Did you know that the Botanicum in Münster is more than just a pretty garden? It is a vibrant hub of history research and education. Let’s step inside this green oasis.
The Botanicum is a scientific institution. It belongs to the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität. The garden is mainly a space for research and teaching. But its location makes it an oasis in Münster’s bustling old town.
The Botanicum spans 4.6 hectares. It showcases botanical diversity. You can admire heath and moor landscapes. Farm gardens delight visitors. A collection of Alpine plants also thrives here. In total you can see 8000 different plant varieties here.
Six of the ten glasshouses are open to the public. They exhibit plants from around the world. An orangery replaced an early glasshouse in 1840. Workers used material from the palace terrace demolition for the new building. Today the orangery is one of Germany’s few examples of this type of building.
The Botanical Garden’s foundation dates back to 1803. The garden marked its 200th anniversary in 2003. Many events celebrated this milestone.
The palace at Münster is significant. It is Germany’s last great Baroque residence. Construction spanned from 1767 to 1787. Prince-bishop Maximilian Friedrich von Königsegg-Rothenfels initiated the build. He commissioned Johann Conrad Schlaun. Schlaun was a famous Westphalian Baroque architect. He oversaw the planning and construction.
The palace garden’s development spans over 14 hectares. It closely relates to the history of the residence. Schlaun designed a geometrical garden. It mirrored French ideals. But limited funds meant only parts of his plans materialized between 1784 and 1787. Wilhelm Ferdinand Lipper and Franz Conrad Haas completed only the outer avenues and central pool. Two long parterres de pelouse stretched from the palace terrace to the pool. A wall with steps separated the terrace from the garden. The remaining areas became a wooded boscage. It featured curved paths.
The gardens opened to the public in 1788. It became a place for walks. An area for refreshments opened shortly after 1800.
Work began on the botanical garden in 1803. Baron vom Stein spearheaded this project. It transformed part of the Baroque parterre. An arboretum formed a landscape. It sat on the garden side of the palace. This area evolved. It incorporated flowerbeds for systematic plant collections. Special gardens displayed unique collections. The Alpine plant collection dates back to 1823. It is the oldest such garden still around today. The pool in the Baroque garden remains a focal point. The first glasshouse was built to its north.
Great care has ensured a clear view. The view extends along the central Baroque axis. It stretches from the citadel’s western bastion to the palace garden side. The orangery replaced the earlier glasshouse in 1840. It is a classicist building.
By the mid-19th century, the palace garden underwent changes. The Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm IV ordered a conversion into a landscape garden. Peter Joseph Lenné drew up a redesign plan in 1854. Joseph Clemens Weyhe further planned the changes.
Weyhe’s suggestions from 1885 were implemented. The arboretum became part of the palace garden. Views were enhanced. Individual shrubs were planted. The path network was revised. Views into the countryside were reinstated. This work finished in 1860.
The botanical garden received special care. An island was created in the central lake in 1872. The garden became affiliated with the medical faculty. It instructed future doctors on medicinal plants. The Botanicum also educated the public. It exhibited exotic flora from faraway countries.
Like the palace, the gardens suffered extensive damage during World War II. The botanical garden was reconstructed. It retained its 4.6-hectare area. The collections’ basic concept remained. Today visitors can see systematic plant collections. They can also explore interesting trees shrubs and conifers. A farm garden and a smell and touch garden designed by Hugo Kückelhaus are popular.
The Botanicum is open all year round. There is no admission fee.
The Botanicum offers a blend of tranquility history and botanical wonders. Take a stroll through the Botanicum. Discover the beauty and knowledge it holds.