About Kew Gardens Great Pagoda
History Of Kew Gardens Great Pagoda
- The Kew Gardens Great Pagoda is a ten-story tower located in the Royal Botanic Gardens in London, England.
- It was built in 1762 by Sir William Chambers, a prominent architect of the time, in the style of the Chinese pagodas.
- The pagoda was commissioned by King George III, who was a keen collector of exotic plants and animals, as well as Chinese and Japanese art.
- The original pagoda was made of timber and stood 50 meters tall. It was adorned with 80 brightly painted wooden dragons, each with a different pose and expression.
- The pagoda was a popular tourist attraction in the 18th and 19th centuries, and visitors were able to climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of London.
- In 1784, King George III commissioned 20 life-sized wooden animals to be placed around the pagoda. These included tigers, lions, and a giraffe, and they were based on descriptions and illustrations in books.
- In the 19th century, the pagoda fell into disrepair, and the dragons were removed for safety reasons.
- In 1951, the pagoda was Grade I listed as a building of outstanding architectural and historic interest.
- In 2016, a major restoration project began, and the pagoda was returned to its original appearance, with 80 new dragons created using modern materials.
- The restoration project was completed in 2018, and the pagoda was reopened to the public for the first time in 40 years. Visitors can once again climb to the top and enjoy views of London.
- Today, the Great Pagoda is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Kew Gardens, and it serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of Chinese design and architecture.
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Highlights Of Kew Gardens Great Pagoda
- The Great Pagoda is a ten-story tower that was built in 1762 by Sir William Chambers in the style of Chinese pagodas. It stands 50 meters tall and is located in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
- The pagoda was commissioned by King George III, who was an avid collector of exotic plants, animals, and art from China and Japan. The pagoda was designed to reflect this interest in Asian culture.
- The pagoda is adorned with 80 brightly painted wooden dragons, each with a unique pose and expression. The dragons were recently restored in 2018 using modern materials to match the original design.
- Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda to enjoy panoramic views of London. This view was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries when the pagoda was first built and visitors could climb to the top.
- In 1784, King George III commissioned 20 life-sized wooden animals to be placed around the pagoda, including tigers, lions, and a giraffe. These were based on descriptions and illustrations in books as the King had not yet seen these animals in real life.
- The pagoda fell into disrepair in the 19th century and was listed as a Grade I building of historic and architectural interest in 1951. It was then restored in 2016 and reopened to the public in 2018.
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Visit the Palm House and see some exotic rain forest with your family and friends
Stay elevated at a height of 18 meters from the ground level while exploring the treetops
Witness the majestic charm of Arboretum which has a collection of over 14,000 trees
Have a fun time with your family and friends at the conservatories, art galleries, and restaurants
Step into London's largest UNESCO World Heritage Site on your visit to the Kew palace & Gardens
- Kew Palace is closed during winter.
- Kew Gardens is closed on 24 and 25 December.
- Free walking tours take place at least twice daily, subject to availability.
- All external drinking fountains will be turned off for the winter months, until spring 2022.
- Queen Charlotte’s Cottage and Kew Palace are now open from 1st April till September 2022. Kew Palace Kew Palace is open daily from 11am to 4pm.
- The lift to the Treetop Walkway is currently out of service.
- The Badger Sett in the Natural Area is closed.
- Parking is prohibited on Kew Road and limited around the area.
- There are no lockers or baggage storage facilities available.
- Kew Palace toilets are currently closed for refurbishment. The closest facilities are at the Orangery.
- Kew Gardens are fully wheelchair accessible with an elevator giving access to the upper floors of Kew Palace.
- All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details at the time of arrival and entry.
- Children aged 0-3 years can join the experience free of charge, while children aged 4-15 years have to book the package at child prices. Individuals aged 16-64 years have to book the package at adult prices. All participants aged 65 years and above have to book the package at senior prices.
FAQ's
What is Kew Gardens Great Pagoda famous for?
The Kew Gardens Great Pagoda is famous for its impressive architecture and rich history. Originally built in 1762 for Princess Augusta, it was designed by the famous architect Sir William Chambers, who drew inspiration from traditional Chinese pagodas. It was initially adorned with 80 brightly painted wooden dragons, but over time, they fell into disrepair and were removed. However, in 2018, a major restoration project was undertaken, and all 80 dragons were reinstated, making it a popular tourist attraction once again.
is it recommended to book Kew Gardens tickets in advance?
Yes, it is highly recommended to book Kew Gardens tickets in advance. By doing so, you can guarantee your entry, have flexibility in choosing your preferred date and time, avoid long queues and potential sold-out situations, and make the most of your visit by planning ahead. Additionally, booking in advance allows you to secure tickets for special events and exhibitions.
What is the architectural style used in the Kew Gardens Great Pagoda?
The Kew Gardens Great Pagoda is a prime example of Chinese architectural style, with its multi-tiered structure, sloping roofs, and intricate carvings. It features ten octagonal stories, each with diminishing heights, giving it a striking tapered appearance. The Pagoda's exterior is adorned with Chinese symbols and motifs, such as lions, dragons, and phoenixes.
How tall is the Kew Gardens Great Pagoda?
The Kew Gardens Great Pagoda stands tall at 163 feet, making it one of the tallest pagodas in the Western Hemisphere. It has ten floors, including a ground floor and nine upper levels, each with a balcony offering stunning views of the surrounding gardens.
Who built Kew Gardens Great Pagoda?
The Kew Gardens Great Pagoda was built by Sir William Chambers, a renowned architect who also designed the nearby Kew Palace. Chambers was known for his expertise in Chinese and classical architecture and had previously worked on projects for the royal family. Princess Augusta, the mother of King George III, commissioned Chambers to build the Pagoda as a symbol of her interest in exotic and rare plants, which she collected at Kew Gardens.
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