Palm house botanical kew

The Palm House at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: one of the finest examples of Victorian glass and iron architecture, opened in 1848.

About this subject

The Palm House is a monumental greenhouse located at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London. Designed by architect Decimus Burton and engineer Richard Turner, it was completed in 1848. Its wrought iron and curved glass structure enabled the cultivation of palm trees and other tropical plants in a temperate climate, a technological innovation of its time. Measuring 110 meters in length and 20 meters in height, the Palm House houses a collection of over 1,000 species of palms, including rare specimens such as the African oil palm and the blue palm. The building is a landmark of Victorian engineering and inspired similar structures worldwide, such as the Sydney Conservatory and the Palmenhaus in Vienna. Today, the Palm House is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited locations in the botanic gardens, attracting scholars and tourists interested in the history of botany and architecture. Maintenance requires constant care due to iron corrosion, but the interior environment maintains controlled temperature and humidity to recreate the tropical habitat. Besides the palm collection, the space also displays epiphytic plants, ferns, and cycads, representing the diversity of equatorial ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical significance of the Palm House at Kew?

The Palm House is a landmark of Victorian architecture, completed in 1848, and was one of the first greenhouses to use wrought iron and curved glass on a large scale, enabling the cultivation of tropical plants in the UK.

How many palm species are housed in the Palm House?

The Palm House houses over 1,000 species of palms, including rare specimens such as the African oil palm and the blue palm.

Is the Palm House part of any international recognition?

Yes, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Palm House is one of its key historic buildings.