The ‘Flora’ – the botanic gardens in Cologne – finally made its brand-new greenhouse complex available to the public in June 2026 when the three-winged structure was officially opened by mayor Torsten Burmester.
The new greenhouses are home to more than 6,000 plant species, which can all be experienced in the spacious new complex, which is 18 metres high. One particular highlight is a circular trail that is 5.5 metres above ground level and leads through the tops of the tropical trees. Binoculars are provided here so that visitors can look down into the treetops and get a whole new perspective.
Greenhouses in Cologne’s botanic gardens
Client: Flora and Botanical Garden of the City of Cologne
Year: 2026
Museums and exhibitions
We developed a design and communication concept for the entire complex that centres on didactic communication for various target groups in accordance with the multisensory principle. Information panels are provided on a wide range of plants – and visitors are invited to interact by touching, listening, smelling and testing . Accessibility was an integral part of the design from the outset. For example, there is a tactile guide in the foyer to help visually impaired people find their way around the complex. In this way, visitors are not only informed but actively involved, whatever their individual needs.
As well as traditional information panels, there are hands-on exhibits that invite visitors to delve deeper into the world of plants. For instance, there is a specially designed scent station where they can experience what certain plants smell like. A special Kids’ Trail has also been developed for younger guests, with Flora the cute mascot popping up throughout the exhibition whenever there is something for children to discover. At five different points, they get to know selected plants and to take part in games that revolve around their special characteristics. The focus here is on allowing kids to discover the plants at first hand rather than bombarding them with written information.
A specially developed web-based media guide, which visitors can call up on their own smartphones via a QR code, lets them explore the exhibition content in English, German, simple German and German sign language. The communication concept is rounded off by additional information, visuals and emotional formats such as audio clips in which members of the Flora team tell personal anecdotes about individual plants.
From the scent station for adults to the fun Kids’ Trail and the multilingual media guide, Cologne’s new greenhouse complex brings the world of plants alive on all levels for people of all ages.