Renovation of the Botanic Garden

The renovation will affect the garden’s operations and services for a few years, but once it is complete, we will have an even better research and teaching environment, and we will be able to offer the general public an even better visitor experience.

The renovation is necessary because the building’s systems and some of its structural components have reached the end of their useful lifespan. However, nothing will be repaired unnecessarily; instead, careful planning and a needs assessment will be conducted at the start of the project.

We aim to carry out renovations one greenhouse at a time and keep the rest of the rooms partially open to the public, provided it is safe to do so. Greenhouses will be closed primarily during the summer months when renovations affect them. While the lobby areas are under renovation, we will strive to provide an alternative access route and restroom facilities for visitors.

A more detailed schedule will be announced in August 2026.

The outdoor garden will remain open to visitors throughout the renovation, although access near the greenhouses may be restricted as necessary.

The preliminary estimated duration of the renovation is three years. The renovation is scheduled to begin in August 2026 and be completed in September 2028. This schedule is preliminary and may change as the plans are finalized.

The renovation work will primarily focus on the Silmu building, which was completed in 1998.

Based on condition and needs assessments, the building services and greenhouse automation systems will be updated to meet current standards. The electrical systems and lighting also require extensive upgrades. Repairs to the windows, and roof are also needed.

The exterior appearance of the greenhouses will remain virtually unchanged. The renovation will focus on modernizing the property’s heating, water, and air conditioning systems, as well as the building and greenhouse automation systems.

The window glass will be replaced and the structures will be painted, so these repairs will be the most visible aspects of the renovation.

The diverse collection of plants growing in the garden will be preserved. It is possible that some plants will have to be removed during the renovation, but this will provide an opportunity to select new species. The renovation will also allow us to relocate larger plants from one room to another.

We will move the animals living in the greenhouses to temporary quarters during the renovation and return them once the renovation work is complete.