Unleashing imagination…

The Temple of the Imagination was first created in 2006 for the re-opening of Kew Palace. Inspired by the Chinese Pavilion, a small building built at Kew for Princess Augusta in 1762, community groups and artists worked to create a new building which brings together the stories of Kew Palace and Kew Gardens.

The project is a partnership between Historic Royal Palaces and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.
In September 2010 the Temple of the Imagination was completely refreshed. Many different community groups took part in sessions which saw new wall panels and new copper flowers added to decorate this small hexagonal building (located next to the White Peaks shop and cafe in Kew Gardens).

We continue the creative development of this space together with  community groups and artist–our latest addition is printed canopy inspired by the old Georgian wallpaper and display of plant macro photographs .



The Temple of the Imagination is used for community session, but members of the public can also use it, and be inspired by the artworks which reflect the stories of the palace and gardens.
You can watch the video of its construction and decoration here.