Kew Gardens Great Pagoda | Witness A Chinese Architecture

About Kew Gardens Great Pagoda

The Kew Gardens Great Pagoda is an iconic landmark and a fascinating example of eighteenth-century architecture located in the Royal Botanic Gardens in London. The Pagoda was originally constructed in 1762 as part of a collection of buildings designed to adorn the gardens and provide a picturesque view for visitors.

The Pagoda was designed by Sir William Chambers, an esteemed architect and the Royal Academy's founding member. It was inspired by the architecture of East Asia, particularly China, and has ten octagonal levels, each adorned with striking Chinese-style dragons. The Pagoda's design was considered revolutionary at the time, and it quickly became one of the most significant and recognizable landmarks in the Kew Gardens.

Today, the Great Pagoda stands tall once again, towering over the gardens at a height of 163 feet. It is open to the public, and visitors can ascend the Pagoda's levels to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding gardens and the River Thames.

The Kew Gardens Great Pagoda is a shining example of how historical structures can be restored and preserved for future generations to appreciate. Its stunning architecture, intricate design, and rich cultural heritage make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting London and the Kew Gardens.

History Of Kew Gardens Great Pagoda

The Kew Gardens Great Pagoda is a ten-story tower located in the Royal Botanic Gardens in London, England.
It was built in 1762 by Sir William Chambers, a prominent architect of the time, in the style of the Chinese pagodas.
The pagoda was commissioned by King George III, who was a keen collector of exotic plants and animals, as well as Chinese and Japanese art.
The original pagoda was made of timber and stood 50 meters tall. It was adorned with 80 brightly painted wooden dragons, each with a different pose and expression.
The pagoda was a popular tourist attraction in the 18th and 19th centuries, and visitors were able to climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of London.
In 1784, King George III commissioned 20 life-sized wooden animals to be placed around the pagoda. These included tigers, lions, and a giraffe, and they were based on descriptions and illustrations in books.
In the 19th century, the pagoda fell into disrepair, and the dragons were removed for safety reasons.
In 1951, the pagoda was Grade I listed as a building of outstanding architectural and historic interest.
In 2016, a major restoration project began, and the pagoda was returned to its original appearance, with 80 new dragons created using modern materials.
The restoration project was completed in 2018, and the pagoda was reopened to the public for the first time in 40 years. Visitors can once again climb to the top and enjoy views of London.
Today, the Great Pagoda is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Kew Gardens, and it serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of Chinese design and architecture.

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Highlights Of Kew Gardens Great Pagoda

The Great Pagoda is a ten-story tower that was built in 1762 by Sir William Chambers in the style of Chinese pagodas. It stands 50 meters tall and is located in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
The pagoda was commissioned by King George III, who was an avid collector of exotic plants, animals, and art from China and Japan. The pagoda was designed to reflect this interest in Asian culture.
The pagoda is adorned with 80 brightly painted wooden dragons, each with a unique pose and expression. The dragons were recently restored in 2018 using modern materials to match the original design.
Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda to enjoy panoramic views of London. This view was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries when the pagoda was first built and visitors could climb to the top.
In 1784, King George III commissioned 20 life-sized wooden animals to be placed around the pagoda, including tigers, lions, and a giraffe. These were based on descriptions and illustrations in books as the King had not yet seen these animals in real life.
The pagoda fell into disrepair in the 19th century and was listed as a Grade I building of historic and architectural interest in 1951. It was then restored in 2016 and reopened to the public in 2018.

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