Contract signed for construction of new palm house at the UWr Botanical Garden
On 15 October 2024, a contract was signed for the reconstruction of the palm house in the Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Biological Sciences of the University of Wrocław. On the UWr side, the contract was signed by UWr Rector, prof. Robert Olkiewicz, and on the investor’s side, Mr. Tomasz Lorkowski, president of Berger Bau.
The contract, worth about PLN 20 million, includes the reconstruction of the greenhouse complex named “Palmiarnia, Australia i Wiktoria.” – Today there is a historic opportunity for a modern facility, modeled on the historic one, which will serve scientists and, of course, tourists and residents of our city for generations to come – says UWr Rector prof. Robert Olkiewicz. – Like our Botanical Garden, the new facility will be an attraction of the region, and the Faculty of Biological Sciences of our University will gain a new place for research and development. I’m glad that it was possible to bring about the signing of the agreement – he adds.
The Investor faces a great challenge. – If everything goes according to plan, then even 20 years after the closing of the Palm House in 2007, the University will manage to make a brand new facility available to visitors – announces the director of the Garden – prof. Zygmunt Kącki. – We are very happy that we will be able to show a piece of true botanical diversity native to the rainforest in Wrocław.
The historic palm house at the Botanical Garden was built in 1823. Initially it was used for winter storage of perennials, shrubs and trees from South Africa, the Americas or Australia.
Due to the intensive development of the Garden in 1878, its then director prof. Heinrich Göppert decided to build a new facility on the site of the earlier greenhouse. The new building was constructed on a granite pedestal, entirely of steel and glass.
The most modern technology of the time was used, and central heating and a plant sprinkler system were installed. There was even a heated pool.
The palm house was destroyed during World War II.
It was partially rebuilt in 1957, retaining its historic shape.
The facility, although at a historical site, will be built with state-of-the-art technology which will allow the cultivation of truly valuable plant species. – We plan to relocate there the collections that have so far been located in smaller greenhouses, which formerly served a collecting and scientific function, and will be made available to the public after the closing of the Palm House. Thus, the Palm House will include epiphytes from the pineapple family, massive sagophytes that still remember the time of the dinosaurs, or one of the more bizarre plants the giant weirdo, which we recently managed to acquire for the collection – says prof. Kącki.
Construction will take two years.
