The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has officially begun a landmark restoration of its world-famous Palm House, marking one of the most significant renovation projects in the institution’s 175-year history.
Originally constructed in 1844, the Palm House is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Victorian glasshouse engineering. The extensive renovation will protect and preserve this Grade I-listed building for generations to come, while enhancing the environmental conditions for the extraordinary plant collection it houses.
The project will involve the complete re-glazing and repainting of the structure, along with essential upgrades to its heating and ventilation systems. This will ensure the Palm House continues to support its globally significant collection of tropical plants, many of which are endangered or extinct in the wild.
Rehoming rare plants
To safely carry out the works, the vast and diverse living collection of plants from the Palm House will be temporarily rehomed across Kew Gardens. Many will be displayed in the Temperate House, Princess of Wales Conservatory, and the Nash Conservatory. This move not only safeguards the plants, but also offers visitors a rare opportunity to see them in new settings while the restoration is underway.
In a notable conservation effort, some of the aquatic species, including Victoria waterlilies will be moved to the Waterlily House. The building will remain open for much of the renovation period, though some access changes may occur when the Waterlily House undergoes its own renovation phase.
A sustainable future for a historic landmark
This ambitious project is part of Kew’s wider sustainability and conservation goals. By improving the Palm House’s energy efficiency and creating optimal growing conditions for tropical plants, Kew continues to lead in plant science, heritage conservation, and climate-conscious design.
Richard Deverell, director of Kew Gardens, said: “The Palm House is not only an architectural gem, but a living library of the world’s rarest and most important tropical flora. This renovation is a vital investment in both our heritage and our mission to protect global plant biodiversity.”
The Palm House is expected to reopen to the public in 2027.
During the renovation, Kew Gardens remains fully open, offering a range of exhibitions, seasonal events, and the opportunity to view many of the Palm House plants in alternative settings.
