Since its opening in 1931, the Zurich Succulent Plant Collection has developed into a centre of excellence with global appeal. It combines horticultural expertise, extensive research activities around topics involving its plant and herbarium holdings, and sound knowledge transfer, supported by a specialised library. Visitors from around the globe find a haven of tranquillity and inspiration at the collection. All this is owed to a long history of social, scientific and technological developments. Our focus topic "Collection - Knowledge - Commitment. Succulent Diversity on Lake Zurich" in the exhibition showcases of the South America and Africa House takes a look back at this history, examines its influence on our current practices and sets its sights on future challenges – seeking throughout to subject our own work to reflection.
All texts are available in two languages, German and English.
The exhibition runs until June 29, 2025.
The exhibition showcase in the Africa House looks back into the history of collecting and shows important stages in the development of succulent studies. The South America House provides an insight into today's working practice, which usually takes place behind the scenes and thus invisible to the audience.
In addition, there are display boards for selected plants throughout the display area, which show the relationship between historical and contemporary collecting activities. The texts can be accessed in English via QR code.
Using tablets in the Giant Plant House, South America House, North America House, Africa House and Madagascar House, scientific findings about an invasive neophyte, about human destruction of habitats or from the field of bionics are playfully processed. Science amazes!
We offer an interactive guided tour in German only via your own mobile phone. You will get an overview of the contents of the focus exhibition and selected topics in the two exhibition showcases. The audio tour, which is divided into chapters, can be paused at any time. You can follow the content at their own pace.
The guide can be accessed free of charge with your smartphone in the foyer at the entrance board and at the exhibition showcases.
- Zugang barrierefrei
- Kein barrierefreies WC.