The Tate Britain Garden

The garden

Inspired by East Asian woodlands and resilient, drought-tolerant species, the planting reflects Tate’s sustainability commitments and uses long-lasting plants which increase biodiversity. A gently curving path made from garden stone reclaimed from the existing Tate Britain Garden leads to a circular seating area, crafted from repurposed materials. Surrounded by vibrant, biodiverse planting, the space invites conversation and connection, reimagining museum gardens as creative, social spaces.

A tranquil water feature, based on microscopic images of fungal structures, flows through a path of bronze dishes with illuminated rills, encouraging sensory engagement and wellbeing. In early 2026 a sculpture for the garden by a leading contemporary British artist will be announced, ahead of sculptures by iconic British artists from Tate’s collection being installed outside Tate Britain as part of the Clore Garden, a new green space for London made possible by the Clore Duffield Foundation.

Key plants

Roldana petasitis, Cycas revoluta, Farfugium japonicum, Magnolia grandiflora and Hakonechloa macra have all been chosen for their varying foliage.

Plants supplier: Kelways Plants, Desert to Jungle and Margheriti Piante

Sustainability notes

The learning-circle benches are made from low carbon concrete crafted using materials from the existing Tate Garden. The paving is also reclaimed from Tate and planting is chosen for climate resilience.

The designer – Tom Stuart-Smith

“I was inspired to be a landscape architect after meeting Geoffrey Jellicoe and Lanning Roper in my early 20’s. They showed me what was possible,” Tom Stuart-Smith.

Tom Stuart-Smith is a renowned landscape architect whose work blends naturalism with modern design, creating spaces that foster biodiversity, wellbeing, and social connection. With a background in zoology and landscape design, he has led major public projects across the UK and internationally, including transformative urban spaces, biodiverse gardens, and cultural landscapes. His designs often reflect a deep sensitivity to place, sustainability, and ecological richness, and he has received numerous accolades including nine RHS Chelsea gold medals and three Best in Show awards.

Alongside his professional practice, Tom is deeply committed to community engagement. He and his wife, Dr Sue Stuart-Smith, founded the Serge Hill Project for Gardening, Creativity and Health, a not-for-profit initiative offering nature-based resources and education to underserved groups. 

Tom is a Vice President of the Royal Horticultural Society, a Trustee of the Garden Museum, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, a Fellow of the Landscape Institute, and a Fellow of the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers. Tom was awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2023 and named a Royal Designer for Industry by the Royal Society of Arts in 2024.

About the sponsor – Tate

The Clore Garden at Tate Britain, made possible thanks to the vision of Dame Vivien Duffield and her support through the Clore Duffield Foundation, will open to the public in autumn 2026. The garden at Chelsea will demonstrate the importance of creating urban accessible green spaces and highlight the leading role of museums in providing public spaces where contemplation and relaxation can go hand in hand with joy and creativity.

Garden legacy

The garden will be incorporated into a new, larger garden at Tate Britain, on London’s Millbank. This new Clore Garden is anticipated to open in autumn 2026.