Zagreb Botanical Garden Celebrates 150 Years, Highlighting Czech Contributions

Zagreb's beloved Botanical Garden is set to mark its 150th anniversary, celebrating a rich history rooted in the vision of Czech botanist Dr. Bohuslav Jiruš. Jiruš, who was also the first professor of botany in Zagreb, initiated the idea for the garden in 1876. His concept was brought to fruition in 1889 by Antun Heinz, a Zagreb resident with Czech heritage.

Heinz collaborated on the garden's main design with Vítězslav Durchánek, a Czech horticulturalist who later moved to Croatia in 1890. Durchánek dedicated thirty years to advancing horticulture in Croatia, contributing to the landscaping of sites like Plitvice Lakes and various city parks. His work, alongside Jiruš's initial vision, significantly shaped the garden's development.

To honor this legacy, a special event titled "From Prague to Zagreb: Czech Traces in the Creation of the Botanical Garden" will be held on Saturday, June 13th. The event aims to highlight the substantial contributions of Czech experts and communities to the establishment of this important scientific and cultural institution in Zagreb.

The celebration, organized by the Center for Promoting Tolerance and Preserving Holocaust Memory in collaboration with the Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science and the Czech Community Association of Zagreb, will feature a pop-up exhibition, a guided historical walk, and a musical performance by members of the Czech Community Association. This event underscores Zagreb's history as a city shaped by diverse origins and cultural exchanges.