Palm house botanical kew

The Palm House at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London is one of the most iconic examples of Victorian iron-and-glass architecture, housing a tropical collection of palms and other plants.

About this subject

The Palm House was designed by architect Decimus Burton and engineer Richard Turner, opened in 1848. It is one of the first major curvilinear greenhouse projects in the world, with a wrought-iron and glass structure that created a warm, humid environment ideal for tropical plants. Located in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the greenhouse is 110 meters long and 20 meters high, representing a Victorian engineering landmark.

The Palm House houses one of the world's most important palm collections, including rare and endangered species. Among them are the Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis) and the royal palm (Roystonea regia). Besides palms, the greenhouse contains cycads, plants that have existed since the age of dinosaurs, and various epiphytes like orchids and bromeliads. The controlled environment simulates a tropical humid climate, with an average temperature of 26°C and high relative humidity.

Kew Gardens receives about 1.8 million visitors annually, and the Palm House is one of the most photographed spots. The greenhouse underwent a major restoration between 2014 and 2018, which included replacing 15,000 panes of glass and restoring the original paint of the structure. Interestingly, the Palm House was built to showcase palms collected during British expeditions in the 19th century, reflecting the colonial interest in botany. Today, Kew is a world leader in plant conservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is the Palm House at Kew?

The Palm House is approximately 20 meters high and 110 meters long.

What kind of plants are grown in the Palm House?

The greenhouse is primarily dedicated to tropical palms, but also houses cycads, orchids, and other tropical plants.

When was the Palm House built?

It was opened in 1848, during the Victorian era.