Library and Archives: history and highlights tour

Go behind the scenes on a free guided tour of Kew's Library and Archives.

Two library books opened to show plant illustrations

Date and time

7 November 2025

10 November 2025 SOLD OUT

5 December 2025 SOLD OUT

6 February 2026

9 March 2026

11am

Location

Library and Archives Reading Room, Herbarium building, north side of Kew Green. Meeting point Herbarium reception.

Prices

Free, booking required

Join us for a look behind the scenes on a free guided tour of the Library and Archives at Kew.

To tie in with Flora Indica: Recovering the lost histories of Indian botanical art, currently showing at Kew’s Shirley Sherwood Gallery, tours on 7 November, 6 February and 9 March will take a look at a selection of Library and Archives collections relating to India, South and South East Asia.

Kew’s Library and Archives collection spans 2,000 years of plant knowledge and discovery. With information on the naming, classification and uses of plants, plant ecology, conservation, and the wild plants of the world, it's a treasure trove of plant stories. Discover the history and some highlights from our library, illustrations and archives collections. 

Cropped image of Pajanelia longifolia
© RBG Kew

 

Important information

  • This event is free of charge, but tickets must be booked in advance
  • This tour does not include entry into the Gardens
  • You do not need to enter the Gardens to join this tour. The Herbarium building is located outside of the main garden site and gates
  • This event is suitable for ages 16 and over
  • Tours will last approximately 1 hour.

 

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