THE Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) has opened its doors to a brand new exhibition following an exclusive preview event on Friday, 21 March 2025.
The Pressed for Time exhibition will be open to the public from 22 March to 29 June at the organisation’s John Hope Gateway visitor centre and is open throughout the Edinburgh Science Festival.
Showcasing the scientific and artistic significance of the Herbarium’s three million preserved plant and fungi specimens, it offers visitors an opportunity to explore the garden’s science and conservation through its preserved collections.
The Herbarium, at the RBGE, is one of the most active and significant collections in the world.
Encompassing more than 300 years of biodiversity research, the specimens held there represent two-thirds of the world’s plant and fungal species, supporting vital conservation initiatives worldwide.
Professor Olwen Grace, deputy director of science at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “At a time when biodiversity is under threat, these specimens are more critical than ever.
“These collections not only document the past but provide unique data to help shape the future of conservation and ecological restoration.
“The specimens in our Herbarium allow us to track changes in plant populations, identify species at risk, and find solutions to protect our natural world.”
Beyond its scientific impact, the exhibition aims to celebrate the connection between botany and the arts.
The display will include macrophotography by Levon Biss, as well as unique sensory research developed by artist Dr Siôn Parkinson.
Amy Porteous, projects producer at the research institute, explains: “This exhibition is an invitation to see the Herbarium through a new lens.
“It reveals how botanical research intersects with artistic expression, offering a deeper understanding of nature’s complexity and resilience.”
Featuring a diverse range of compelling specimens and stories, visitors will also gain insight into the innovative Darwin Tree of Life project, which is sequencing the genomes of Britain and Ireland’s flora and fauna to unlock new avenues for conservation.
As herbaria continue to evolve, so does the technology behind them.
Visitors will discover how the Edinburgh Garden is digitising its collection, making it accessible to researchers and the public online.
Currently, more than one-third of the collection is available, a crucial step in sharing and preserving this invaluable scientific resource for generations to come.
The Pressed for Time exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday 22 March to 29 June, at the John Hope Gateway visitor centre, Arboretum Place, with free entry.