoor plant collections.

The collections feature rare plant species from Lake Baikal's ecosystem that are difficult to find elsewhere. This focus on preserving one of Siberia's most distinctive natural treasures makes the location valuable for nature enthusiasts.

Location: Irkutsk

Inception: 1940

GPS coordinates: 52.26194,104.24833

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:01