The Power of Trees
Uncover the secrets of the forest in this new exhibition.
The Power of Trees invites visitors to explore the enduring beauty of trees across art and culture.
The exhibition showcases a diverse range of works, from intricate botanical illustrations to a groundbreaking video installation, which look at how trees have shaped human creativity.
Finnish visual artist Eija-Liisa Ahtila’s Horizontal–Vaakasuora offers an awe-inspiring portrayal of a 30-metre-tall spruce in Finland's boreal forest. Complete with the sounds of a creaking trunk and birdsong, this living portrait captures the majesty of this ancient tree while challenging our perceptions of the natural world.
Accompanying the installation are Ahtila’s preparatory works, Anthropomorphic Exercises in Film, making their UK debut at Kew.
Another highlight of the exhibition is the world premiere of 20 newly commissioned botanical artworks by The Bedgebury Pinetum Florilegium Society. Each artwork is both a visual masterpiece and a scientific record, continuing the centuries-old tradition of botanical illustration. Visitors can delve even further into the shared history of Kew and Bedgebury through previously unseen archival materials.
The Power of Trees is a celebration of nature’s artistic and scientific influence, inviting visitors of all ages to reflect on their own connections with trees. Don’t miss this extraordinary exhibition at Kew Gardens in 2025.
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- Do not run, eat or drink while in the galleries.
- Follow the recommended route.
- Keep a safe distance from the artworks and do not touch them.
- Carry small bags at your side – please do not bring suitcases, large bags or rucksacks into the galleries. Unfortunately, we cannot store any bags or coats.
- Leave buggies in the buggy park outside.
- Manual wheelchairs are welcome, but we cannot accommodate mobility scooters.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times. Please hold hands with small children in your party throughout your visit and ensure that they do not touch the artworks.
- School groups must be accompanied by a teacher.
- For the safety of our visitors and our collections, please visit the gallery in small, staggered groups of 12 or less. Please note this number may change according to the exhibition on display and is at the discretion of the Galleries Team.