Garden Museum

What to see at the Garden Museum

Housed in the St Mary-at-Lambeth church, the museum showcases a diverse range of exhibits, including botanical art, garden design and horticultural history.

Visitors can expect to encounter a variety of displays highlighting the evolution of gardens and their significance throughout different periods of history. From ancient gardening practices to contemporary innovations, the museum provides insight into the role of gardens in shaping societies and landscapes.

Visitors to the museum can also climb the 131 stairs to the viewing platform at the top of St Mary-at-Lambeth’s medieval tower, which offers spectacular views across the River Thames to Westminster.

The museum also boasts a tranquil garden space surrounding the church, providing a serene retreat amidst the bustle of the city. Visitors can wander through lush greenery, admire seasonal blooms and find inspiration for their own gardening projects.

Temporary exhibitions at the Garden Museum

In addition to its permanent collection, the Garden Museum hosts a programme of temporary exhibitions, looking into specific aspects of gardening and horticulture. Current and planned exhibitions include:

Frances Palmer: Pedestal Explorations
This exhibition (until 20 December 2024), showcases American ceramicist Frances Palmer’s focus on pedestal forms, including footed vases, tulipieres and bowls designed for floral display. The exhibition features white earthenware, porcelain, terracotta and wood-fired pieces, accompanied by photographs of Palmer’s Connecticut garden and floral arrangements.

Lost Gardens of London
The Lost Gardens of London exhibition (until 2 March 2025) explores the hidden history of gardens that once flourished in the capital, from private botanical gardens to allotments and menageries. Curated by landscape architect Dr Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, it features paintings, drawings, maps and photographs. The exhibition examines London’s evolving garden design trends and the impact of urban development on green spaces, with a public programme highlighting the efforts to preserve the city’s remaining parks and gardens.

Visiting the Garden Museum

The Garden Museum is in Lambeth, adjacent to Lambeth Palace and Lambeth Bridge and around midway between Waterloo and Vauxhall railway stations. Although the location may seem a little out of the way, it is actually within walking distance to the attractions of both Westminster and South Bank.

From here, it is less than a 15-minute walk north to the London Eye, the attractions around County Hall (which include the SEA LIFE London Aquarium and the London Dungeon) and the Florence Nightingale Museum and a walk across Lambeth Bridge will take you to the attractions of Westminster, including Tate Britain, the Jewel Tower, the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament) and Westminster Abbey, which are also all within a 15-minute walk from the museum.

Admission is fairly pricey for a little-known museum; however, entry is free with the London Pass and half-price with a National Art Pass. It is also possible to pay a lower admission fee to just climb the tower without gaining access to the museum.

Note that access to the tower closes an hour before the museum’s closing time and the tower may sometimes be closed during bad weather.

With the exception of the tower, the Garden Museum is accessible with wheelchair access through the Museum Cafe.

Visitor facilities include a cafe and gift shop.

Allow 1–2 hours for your visit to the Garden Museum.