Herbarium

Originally named Hunter House, this 18th century building was occupied by the King of Hanover until his death in 1851.

Inside the Herbarium

Inside the Herbarium at Kew Gardens

Historical information

In 1853, the Herbarium and Library were founded here. Eminent botanists, including George Bentham and W. A. Broomfield, donated their own collections to that of the Herbarium of William Hooker and, in 1877, the need for greater space led to the first wing being added.

Three further wings were added between 1903 and 1968, with further expansion into the quadrangle in 1989.

Collections

There are currently over 7,000,000 specimens in the Herbarium, representing nearly 98 per cent of all of the genera in the world. It has the largest collection of historical plant specimens (including types), and plant specimens are found from all regions of the world.

In the Herbarium, plants are identified, named and classified, resulting in detailed studies of particular groups of plants - how they interrelate, and how they differ from each other.

Carrying out surveys of vegetation in many different parts of the world is the very foundation of other plant research or conservation projects.

The Herbarium, not open to the public, attracts an average of 50 researchers from around the world every week.

2 comments on 'Herbarium'

Kew Feedback Team says

18/02/2010 1:56:36 PM | Report abuse

Thanks for your question James. Although the main construction work has been completed on the new wing of the Herbarium, the building will not be officially opened until later in 2010. It is unlikely we will be in position to offer public tours until 2011 so I would suggest that you check back on the 'What's on' area of our website next year.

james barattini says

09/02/2010 10:16:22 AM | Report abuse

is it possible to visit or even see the NEW herbarium recently opened and designed by ted cullinan? architectural rather than botanical interest!

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