The John Hope Gateway, at the West Gate of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, is a modern visitor centre, shop, multimeda gallery, museum, and garden, all rolled into one. The chalet-styled building, which was purpose-built on the old Royal Botanic Garden shop and opened in October 2009, is also an example of green construction techniques.
"The central message of the Gateway is that plants are fundamental in creating a world that can support all life on this planet, including ourselves," says Botanics Regius Keeper, Professor Blackmore.
As well as making an impressive entrance, the centre houses a gift shop, education rooms, a real life science studio, permanent and temporary exhibitions, interactive media, plant sales and Gateway restaurant.
John Who?
The new building is named after John Hope who was RBGE's Regius Keeper from 1761 to 1786.