Marianne North Gallery at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Explore over 800 vibrant botanical paintings by pioneering Victorian artist Marianne North in a unique gallery at Kew Gardens.
The Marianne North Gallery, nestled within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, houses over 800 vibrant botanical paintings by Victorian artist Marianne North. This unique gallery showcases her pioneering work depicting more than 900 plant species from around the world, painted in their natural habitats during her extensive 19th-century travels. Open daily with entry included in the Gardens, it offers a fascinating blend of art, science, and exploration in a historic setting.
A brief summary to Marianne North Gallery
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, GB
- +442083325655
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit the gallery after exploring the Temperate House to enrich your botanical experience.
- Use interactive touchscreens inside to learn detailed stories behind selected paintings.
- Check the gallery’s opening times before your visit as occasional maintenance closures may occur.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Kew’s glasshouses and arboretum for a full botanical immersion.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Overground to Kew Gardens station, followed by a 10-15 minute walk through Richmond Green to the Gardens' Victoria Gate entrance. Trains run frequently, with typical journey times from central London of 30-40 minutes. A standard Oyster or contactless fare applies, approximately £3-£5.
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Bus
Bus routes 65, 110, and 237 serve stops near Kew Gardens. From Richmond or Brentford, buses run every 10-20 minutes with journey times around 10-20 minutes. Single fares are around £2-£3. The walk from the bus stop to Victoria Gate takes about 5-10 minutes.
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Car
Driving to Kew Gardens is possible but parking is limited and paid in nearby public car parks. Expect a 20-30 minute drive from central Richmond depending on traffic. Parking fees range from £3 to £5 per hour. The Gardens’ Victoria Gate is the nearest entrance to the Marianne North Gallery.
Marianne North Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Marianne North Gallery
A Visionary Artist’s Global Legacy
The Marianne North Gallery is a singular tribute to the adventurous spirit and artistic talent of Marianne North, a Victorian-era botanical artist who traveled the world alone to capture exotic plants and landscapes. Unlike traditional Victorian flower painting, North painted her subjects in their natural environments, producing over 800 detailed oil paintings that document more than 900 plant species. Her work predates colour photography and provides a vivid record of flora from remote and diverse regions, ranging from tropical rainforests to temperate woodlands.Architectural Uniqueness and Gallery Design
Completed in 1882, the gallery was built specifically to house North’s collection, following her offer to fund its construction at Kew Gardens. Designed with input from North herself and architect James Fergusson, the brick-built structure resembles a Victorian cabinet of curiosities, with paintings arranged geographically to allow visitors to follow her travels visually. The interior features decorative woodwork made from exotic timbers and original door panels painted with tea and coffee plants, symbolizing North’s botanical interests and her playful response to the refusal of serving refreshments in the gallery.An Immersive Botanical Experience
Visitors enter a world where art and science merge, surrounded by North’s vibrant depictions of plants in their natural habitats. The gallery’s layout encourages exploration of different continents and ecosystems, offering a panoramic educational journey through the 19th-century botanical world. Exhibitions often include rarely seen specimens from Kew’s Herbarium and Fungarium, complementing the paintings and deepening the botanical narrative.Historical and Cultural Significance
The gallery stands as the only permanent solo exhibition by a female artist in Britain, highlighting North’s pioneering role in botanical art and women’s history. Her work not only advanced scientific understanding but also challenged Victorian conventions about women’s roles and travel. The gallery has been restored carefully to preserve both the paintings and the historic building, maintaining its original Victorian character while integrating modern interpretive technology.Integration Within Kew Gardens
Situated near the Temperate House and Pavilion restaurant within the vast Royal Botanic Gardens, the gallery complements the living collections and glasshouses. Kew Gardens itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its historic landscape, scientific collections, and iconic glasshouses. The gallery enriches the visitor experience by providing a unique artistic perspective on the botanical treasures found throughout Kew.Visitor Engagement and Accessibility
Open daily from 10am to 5:30pm, the gallery is included with general admission to Kew Gardens. Interactive touchscreens allow visitors to explore selected paintings in detail, accompanied by excerpts from North’s memoirs and historical context. The gallery offers a tranquil, contemplative space ideal for art lovers, botanists, and curious travelers seeking to connect with nature’s diversity through an artistic lens.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
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- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
