The old Botanical Garden building in Oradea, situated between Strada Aleea Strandului and the Crișului Repede River, has experienced a few transformations over the years. Unfortunately, it now only houses common weeds.
Originally built in 1977, the greenhouse's first life was as part of Ion I. C. Brătianu Park. It attracted visitors with its beauty and educational value until it was abandoned in 1992. Its second life began in 1997 when the University of Oradea took over, refilling it with exotic plants and establishing two laboratories inside. One of the rare plants it contained during this time was a Cycas, an ancient species of plant often called "living fossils" because they have existed largely unchanged for millions of years. During this period, the public could visit for only 5 Lei.
There are no clear records of how long the greenhouse has been in its current abandoned state. Located next to a 4-star hotel, it is probably now seen only as an eyesore. When will the Botanical Garden experience its third life? With most of Oradea already looking quite renovated or currently undergoing renovations, hopefully, it will be soon.
