The Palm House stands as a remarkable greenhouse within Botanic Gardens, Belfast, renowned as one of the oldest surviving examples of curvilinear iron and glass structures worldwide.
Constructed in 1839, the Palm House was designed by Charles Lanyon and built by Richard Turner, an esteemed architect from Dublin. This architectural marvel predates similar glasshouses at Kew Gardens in London and the Irish National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin—both of which Turner later designed.
The Palm House comprises two distinct wings: the cool wing and the tropical wing. Originally, Lanyon’s plans were modified to increase the height of the tropical wing’s dome, enabling the accommodation of taller plant species within.
Today, the Palm House continues to serve as a testament to Victorian-era engineering and horticultural innovation. It remains a cherished feature within Botanic Gardens, attracting visitors with its historical significance, architectural beauty, and the diverse array of exotic plants housed within its glass walls.
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