amazing body of work
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Marianne North Gallery

4.8
·528 reviews·, United Kingdom

A hidden gem at Kew Gardens, housing over 800 vibrant botanical paintings by Victorian artist Marianne North.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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amazing body of work

Marianne North Gallery

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hidden gem at Kew Gardens, housing over 800 vibrant botanical paintings by Victorian artist Marianne North. Instagram

4.8
(528 reviews)

"One of the most outstanding galleries on Earth; unique, beautiful, and inspiring. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Free with Kew Gardens Entry

Your Kew Gardens ticket includes access to the Marianne North Gallery, making it a fantastic value! :ticket:

Floor-to-Ceiling Art

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer volume of paintings, displayed from floor to ceiling. :eyes:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Over 800 Botanical Masterpieces

Over 800 Botanical Masterpieces

Gallery Walls

Immerse yourself in a stunning collection of over 800 oil paintings by Marianne North, covering walls floor-to-ceiling.

Instagram
A Victorian Explorer's Legacy

A Victorian Explorer's Legacy

Gallery Narrative

Learn about Marianne North's solo travels to 15 countries, defying conventions to document rare plants.

Instagram
Unique Old-World Charm

Unique Old-World Charm

Gallery Architecture

Experience the impressive, classic ambiance of the gallery building, a perfect backdrop for North's art.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

A Hidden Gem for Art & Nature Lovers

Discover the Marianne North Gallery at Kew Gardens, a unique space showcasing over 800 botanical paintings by a pioneering Victorian artist. It's a free addition to your Kew Gardens visit, offering a glimpse into global flora and a remarkable woman's adventurous spirit. Instagram

Plan Your Visit to the Gallery

The Marianne North Gallery is located within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Admission to the gallery is included with your Kew Gardens ticket. Check Kew Gardens' official website for opening hours and any temporary closures for conservation work. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Anytime with Kew Gardens
Why
Included with admission
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

In honour of Marianne North’s 194th birthday, let’s step inside her gallery 🖼️ #MarianneNorth #KewGardens #botanicalart #botanicalillustration #inspiringwomen #londonhiddengems
kewgardens
30.1K likes • 515.6K views

Free with Kew Gardens Entry

Your Kew Gardens ticket includes access to the Marianne North Gallery, making it a fantastic value! :ticket:

Floor-to-Ceiling Art

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer volume of paintings, displayed from floor to ceiling. :eyes:

The Marianne North Gallery reopens this weekend! 🖼️ The gallery was closed throughout January so that the team could complete essential conservation work and detailed assessments of this incredible collection of oil paintings, which have been at Kew for over 140 years. We’re delighted that the doors are open again for visitors to learn about the life and legacy of this incomparable artist. 💚 Ha...
kewgardens
15K likes • 310.5K views
Un paraíso para los amantes del arte botánico! ¿Lo conocen? 🌿🌸 Marianne North fue una artista botánica inglesa que en el siglo XIX desafío todas las convenciones de su época: los mandatos victorianos, lo que se esperaba de una mujer y hasta las reglas de la ilustración botánica. Toda su obra hoy se puede ver en la galería que ella misma creó en Kew Gardens, Londres. Su historia y las de muchas...
historiasenverde
673 likes • 12.4K views

A Pioneer's Journey

Discover the incredible story of Marianne North, a Victorian artist who traveled solo worldwide. :woman_traveling:

Explore by Region

The gallery is organized by region, offering a narrative journey through North's global expeditions. :compass:

Have you ever visited this hidden gem in London? It’s the Marianne North gallery at Kew Gardens. More than 800 botanical paintings cover the walls, made in the 19th century by North, a pioneering artist. . . . . #londonhiddengems #artgallerylondon #londonartscene #londonartgallery #kewgardens #mariannenorth #secretlondon
art_distance
218 likes • 2.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free with Kew Gardens Entry

Your Kew Gardens ticket includes access to the Marianne North Gallery, making it a fantastic value! :ticket:

Floor-to-Ceiling Art

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer volume of paintings, displayed from floor to ceiling. :eyes:

A Pioneer's Journey

Discover the incredible story of Marianne North, a Victorian artist who traveled solo worldwide. :woman_traveling:

Explore by Region

The gallery is organized by region, offering a narrative journey through North's global expeditions. :compass:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(528 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Marianne North Gallery as a unique and breathtaking experience, highlighting the sheer volume and quality of the botanical paintings. Many appreciate the historical significance of Marianne North's travels and her contribution to art and science. The gallery's charming atmosphere and its inclusion with Kew Gardens entry are also frequently mentioned positives.

"What a wonderful experience it is to visit this art gallery. It is filled with breathtaking paintings of landscapes around the world. It is completely free to visit this place if you have entered kew gardens."

