Orchids
Inspired by the beauty of Madagascar.
Our annual orchid festival at Kew Gardens is a celebration of vibrant flora to brighten up the winter months.
This year, we look to Madagascar with its stunning natural beauty and incredible biodiversity – become enchanted by a land of striking contrast, from spiny forests to succulent woodlands; and a menagerie of the most unique wildlife on Earth.
Don’t miss the extraordinary giraffe weevils! Explore installations of extinct species and keep an eye out for ring tailed lemurs high up in the trees above you.
Did you know? Madagascar is home to some of the world’s rarest plant species, with over 14,000 of its plants found nowhere else in the world.
See our central horticultural display at the heart of the Princess of Wales Conservatory, alongside some of the Malagasy orchids that we care for at Kew. And be transported to our conservation centre in Madagascar where our scientists conduct vital research to protect the native plants and wildlife.
Discover what's on offer at this years' Orchids festival
Please note that buggies are not permitted in the Princess of Wales Conservatory during Orchids.
Make the most of your visit
After you’ve enjoyed your day at Orchids, discover Kew all year round and enjoy the benefits of priority booking, discounts and exclusive access with a Kew membership.
Accessibility
Mobility scooters are not permitted in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, but we can provide wheelchairs for visitors to use on arrival.
Please note that not all of the glasshouse is wheelchair accessible, but all locations pertaining to the orchids festival are.
Horticultural Spectacle
Daily, throughout the PoWC
Madagascar is a land of fascinating biodiversity and varied and stunning habitats. Encounter living sculptures of swinging lemurs, grazing zebu, colourful chameleons, flying insects, swimming turtles and vibrant birds – all hand-crafted using orchids and other beautiful plants.
Scientific Field Camp
Daily, inside the south-west end of the PoWC
Kew has been working with Madagascar since 1986 and the Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre (KMCC) is Kew’s only overseas office. Kew works in partnership with Malagasy colleagues on specific projects, including the documentation of all grasses found in Madagascar. See a replica of a KMCC scientific encampment situated in a Malagasy grassland, offering a visual insight into what life as a field scientist in Madagascar is like.
Photographs by Tina Waibel
Daily, inside the south-west end of the PoWC
Malagasy photographer Tina Waibel is passionate about rural photography from Madagascar. Her images capture the daily lives of the people she meets and tell the story of an impromptu encounter with them. The pictures on display portray the beauty of everyday moments.
Soundscapes
Daily, throughout the PoWC
Listen out for some vibrant Malagasy sounds, from the clamour of life in the city to the noise of a bustling market and busy traffic on urban streets, children playing and birds singing, as well as some rhythmic Malagasy beats, composed and performed by Malagasy band the Boriza Brothers.
Festival Film
Daily, PoWC cinema
Watch our short artistic film and immerse yourself in the dense rainforests, shimmering grasslands, and vast coastlines of Madagascar. See ecosystems that are home to an enormous array of plants, fungi and animals found nowhere else in the world, from majestic lemurs to the incredible leaf-tailed gecko.
Festival Food
Daily, all Kew restaurants and cafes; weekends and half term, pop-up café at the north end of the PoWC
Savour the tastes and flavours of traditional Malagasy dishes curated by Malagasy chef Lilia Andrianavony of Lilia’s Kitchen, including coconut chicken, slow braised beef cooked in ginger and Malagasy spice, butternut squash stew, delicious samosas and Romazava, a warming watercress soup.
Shopping
Daily, pop-up shop in the PoWC cinema and across Kew shops
Purchase an amazing range of products in our pop-up shop in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.