During four weeks in September 2022 we conducted an archaeological excavation of the site in Uppsala where Sweden’s first botanical garden once lay. In this environment, two of Sweden’s most famous scholars lived and worked – Olof Rudbeck (1630–1702) and Carl von Linné (1707–1778).

This excavation offered a unique opportunity to study material remains from the households of these celebrated botanists, including buildings, gardens and a fish pond. The results from the excavation will provide new insights into the everyday life of these historical figures who were active in the 15th and 16th century.

Guided tours

Wednesdays 37/8, 7/9, 14/9, 21/9 and 28/9.
At 11.30 (in english) 13.30 (swedish) and 17.30 (swedish).

Culture night/Kulturnatten in Uppsala

Visit us during Kulturnatten when we show the archaeological excavation for the public and tell more about our findings so far.
Date: 10th september at 11.00 (in swedish), 13.00 (in english), 15.00 och 17.00 (both in swedish).

The first botanical garden. J.G Hallman’s illustration Horti Upsaliensis Prospectus from 1745, published in the dissertation Hortus Upsaliensis (Tab II. alvin-record:90776).
The garden and the orangery were restored in the 1920’s. This photo where you can see the orangery in the background was taken by Paul Sandberg in the 1930’s or 40’s. Upplandsmuseets image archive PS14064.
The yellow building is the main building where Linné used to live, it is today a museum. The economy buildings were moved or torn downed in the 1840’s. Photo: Annika Nordström, The Archaeologists, CC BY