About the Temperate House
This Grade I listed building is the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world.
It was built to display Kew’s temperate plant collection. These plants need to live under glass where the temperature stays above 10°C.
It is home to 1,500 temperate species from five continents and 16 islands. These are some of the world’s rarest and most threatened temperate plants.

© Jeff Eden/RBG Kew


© Jeff Eden/RBG Kew

© Jeff Eden/RBG Kew

© Jeff Eden/RBG Kew

© Rebecca Hilgenhof/RBG Kew
History of the Temperate House
- Designed by Decimus Burton, who also designed the Palm House for tropical plants
- Opened in May 1863 but construction continued for 36 years
- Built on a mound of gravel and sand, the spoil from Kew's Lake
- 127 bombs dropped on Kew during WWII caused structural damage to the Temperate House
Five year restoration project
Accessibility
Highlights and floorplan
What is temperate?
Accessibility
Step-free access is available via the western side of the building
Level pathways throughout the ground floor
Balcony not accessible for wheelchairs or buggies
Closest entrances: Victoria Gate and Lion Gate
Nearest Kew Explorer land train stop: Stop 2