Kew’s Orchid Festival 2025 to pay tribute to Peru’s Flora and Fauna

Explore the rich biodiversity of Peru through orchids, art, and culture at Kew Gardens’ Orchid Festival from 1 February 2025.

Henck Röling, Kew Champion putting the finishing touches to a display. © RBG Kew.

Kew Gardens’ iconic Orchid Festival returns in 2025, offering a breathtaking journey through the spectacular landscapes and rich biodiversity of Peru. From 1 February to 2 March 2025, the Princess of Wales Conservatory will be transformed into a vibrant homage to Peru’s diverse ecosystems, including its rainforests, deserts, and mountain ranges. This year’s festival celebrates Peru’s floral and fauna, featuring more than 3,000 species of orchids, along with sculptures, art, and cultural exhibitions.

A highlight of the festival will be the creation of large-scale floral displays inspired by Peru’s natural wonders. The central pond will showcase a magnificent cornucopia, symbolising the abundance of biodiversity found in the country. Smaller ponds will feature orchid sculptures of parihuanas (Andean flamingos) set against the majestic Machu Picchu, while the rare Puya raimondii, known as the Queen of the Andes, will be displayed as part of an effort to raise awareness about endangered species. The exhibit will also include an orchid-aviary, celebrating Peru’s diverse birdlife, as well as an alpaca adorned in orchids, capturing the charm of Peru’s wildlife.

Orchids at Kew Gardens, celebrating the remarkable biodiversity of Madagascar. © RBG Kew.

Also on display will be work by renowned Peruvian photographer Mariano Vivanco, who will present large-scale works from his PERU collection, offering a contemporary perspective on the country’s ancient history, from the Caral civilisation to the Inca Empire. Alongside Vivanco’s visuals, visitors will enjoy murals and hand-painted pottery by Lima-born artist Gisella Stapleton, whose work draws on the strength and resilience of Latin American women.

Orchids at Kew Gardens, celebrating the remarkable biodiversity of Madagascar. © RBG Kew.

The festival also highlights Kew’s commitment to science and conservation, with the Royal Botanic Gardens’ ongoing research initiatives in Peru. These vital scientific collaborations focus on ecosystem mapping, forest restoration, and the conservation of crop wild relatives. Visitors can learn about Kew’s efforts to protect Peru’s unique flora, which is increasingly threatened by climate change and habitat loss. Kew’s work in Peru forms part of its broader mission to use plants and fungi to end the extinction crisis and secure a sustainable future for the planet.

Date: 1 February - Sunday 2 March 2025. Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond, TW9 3AE. Price: from £13.50. Entry to Orchids Peru is included when purchasing a ticket to Kew Gardens. Book now.

The Orchid Festival will host exclusive After Hours events on Fridays and Saturdays in February 2025. These evenings will feature live Peruvian music, dance performances, and traditional food and drinks, including Pisco sours.