History

Tallinn Botanic Garden was founded in Kloostrimetsa as an institute of the Academy of Sciences on December 1, 1961. In 1995 it became a municipal establishment. Major plant collections were planted during the first 20 years. Outdoor gardens were opened for visitors in 1970 and greenhouses in 1971.

In 1992 TBG became a member of the Association of the Baltic Botanic Gardens (ABBG) and in 1994 joined Botanic Garden Conservation International (BGCI). In 1995, the Society of Friends of Tallinn Botanic Garden was founded.

Over the years, the Garden has been managed by Arnold Pukk (1961-1978), Jüri Martin (1978-1988), Andres Tarand (1989-1990), Heiki Tamm (1991-1997), Jüri Ott (1997-2001), Veiko Lõhmus (2001-2005), Phd. Margus Kingisepp 2005-2009 and since 2009 Karmen Kähr.

The place name Kloostrimetsa (Convent Forest) is associated with the nearby Pirita Monastery, dating from the 15th century.

The premises of today’s TBG stretch across the land of the former farm of Konstantin Päts, the President of Estonia between 1920 and 1940.