The Mihai Eminescu Park (Parcul Mihai Eminescu) is a historic public park in Botoșani, opened in 1869 on the former estate of landowner Nicu Vârnav. Originally known as Vârnav Public Garden, it developed into one of the city’s main recreational spaces and later took the name of poet Mihai Eminescu, who spent time here during his final stay in Botoșani.
Vârnav first opened part of his garden to the public in 1869, initially charging a small entrance fee before the municipality began paying for public access. In 1873, the city bought the house, garden, vineyard and orchard from him and gradually reshaped the property as a municipal park, removing some of the older estate buildings and planting additional trees.
Over the following decades, the park gained an artificial lake, bridges, a music pavilion and other recreational facilities. It also became a regular setting for concerts and performances, including appearances by military bands and visiting theater companies.
Mihai Eminescu spent time in the park during his stay in Botoșani between 1887 and 1888. In 1932, a bust of the poet by sculptor Ion Georgescu was moved here from the Marchian boys’ school. The sculpture had originally been unveiled in 1890 and was among the earliest public monuments dedicated to Eminescu.
The park is arranged around the artificial lake and a network of broad paths, with busts of cultural figures from Botoșani placed along several of the main walks. Pedal boats can be rented on the lake, while a restaurant and several kiosks provide food and drinks. Bridges, the music pavilion and small recreational areas are spread through the grounds.
