Rare and Extinct
A unique chance to see some of the world’s rarest plants
Step inside the Temperate House for an exhibition exploring Kew’s unique collection of rare and threatened plants.
These special specimens are not usually found on display, instead they reside behind the scenes, within our remarkable Tropical Nursery.
Each octagon will be transformed into a Room of Rarity and a Room of Extinction – showcasing a selection of Kew’s most precious species.
Enjoy our display of plants that are classified as rare or now extinct in the wild, that highlights how Kew’s expert horticulturists are using their knowledge and skills to cultivate and care for them. The exhibition reveals their efforts to conserve the world’s most precious species and halt biodiversity loss, highlighting conservation horticulture as a critical skill for today and the future.
Alongside the living plants will be a curated selection from Kew’s historic collections, shining a spotlight on useful plant-based objects from our Economic Botany Collection, Herbarium and Archives.
Take a closer look at these important plants and the extraordinary people who care for them.
Exclusive access
Become a member now to get exclusive access, discounts and unlimited visits to this and other Kew showstopping events, as well as benefits all year round.
Daily, 12.30, start at Guides Desk, Victoria Plaza
The tours will feature rare and endangered plants growing in the Gardens, highlighting species that are the focus of Kew conservation projects and those that the IUCN has listed as threatened.
Sunday 10 November, 11am to 12noon, start at Victoria Gate
Advance booking only: email discovery@kew.org
This free British Sign Language tour offers Deaf visitors the chance to learn more about the exhibition from Kew’s trained guides.
Sunday 10 November, 1.30 to 2.30pm, start at Victoria Gate
This Sensory Tour allows visually impaired visitors to explore the exhibition through touch, sound, smell, and audio description.
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10.30am to 2pm, Temperate House Centre Block
Meet our Volunteer Explainers and get a hands-on look at Kew’s work to protect endangered plants, through equipment used by our scientists and horticulturists, plant specimens and other fascinating materials.
