Maria Theresia laid out a herbal garden in 1754 for medicinal purposes and in 1757 she gave the gardens to the Vienna University. Today the Department of Botany at the University of Vienna's building is next to the gardens. A collection of Austrian plants, orchids and the succulents can be seen at the which is located in the 3rd District of Vienna, Mechelgasse 2 and open from April till October during the year.