Plantentuin Meise introduces itself
Walk full of wonder
For centuries we have been collecting, caring for, and studying plants. Meise Botanic Garden today is the result of the passion and efforts of many generations of gardeners, scientists, collection managers, technical and support staff, and a large number of volunteers. Together we share an important mission: preserving our plant world for future generations.
Science at the service of society
Botanic gardens are an important link in the preservation of biodiversity. Our scientists study extensive collections of plants, algae, and mushrooms in order to map out the diversity of species. Everything starts with a correct identification. Meise Botanic Garden is a leader in the research of wild species of coffee, bananas, beans, and edible mushrooms. These species still have properties that were lost in our cultivated crops, which may be important for the food security of future generations. Species are also the building blocks of ecosystems. If too many species disappear, an ecosystem is endangered. In the Botanic Garden, we study how ecosystems work and how we can protect them. Well-functioning ecosystems can mitigate the effects of climate change
Saving for the future
The living collections of Meise Botanic Garden include more than 8,000 different plant species in the open air and more than 12,000 species from (sub)tropical areas in our greenhouses, including many endangered species. The seed bank preserves, for a distant future, seeds of about a thousand wild plant species. The Herbarium houses almost 4 million specimens, including the largest rose herbarium in the world and important historical collections from Europe, Brazil, and Central Africa. More than 3 million specimens have been digitised, making them easy to consult. The library and archives of Meise Botanic Garden are leaders in Europe, with more than 200,000 works from the 15th century to the present.
Wild Meise, a piece of pure nature
Within its 92 hectares, Meise Botanic Garden also cherishes and manages an area of wild nature. In the grasslands and woods you can find more than a third of all wild plant species found in Belgium and more than 750 different species of fungi and lichens. Because of the variety of plant species and habitats, a diversity of insects and other animals, including several species of bats, have found their home in the area. Wild Meise is an excellent place to study biodiversity and monitor the impact of climate change.
Tourist attraction with a mission
Each season, our visitors enjoy the beauty of the plants and the environment. More than 240,000 visitors a year: you have to earn that! The Botanic Garden team makes it its mission to 'connect' visitors with plants; to make them aware of the importance of plants for biodiversity. The various guided or unguided walks guarantee several relaxing and instructive hours enjoying nature and heritage, and discovering through information panels and interactive elements. Parents and children are taken on an adventure with Amaryllo, king of the plant kingdom. In the Rose Garden, we describe the history of our garden roses. In the Culinary Garden, visitors are introduced to the diversity of plants as food. The WOODlab is a unique interactive museum where you can discover everything about wood, a sustainable raw material. Meise Botanic Garden offers an extensive programme for schools, from primary to higher education, and a multitude of events and workshops aimed at both the general public and those looking for added value.
A unique historical landscape
An additional asset is the unique environment in which the Botanic Garden is embedded, created by the merging of two former castle estates. The estate even had a royal resident for a while: Princess Charlotte, sister of King Leopold II and sister-in-law of the world-famous Sissi. Many relics from the past are still preserved in the estate. The landscape has also been protected since 1967.
A MICE location with potential
The exquisite combination of beauty and tranquillity makes Meise Botanic Garden the perfect setting for all kinds of events, both private and business. Companies and organisations choose our location for the launch of new products and other festive occasions, for team days, and family days. The tropical vegetation in the Plant Palace and the historical buildings inspire photographers and filmmakers. The interest in this special place as a location for meetings and conferences is growing. By choosing the Plant Palace, our guests contribute directly to the preservation of biodiversity for future generations.