Temperate House restoration project
Experience Kew's Temperate House for the last time
The Temperate House closes for five years in summer 2013
Opened in 1863, the Temperate House is the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world. From August 2013, Kew is undertaking a vital five year restoration project, costing £34.3 million. The project will restore the Temperate House and its surrounding landscape, and convert the adjoining Evolution House into a world class public engagement centre.
The world's plants under one roof
Experience the wonder of Kew's historic Temperate House before it closes this summer. See the world's plants in one place!
In the 1850s, Victorian plant hunters were bringing back ever more plant species from around the globe to Kew Gardens. As a result, Kew needed somewhere new to house its growing collection of plants.
The director at the time, Sir William Hooker, commissioned architect Decimus Burton to begin work on a new glasshouse in 1859. The Temperate House was officially opened in 1863.
Today, the Temperate House is still arranged according to Decimus Burton’s plan. The South Wing and Octagon are home to African plants, the rectangular hall hosts sub-tropical trees and palms, while the North Wing and Octagon contain temperate plants from Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific.
Make a donation today
Kew has raised a significant proportion of the funds needed to complete this vital restoration project, but we still need to raise an additional £1 million.
Whether you visit the Gardens and the Temperate House regularly, or haven’t yet had an opportunity to visit, you can play a part in saving our heritage and securing our future. Plans include:
Our vision
The Temperate House will be fully restored in five years.
This vital restoration project includes:
- Restoration of the Temperate House building
- Restructuring the horticultural displays
- Rejuvenating the existing historic botanical collection
- Setting up a community outreach programme, apprenticeship scheme and volunteer programme
- Creating a new arm to Kew’s schools education programme, encouraging children and young people to learn more about plants and climate change
Latest update
Plants potted-up ready for moving.
The Temperate House is twice the size of the Palm House, covering an area of 4,880 m2, making it the largest glasshouse in the world!
This historic glasshouse embodies all that Kew's about – our rich heritage, our world class plant collections and the importance of plants to people’s lives.
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