Information centre in the geographical centre of Helsinki
A visit to Gardenia and its surroundings offers multiple opportunities to
improve your knowledge of environmental issues and gardening. The latest news of
horticulture is available in the cafeteria, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee
while reading magazines.
Near Gardenia, you can find the past and the future: the oldest cultivated
area in Helsinki and the attractive Museum of Agriculture represent the
historical Helsinki, and the Biocenter of the University of Helsinki with the
experimental area of sustainable construction in Viikki show you the trends of
the future.
Gardenia facilities
• Tropical garden
• Outdoor gardens
• Guided tours in the garden
• Guided tours in the surrounding nature
• Facilities for meetings and celebrations
• Environmental education for children
• Tips for gardening
The Tropical Garden
The tropical plant species in Gardenia are mostly of South-East Asian origin.
The main idea while selecting the species to Gardenia was to display plants that
are somehow used by man. Consequently you find exotic fruit, spices and herbs in
the botanical collection in Gardenia. The most important species of tropical
forestry and fibre yielding plants are also represented. Various palm trees,
bamboos and blooming orchids create the exciting atmosphere in the Gardenia
Hall, and in the Theme Garden you find rice, cotton, mango and many other plants
demanding warmer and more humid conditions.
Gardenia hall and meeting rooms
Gardenia is also available for family celebrations and business gatherings.
If you wish to arrange an exotic party, the Gardenia Hall can house even 120 persons
dining or 250 persons at a cocktail-party. For smaller parties and business
meetings Gardenia has two conference rooms, Kaneli and Timali (each for 20-30
persons).
Fees per hour:
Gardenia Hall 272 €/h (323 €/h after midnight).
Conference rooms Kaneli and Timali 46 €/h (when the tropical garden is open)
The prices include VAT (24%) and are valid for the present.
Nature School
Gardenia offers environmental education for the school children of Helsinki.
During their visit to the Töyhtöhyyppä Nature School, teenagers explore the
wonders of nature and learn how to care for their surroundings. Trips to the
Vanhankaupunginlahti bay nature reserve and educational walks in the tropical
garden offer children valuable lessons about nature and thrilling adventures to
remember.
Information about gardening
The trained personnel of Gardenia are ready to help you with problems
concerning gardening. Information is available for the inhabitants of Helsinki by phone from 12 to 3 p.m. from
Monday to Thursday. Horticultural magazines and literature can be leafed through
in the cafeteria during opening hours. Gardenia also offers lectures for both
the public and the professional audience. On theme courses, specialists give
instructions on how to get the best out of your garden or how to use your
greenhouse effectively.
Information about the surrounding nature
The Vanhankaupunginlahti bay nature reserve is an important wetland site of
international interest with its reedbed marshlands and surrounding alder
woodlands. It is only a ten-minute walk to the shore from Gardenia, which is
well worth taking, as during the walk you pass the vast cultivated fields and
the Arboretum of the University of Helsinki. Maps of the area are available in
Gardenia as well as guided tours to the nature reserve. If in hurry, you can
become acquainted with the surrounding nature and its protection in the Viikki
exhibition in the lobby of Gardenia.
Gardenia co-operates with the inhabitants of Viikki, the environmental
authorities, and with environmental organisations to enhance sustainable
development in Helsinki. The public is welcome to Gardenia to seek advice for
more ecological living and take part in environmental events.
Other sights in Gardenia surroundings
• Viikki Arboretum
• The Nature Reserve
• Vanhankaupunginlahti Bay
• Museum of Agriculture
• University of Helsinki, Viikki division
• Museum of Technology
• Museum of Power Plants
• Annala Mansion and the Gardens
• Arabia China Factory and Factory Shop
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