The Royal Horticultural Society – Step inside Wisley’s Old Laboratory
Step inside Wisley’s Old Laboratory for the very first time
The doors to the Old Laboratory at RHS Garden Wisley are opening to visitors for the first time in over a century on 20 March 2023. Come on in to step back in time and walk in the footsteps of RHS scientists and students from years gone by.
Long considered the home of gardening science, the restored Grade II listed building is bringing to life a rich history of experimenting and exploring with immersive displays and interactive exhibits. Explore a series of rooms, each set within a time in history, to discover how the work conducted here helped to shape how we garden in the UK and around the world today.
Highlights include the Townsend Lecture Theatre set in 1921, Advisory Office from wartime Britain, Wolfson Laboratory with hands-on experiments to try, and Plant Collections focusing on historic expeditions.
The first temporary exhibition in the Wisley Gallery is called Royal Roots and celebrates the long association between the royal family and RHS. View the beautiful collection of watercolours signed by royal patrons for over 200 years, including Queen Elizabeth II’s final royal signature.
The Old Laboratory is open from 10am-5pm daily. Book your free time slot to start exploring.
This project was made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
