Palm house botanical kew

The Palm House at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a Victorian iron-and-glass landmark, housing one of the world's most important collections of tropical palms.

About this subject

Built between 1844 and 1848 by architects Decimus Burton and Richard Turner, the Palm House is one of the earliest large-scale curvilinear greenhouses made of cast iron and glass. Standing 19 meters tall and 110 meters long, its elongated arched shape was designed to accommodate tall palms and other tropical plants arriving in Britain during the Victorian era. The construction technology allowed for a controlled internal environment, with steam heating and ventilation, essential for cultivating exotic species from tropical rainforests.

The Palm House collection includes over 200 species of palms, among them rare specimens such as the Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis) and the Mexican blue palm (Brahea armata). Besides palms, the space houses tropical plants like banana trees, heliconias, and orchids. The site serves scientific research, conservation, and education, being a central point of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

Over the years, the Palm House has undergone major restorations, the most recent completed in 1988, which renovated the climate control system and original metal framework. The building is a symbol of Victorian engineering and global botanical endeavor, attracting visitors from around the world. The combination of history, architecture, and biodiversity makes the Palm House one of the most emblematic botanical greenhouses on the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Palm House built?

The Palm House was built between 1844 and 1848 by architects Decimus Burton and Richard Turner.

How many palm species are in the Palm House?

The Palm House collection includes over 200 species of palms, including rare specimens.

Why is the Palm House famous?

It is a landmark of Victorian architecture, one of the first large iron-and-glass greenhouses, and houses an important collection of tropical plants, being part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.