An innovative new visitor experience at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is one step closer to reality, thanks to a £750,000 award from the Wolfson Foundation. The grant from the UK charity will help support the restoration of the organisation’s nineteenth century Palm Houses and deliver an exciting new themed journey for all to enjoy.

Located at the heart of the Garden, the two Palm Houses are outstanding examples of late Georgian and Victorian engineering, part of Scotland’s built heritage and a safe refuge for many beautiful and fascinating plants, some of which are endangered in their native habitats.

However, at almost 200 years old, they are showing their age, with the fabric of the buildings in desperate need of repair. A comprehensive programme to renovate the historic infrastructure is now well underway, helping to conserve the iconic arched windows, repair eroded stonework and replace the extensive glazing with more energy efficient panes.

Once this complex conservation work is complete, reimagined interpretation will engage a new generation of visitors with the beauty and wonder of the natural world, exploring how plants and fungi, cultivated and studied at RBGE, have shaped and influenced almost all aspects of human life – from what we eat to what we believe.

Thought-provoking interpretation will showcase how the work of RBGE’s scientists and horticulturists are at the front line in the battle to conserve biodiversity and protect the planet’s most vulnerable plant species.

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: “The Palm Houses are not just beautiful buildings, but also have outstanding horticultural, educational and heritage significance. We are delighted to award a grant to restore the buildings with new interpretation, allowing future generations of visitors to be inspired by the plants showcased in them.”

Simon Milne, MBE, Regius Keeper, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh added: “We are hugely grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for this vitally important award which will not only serve to protect buildings of unique architectural significance to Scotland but will also help safeguard our unique Living Collection of plants.

“At a time when 40 per cent of all known plants are under threat, visionary interpretation and activities will help communicate the importance and vulnerability of life on Earth, inspiring visitors to join us in the fight back against biodiversity loss, climate emergency and biosecurity threats.”

In addition to support from the Wolfson Foundation, the Palm Houses are being restored thanks to backing from the Scottish Government, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, Garfield Weston Foundation and other supporters.

Learn more about the Palm House restoration, wider Edinburgh Biomes project and how you can support our ongoing fundraising efforts.