Sabith Fariq

"Truly unique venue! So classy and breathtaking the art work is impeccable! The old word charm of this building sets an impressive stage…just add outstanding friends and family and you are sure to have a great night."

Tori Domaille

"The Marianne North gallery is exceptional. It is incredible to imagine her travels, and her contribution to botanical art is unparalleled."

Emily Ambler

What People Like

Stunning botanical paintings
Unique immersive display
Pioneering artist's story

What People Dislike

Can be crowded at peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Marianne North Gallery is located within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. You can reach Kew Gardens via the London Underground (District Line to Kew Gardens station), by bus, or by car. Once inside Kew Gardens, follow the signs to the gallery. Instagram

Yes, Kew Gardens has a car park available for visitors. It's advisable to check their website for current parking fees and availability before your visit. Reddit

Absolutely! The District Line on the London Underground serves Kew Gardens station, which is a short walk from the entrance. Several bus routes also stop nearby. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Marianne North Gallery is included with your general entry ticket to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Reddit

The gallery follows the opening hours of Kew Gardens. It's best to check the official Kew Gardens website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary seasonally. Instagram

The gallery may occasionally close for essential conservation work, as seen in January. Always check the Kew Gardens website for any announced closures before your visit. Instagram

Kew Gardens offers various ticket types, including concessions for seniors, students, and children. Check their website for details on pricing and potential discounts. Reddit

🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience

It's renowned for housing over 800 vibrant botanical paintings by the 19th-century artist Marianne North, showcasing flora from around the globe. Instagram

To fully appreciate the collection and Marianne North's story, allow at least 30-60 minutes. You might spend longer if you're a keen art or botany enthusiast. Instagram

Yes, children can enjoy the colorful paintings and learn about different plants and places. It's a visually engaging experience. Instagram

Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but it's always best to check for any specific signage or ask a member of staff. Instagram

Its uniqueness lies in the sheer volume of paintings displayed floor-to-ceiling, the personal narrative of a pioneering female artist, and its historic setting within Kew Gardens. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most striking photo opportunities are the walls covered in paintings, creating a dense, colorful tapestry. Capturing the scale and detail of North's work is key. Instagram

While personal photography is usually allowed, flash photography is typically prohibited to protect the artwork. Always look for signs or ask staff. Instagram

Wide shots to capture the immersive effect of the paintings on the walls, and close-ups to highlight the intricate details of individual botanical illustrations are effective. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Marianne North Gallery offers a visually stimulating experience for families. The vibrant colors and diverse plant subjects can capture children's imaginations, turning it into a fun 'I Spy' game with different flowers and leaves. Instagram It's a great opportunity to introduce kids to art and the natural world in a less overwhelming setting than larger museums. Remember to check Kew Gardens' family-friendly activities for a full day out. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For art lovers, the Marianne North Gallery is a must-visit. The collection showcases a significant body of work by a pioneering female artist, offering insights into 19th-century botanical illustration techniques and artistic styles. Instagram The immersive display and the historical context of North's travels add layers of appreciation beyond the visual beauty of the paintings. Reddit

🌿 Nature & Botany Buffs

Botanists and nature enthusiasts will find the gallery exceptionally rewarding. Marianne North's dedication to documenting plants in their natural environments provides valuable scientific and historical records. Instagram The gallery offers a unique perspective on global flora and the history of botanical exploration. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Marianne North: Artist and Explorer

Marianne North (1830-1890) was a remarkable Victorian artist who defied societal expectations to pursue her passion for botanical illustration. Unlike many female artists of her time, she undertook extensive solo expeditions to remote corners of the world, including North and South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. Instagram Her dedication was driven by a desire to capture plants in their natural habitats, often documenting species that were rare or newly discovered. Instagram

Her travels were not without challenges, but North's determination led her to visit 15 countries over 14 years. She meticulously painted over 800 works, capturing the vibrant colors and intricate details of exotic flora. Instagram This incredible body of work forms the core of the Marianne North Gallery at Kew Gardens, a testament to her adventurous spirit and significant contribution to botanical art and science. Instagram

The Marianne North Gallery Experience

Stepping into the Marianne North Gallery is like entering a time capsule of botanical art. The gallery's design, with its walls covered from floor to ceiling in North's paintings, creates an immersive and breathtaking visual experience. Reddit The sheer volume of artwork is astounding, with each piece offering a unique glimpse into the diverse plant life of the regions North visited. Reddit

The collection is thoughtfully arranged by geographical region, allowing visitors to follow North's journeys and understand the context of her discoveries. Reddit This narrative approach enhances the appreciation of her work, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of her expeditions. The 'old-world charm' of the building itself adds to the atmosphere, making it a truly special and memorable visit. Reddit

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