The exciting event takes place on May 17 and 18 2025, coinciding with the Worldwide Day of Botanical Art (May 18), and celebrates one of the most vital and yet often overlooked disciplines in botanical study - the traditional and exacting art of botanical illustration.
During the special exhibition, visitors will have the chance to meet the artists behind the work, explore their techniques, and discover how this time-honoured discipline continues to shape our understanding of the natural world.
Far more than just beautiful paintings, the works on display are vital scientific tools. Each piece of art highlights the intricate structures, subtle nuances and diversity of plant life, with a level of clarity and accuracy that cannot be captured through photography.
The Eden Project Florilegium Society (EPFS) preserves and celebrates plant diversity through botanical illustration. Its mission includes maintaining a secure archive of artworks and herbarium specimens, promoting education and interest in botanical art, and supporting Eden’s horticultural legacy through scientific documentation.
This inspiring exhibition of illustrations is a precursor to a major showcase planned for the Eden Project’s 25th anniversary in 2026.
The Eden Project exhibition coincides with botanical art displays in over 20 countries worldwide, including a parallel activity in the UK in Birmingham (May 13-24) and supporting activities at Kew Gardens.
The Eden Project Florilegium Society makes a vital contribution to the international movement, spotlighting the UK and Cornwall’s botanical richness through the precision and beauty of botanical illustration.
Founded in 2000, EPFS offers far more than a traditional archive - bringing together scientific accuracy, artistic excellence, and public engagement through exhibitions, workshops, and educational events.
Alongside EPFS' skilled botanical artist's illustrations, the society also produces accompanying herbarium specimens, physical dried plant records of the very plants depicted. This dual documentation ensures a lasting legacy for scientific research, conservation, and education. The society currently holds 151 botanical paintings in its archive, each accompanied by a digitised herbarium specimen.
Peter Jones, the Eden Project’s Director of Horticulture, said: “We are overjoyed to have the Eden Project Florilegium Society's work on display this year. Not only does it showcase the incredible talent within this group of devoted volunteers, but in this exhibit their work will highlight the natural beauty of some of the precious plants you can see at the Eden Project and throughout Cornwall. These plants are key to our connection with the natural world.
“We hope our visitors on May 17 and 18 enjoy this very rare and limited opportunity to explore the detail that our plant science depends on.”
Entry into the exhibition on May 17 and 18 is included with standard Eden Project admission. To book tickets to visit the Eden Project see www.edenproject.com.
For more about the global initiative see www.assocbotanicalartists.com.
