What’s new?
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The race to save the Palm Houses didn’t just restore these landmark glasshouses to their 19th-century glory – it helped shape them to the needs of the 21st-century. Today, they stand as a breathtaking blend of heritage and innovation, where history meets the future of plant science and conservation.
So, what awaits you when you step inside?
Prepare for an immersive visitor journey that uncovers the hidden stories behind some of the world’s most extraordinary plants. Picture stunning timelapse films capturing the drama of growth and change, alongside guided tours and multisensory digital experiences designed to deepen your connection with the beauty and value of the natural world.
The two Palm Houses, once separated by a partition, now soar as a single space – providing a spectacular showcase for living plant treasures. This unified environment is perfect for nurturing temperate species, creating a sanctuary of green elegance beneath soaring glass and steel.
Look up and you’ll notice new stonework replacing crumbled sandstone, and even a subtle architectural correction: concave cornicing transformed into its rightful convex form, thanks to eagle-eyed architects.
Behind the scenes, we’ve future-proofed these historic structures against the challenges of climate change. Deeper gutters and extra downpipes now handle increasingly intense rainfall, while fragile horticultural glass has been replaced with toughened, laminated panes – helping to protect our Living Collection even in the fiercest storms.
Tour the restored Palm Houses
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