A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden: Kyiv's Green Urban Escape
October 03, 2025
We walked through the A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden and were surprised by the incredible diversity of plants, spending nearly two hours exploring the paths near Kyiv University. The bronze memorial statue and the spring blooming season made our visit memorable, with easy access from the Universytet metro station.
Hidden behind Kyiv University, this botanical sanctuary holds 9,000 plant species with a secret history of scientific survival through wars and political changes. Discover a living museum where every plant tells a story of Ukrainian resilience and botanical research.
Need-to-Know Info Before Visiting A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden
A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden Address
1 Tereschenkivska Street, Kyiv, Ukraine 01601
A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden Opening Hours
- 🕒 Summer (April-September): 9 AM - 7 PM
- 🕒 Winter (October-March): 10 AM - 5 PM
- 🕒 Closed on Mondays
How to get to A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden
- 🚗 By car: Parking available near Kyiv University
- 🚌 Public transport: Universytet Metro Station (Green Line)
- 🚕 Rideshare: Uber and Bolt widely available in Kyiv
What is A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden known for?
- One of Ukraine's oldest botanical institutions with over 9,000 plant species
- Founded in 1839, featuring native and international plant collections
- Located behind Kyiv University with historic landscaped gardens
What is A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden in Kyiv?
Nestled behind the Universytet metro station, A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden stands as a green sanctuary in the heart of Kyiv, drawing both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful urban escape. As one of Ukraine's oldest botanical institutions, the garden spans an impressive collection of 9,000 plant species from around the world, making it a living museum of botanical diversity. Travelers frequently visit during spring, when the gardens burst into full bloom, transforming the landscape into a colorful tapestry of flowers and greenery. A quirky highlight for visitors is the bronze monument near the entrance - a leaning figure in an apron, dedicated to professors and students who died defending Kyiv during World War II. Local students have dubbed this statue the 'monument to the deceased botanist', adding a touch of sardonic humor to the garden's serious historical backdrop. Photography enthusiasts often capture the garden's lush pathways, unique sculptures, and the contrast between urban architecture and natural beauty. While not a major tourist hotspot, the garden offers an authentic slice of Kyiv's academic and natural heritage, providing a quiet respite from the city's bustling streets and a glimpse into Ukraine's rich botanical traditions.
Top things to do at A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden
- Photograph the unique bronze monument of WWII professors and students near the garden entrance, known locally as the 'deceased botanist' statue
- Explore the extensive collection of 9,000 plant species, focusing on rare native Ukrainian and international botanical specimens
- Walk the seasonal trails, especially recommended during spring when the entire garden bursts into full bloom
- Visit the garden's educational displays showcasing Ukraine's botanical diversity and conservation efforts
- Enjoy a peaceful stroll through landscaped paths connecting different botanical sections of the garden
- Capture landscape photographs highlighting the intersection of urban architecture and natural greenery around Kyiv University
- Learn about local plant species and their ecological significance through informational markers throughout the garden
History of A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden
- 1839: Founded as part of Kyiv University's scientific research complex
- 1860s: Initial plant collections began with local and regional species
- 1917: Survived Russian Revolution and continued botanical research
- 1941-1945: Preserved during World War II, maintaining scientific collections
- 1960s: Expanded research capabilities and international plant exchanges
- 2014-present: Continued development despite regional conflicts
Cultural Significance
A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden represents more than a green space - it's a living archive of Ukrainian botanical heritage. As one of Ukraine's oldest scientific institutions, the garden serves as an educational resource for students, researchers, and the public. The garden symbolizes Kyiv's academic tradition, preserving plant diversity and scientific knowledge through generations of political and social changes.
Best Time to Visit
Spring offers the most spectacular experience at A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden. From late April to early June, thousands of plant species bloom simultaneously, creating a spectacular display of colors and fragrances. Summer provides consistent greenery, while autumn introduces golden and russet tones to the landscape.
Tips for Visitors
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring garden paths
- Bring a camera to capture diverse plant collections
- Check weather forecast, as garden experience varies by season
- Consider joining guided tours for deeper botanical insights
- Respect research areas and stay on marked paths
- Bring water and sun protection during summer months
What are some interesting facts about A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden?
- Local students have a dark humor tradition of calling the WWII memorial statue the 'monument to the deceased botanist', playing on Russian slang where 'botanist' means 'nerd'
- The garden contains rare plant specimens collected during Soviet-era scientific expeditions across multiple continents, some of which are not found in any other Ukrainian botanical collection
- During World War II, botanical researchers secretly preserved critical seed collections, protecting genetic diversity of Ukrainian plant species from potential destruction