Kew Gardens Palace

The Kew Gardens Palace, also known as the Royal Palace of Kew, is a historic royal residence located in Kew, London. It was originally built in 1631 as a mansion for Sir Hugh Portman and was later purchased by King George III in 1781. The palace has undergone several renovations and additions over the years, with the latest renovation completed in 2018.

Must Checkout: Kew Gardens Temperate House

The palace features beautifully preserved rooms showcasing stunning artwork and furnishings. Visitors can explore the King's dining room, the Queen's drawing room, the Red Velvet Room, the Chinese Room, and other rooms that were once used by the royal family. The rooms are decorated with works by renowned artists such as William Kent, Joshua Reynolds, and Johann Zoffany.

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The library at Kew Gardens Palace is home to a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts, including works by Shakespeare and Isaac Newton. It also houses the Kew Herbarium, which contains over seven million dried plant specimens. The library is open to researchers by appointment and hosts several events throughout the year, including lectures and exhibitions.

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The Kew Gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site and feature a vast array of plant life, including rare and exotic species from around the world. The gardens cover 330 acres and are divided into several sections, including the Palm House, the Temperate House, the Princess of Wales Conservatory, and the Waterlily House. Visitors can explore the gardens on foot or take a guided tour to learn more about the fascinating history and science of the plants.

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The Orangery at Kew Gardens Palace is a grand glasshouse that was constructed during the reign of King George III. It was originally used to house citrus trees during the winter months but now serves as a venue for weddings, events, and exhibitions. The Orangery's elegant design and stunning glass walls make it a popular location for special events. Visitors can also explore the interior of the Orangery, which features beautiful plant displays and sculptures.

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The Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens Palace is a grand entrance that was built during the reign of King George III. The pagoda features stunning architecture, with ten stories and 253 steps leading to the top. Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda to enjoy panoramic views of the gardens and surrounding area. The pagoda was originally adorned with 80 wooden dragons, but they were removed in the 18th century.

Kew Gardens Palace is home to a magnificent collection of artworks that range from paintings and sculptures to botanical illustrations and photographs. The collection includes pieces from many different time periods and styles, with a focus on botanical art and illustration. Some of the most notable pieces include works by renowned botanical illustrators such as Georg Dionysius Ehret and Marianne North. Visitors can view the artworks throughout the palace's many galleries and exhibition spaces, or attend special exhibitions and events dedicated to specific artists or themes.

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Kew Gardens Palace has a rich and storied history that dates back over 250 years. Originally built as a private palace for King George III and Queen Charlotte, it was later converted into a botanical research center and public garden. Over the years, the palace has been home to some of the world's greatest botanists and plant collectors and has played an important role in the study and conservation of plant life.

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The gardens at Kew feature a range of scientific exhibits and displays, highlighting the importance of plant life to our world. The palace's research facilities and collections are among the most extensive in the world, with over seven million plant specimens, as well as a vast library of rare books and manuscripts. Kew scientists conduct research on a wide range of topics related to plant life, including plant conservation, ecology, genetics, and taxonomy.

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