Phys. Geog. Geom. 2026, 49(1): 30–39

https://doi.org/10.17721/phgg.2026.1/131.04

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Petrographic gardens: history, classification, use

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Nataliia M. Pohorilchuk (1), Olga V. Kovtonіuk (1), Sergii Yu. Bortnyk (1,2)

1) Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 64/13, Volodymyrska St, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine

2) Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, St. Żeromskiego 5, Kielce, 25-369, Poland

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Abstract

The purpose of this work is to study the phenomenon of open-air rock collections, in particular, an analysis of the terminology and names used in the scientific literature of different countries, the history of the formation of such collections, approaches to their classification, significance for society, as well as the prospects for the development of the practice of their creation in Ukraine. This study is of a survey nature and is based on the analysis of information from various sources and field observations of the authors. The methodological basis of the work is bibliographic analysis, content analysis and scientific generalization. Petrographic gardens have existed since at least the 18th century, but a sharp increase in their number occurred at the beginning of the 21st century and is largely associated with the development of geotourism. A review of the terms used to define these objects showed the absence of established terminology in the scientific literature on this topic. In the work, using a sample of 23 objects as an example, classifications were considered according to such criteria as the method of exhibition, spatial organization, functional purpose, principle of sample selection and volume of collections. The above classifications can be applied comprehensively, mutually complementing each other and providing a detailed description of petrographic gardens.Analysis of the functional purpose of petrographic gardens showed that along with the educational and geotourism value, their socio-psychological role is also growing. It is noted that in Ukraine the number of such objects remains insignificant, but the prospects for their development are quite broad due to the diversity of the geological structure and mineral resources, the growth of interest in geotourism and the relevance of preserving geoheritage. The feasibility of considering petrographic gardens as multifunctional tools for increasing the geocultural consciousness of society is substantiated. 

Keywords

petrographic gardens, open-air geological collections, geodiversity, geotourism, geoculture

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Received: May 5, 2026 / Accepted: June 10, 2026 / Published online: June 12, 2026