The mission of the botanic garden is to maintain a scientific collection of living plants that can be utilised in both research and teaching. The botanic garden is distinguished from other gardens by the species information signs given to plants. Kaisaniemi also has a seed bank, which serves as a safety depository for endangered Finnish plants.

Kaisaniemi botanic garden was established in 1829 in an area of 4.9 hectares in the Kluuvi district of central Helsinki. The garden was originally founded in Turku in 1678.

The first greenhouse was made of wood and opened to the public in 1833. In 1889, it was replaced by a new greenhouse made of cast iron, the Palm House. Nine years later the adjacent Savanna Room and Rainforest Room were completed. All three greenhouses were designed by the architect Gustaf Nyström.