21 September 2022
10 must-sees at Mexico this autumn
Feeling the post-summer blues? Here are 10 ways to brighten up your autumn at Kew.
This October, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and astonishing biodiversity of Mexico.
Our autumn festival, Mexico, will see Kew’s iconic Temperate House transformed by a vivid array of art and horticultural installations, each celebrating Mexico, home to 12% of the world’s biodiversity.
1. Stunning installations from Betsabeé Romero
Innovative Mexican artist Betsabeé Romero has created two stunning installations for the Temperate House.
Flower of light and song draws on the rituals and traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The Temperate House will be adorned with a giant chandelier in the shape of the Quincunce, which represents a harmonious relationship between nature and humanity in pre-Hispanic cosmology.
Her second creation, inspired by Hanal Pixan (the Mayan Day of the Dead celebration), will provide visitors with spaces for reflection and commemoration.
2. Artwork inspired by a surrealist garden in Mexico
Inspired by Kew’s collection of Mexican plants and a very special garden in Mexico, award-winning garden designer Jon Wheatley has created an breathtaking horticultural installation.
Wheatley took inspiration from the incredible surrealist garden La Pozas, located in a subtropical rainforest in the Sierra Gorda mountains of Mexico.
3. Traditional music and live performances
On Friday and Saturday nights in October, join us for music, food, cocktails and live performances, all in the stunning surrounds of the Temperate House.
Mariachi Las Adelitas, an all-female mariachi band, will provide the music as Edson Diaz-Fuentes treats us to cocktails and Mexican cooking demos.
Crick Crack Club treat us to an exuberant performance of ritual and story, while later in the night DJ Drastic Shuffle will feature all types of music inspired by Mexico.
4. Encounter sloths
Keep your eyes peeled for our snuggle of jungle sloths!
Larger than life golden sloths will be seen climbing throughout the Temperate House canopy.
The Fantastic Jungle Sloths by Mexican designer Fernando Laposse are crafted by transforming plant fibres into sustainable pieces of art.
Laposse’s work focuses on topics such as the environmental crisis and biodiversity loss, and he regularly collaborates with indigenous communities across Mexico to raise awareness about the challenges they face in an increasingly globalised world.
5. Eat!
A stone's throw away from our Temperate House, you’ll find the Pavilion Bar and Grill.
During the festival, enjoy a bespoke menu celebrating Mexican cuisine designed by chef Edson Diaz-Fuentes.
Kids will love our fun and fabulous Family Kitchen & Shop. Treat the family to stone-baked pizza, a salad bar and ice cream servery, in our new multi-sensory restaurant.
6. Half-term fun for the whole family
Celebrate Day of the Dead with all the family during October half term.
We’ll have dress-up stations, carnival dance workshops, and unique art installations, all culminating in a Day of the Dead Parade. Performers in elaborate costumes dancing alongside giant skeleton puppets will lead children on a parade with dancing, music and props.
7. Learn more about Kew Science in Mexico
We are working together with institutions in Mexico to understand and protect its plants and fungi.
Mexico is classified as one of the world’s 'megadiverse' countries, representing 12% of global biodiversity in just 1.5% of global land area.
Kew has many collaborative scientific projects in Mexico, which include the conservation of tree species, seed banking and training the next generation of taxonomists.
8. Take it home with you
We're delighted to present a brand-new title in the Kew Pocketbook series, Kew Pocketbooks: Mexican Plants.
Showcasing a selection of stunning Mexican flora, including orchids, Mexican oregano, cacti, marigolds and the national flower of Mexico, the dahlia, this new title features beautiful botanical illustrations from the Library and Archives at Kew, one of the most extensive botanical libraries in the world.
9. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Kew in autumn
The Gardens have come alive with the rich colours of autumn!
Get outside this season, breathe in the fresh air and spot our autumnal highlights.
10. Visit Kew Gardens for £1
Entry to Mexico is included when purchasing a ticket to Kew Gardens. Recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other legacy benefits can visit Kew Gardens and enjoy Mexico for £1.
