What's On

THE NEW JOHN HOPE GATEWAY

The John Hope Gateway Visitor Centre, designed to inspire members of the public to engage with the fragile environment on which we depend, has opened its doors at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.

This pioneering and beautiful building at the West Gate offers a host of new experiences and attractions for visitors of all ages, such as:

• Welcome and orientation
• Dedicated biodiversity garden (to be planted in autumn 2009/spring 2010)
• Participation zones covering the introduction, importance and involvement of biodiversity
• Real Life Science studio with live video/web links to scientists and nature in Scotland and around the world
• Education room
• Dynamic exhibition areas
• Informative energy efficiency and design displays
• Flexible format private meeting room
• Exceptional themed shop and restaurant

Displays and changing exhibitions give Garden visitors a chance to find out more about biodiversity loss, climate change and the need to use resources in sustainable ways. They can also enjoy historically important heritage artefacts and specimens from the RBGE's national collections that have not previously been accessible to the public.

The name of the new facility commemorates RBGE's Regius Keeper from 1761-1786, Professor John Hope, a leading botanist and teacher of his time who was also responsible for unifying the Gardens at one site on Leith Walk.   Opening times are:-

Saturday and Sunday from 9.00a.m.

Monday to Friday from 9.30 a.m.

closing daily October/March at 6p.m. and April/September at 7pm.