The Garden Museum was founded by Rosemary and John Nicholson in 1977 in order to rescue the abandoned church of St Mary’s at Lambeth, which was due for demolition. The church is the burial place of John Tradescant (c1570 – 1638), the first great gardener and plant-hunter in British history. His magnificent and enigmatic tomb is the centrepiece of the courtyard garden, designed to reflect Tradescant’s life and spirit.
Visitors will discover the stories of great gardeners through a permanent collection of artefacts and tools from gardening throughout history alongside botanical art, photography, and paintings exploring how and why we garden. Exhibitions, events, and community projects delve into art, architecture, plant science, food, sustainability, well-being and more, all through the lens of gardening. The Museum is also home to the Archive of Garden Design, which preserves and provides access to the working records of leading British garden designers of the 20th and 21st century.
At the heart of the Museum is a sheltered courtyard garden designed by Dan Pearson as an ‘Eden’ of rare plants conjuring up a calm and reflective atmosphere. The front garden was designed by Christopher Bradley-Hole an architect who retrained as a garden designer. This garden invites visitors to enter and look back at the towers of Lambeth Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.
At the Garden Museum is a shop, which is free for browsing during opening times and a Garden Cafe serving British and European, light, fresh and seasonal dishes.
The medieval tower also now open to visitors and those who climb the 131 steps are rewarded with stunning views across the Thames to Westminster.
Accessibility
The Garden Museum is accessible to wheelchair users with level access to the museum through the Garden Cafe. Guide, hearing and assistance dogs are also welcome in all areas of the Museum.
Address: Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7LB
Further Information: Visit - Garden Museum
Details
- Address:
- Garden Museum
- SE1 7LB
- Transport:
- Ten minute walk from Vauxhall, Westminster, Waterloo and Lambeth North stations.