The Green Ark
A brand new haven for endangered plants
The Green Ark is a huge greenhouse complex that will become a safe haven for ten thousand species of plants from all over the world from 2024. This is necessary because our biodiversity is declining at an ever-increasing rate. With the Green Ark, Meise Botanic Garden is creating a place to preserve and research endangered species. Unique in the world: visitors to the botanic garden get the chance to take a look behind the scenes at these valuable scientific plant and seed collections.
The huge 7 600 m² greenhouse complex is located in the heart of Meise Botanic Garden. The Green Ark houses more than ten thousand species of plants, each of which we cherish three specimens for future generations.
The botanic garden has special expertise and responsibility for the conservation of certain groups of plants:
- Euphorbia (spurge)
- Rubiaceae (coffee)
- Cactaceae (cacti)
- Balsaminaceae
Ultra-modern and energy-efficient
In terms of architecture, the Green Ark is also a tour de force. Twenty-two greenhouses of 4, 6 or 10 metres high make up the complex, in which advanced technology ensures optimal conditions for each plant. For instance, there are different temperature regimes and collections from both dry and humid climate zones grow in the Green Ark. Rainwater is collected for use as irrigation water and, thanks to the ingenious structure, energy consumption has been halved compared to the old greenhouses.
New Green Ark pavilion
In the new Green Ark pavilion, visitors get a view of the glasshouses with endangered plants. You will also see our gardeners at work. Discover the conservation projects the botanic garden is working on worldwide, the existing threats to plant species and get involved yourself in the conservation of our most vulnerable plants.
In the botanic garden's new Seed Bank, we store millions of collected seeds in a small space and under optimal conditions. Through the mural, you also get a glimpse of our seed collections.
Visit this unique pearl of biodiversity conservation. Book your tickets now.
