Opening in July 2026, Where Magic Grows has been developed using Thackray and RHS collections and expertise to create an immersive, interactive, family-friendly exhibition that reveals the ways the natural world supports our wellbeing. Where Magic Grows blends science and storytelling through a multisensory concept that has been shaped with the support of five young people, who have worked closely with museum curators and the RHS to create Thackray’s first fully co-produced exhibition, embedding their ideas, concepts and creative direction into every aspect of the exhibition – from start to finish.
Edward Appleyard, chief executive of Thackray Museum of Medicine, said:
“I am so delighted that we have had the opportunity to partner with the RHS on this exhibition – particularly following all their engagement work in and around the St James’ hospital site over the last year – and to create something that can be enjoyed by multiple generations, especially our youngest visitors.
Our ambition as a museum is to help shape a better tomorrow and part of that is to inspire curiosity about medicine, health and the human experience. Combined with the RHS’ commitment to engage people in the transformative power of nature, it has been fantastic to join forces and work alongside our five brilliant and inspirational young curators towards vital shared goals.
Thackray is proud to create immersive experiences that help people understand how medicine shapes our lives; demonstrating the important role that plants have in supporting our health and wellbeing is a truly valuable message for us all. Having access to RHS collections and expertise has enabled us to put together an exhibition that will provoke curiosity in all ages, demonstrate the wonder, power and importance of protecting plants and inspire people to help protect our environment.”
Families visiting Where Magic Grows can expect to step into a whimsical landscape, where a larger‑than‑life garden of plants, folklore and healing will come alive through play, imagination and discovery. Kids will be able to explore and learn while connecting their new-found discoveries with their own gardens and local parks, to see everyday plants in new ways and gain confidence in exploring nature with their families and grown-ups. The exhibition demonstrates how health, wellbeing and science are inextricably linked, as the intersection of plants, healing, folklore, magic and medicine combines to show how plants have long been used for healing; from ancient times to modern pharmaceuticals.
Fiona Davison, RHS Head of Libraries and Collections, said:
“Plants are full of magic, from centuries-old healing traditions to the folklore of creatures hidden in the undergrowth. Drawing from the RHS’ historic collections, we’re delighted to partner with Thackray and the young curators on an exhibition that invites families to rediscover the wonder of the natural world.”
In addition to the RHS collaboration, Dales-based artist Helen Brook has also worked closely with the young co-production team to translate their ideas into an experience that transforms the gallery into a fairytale-like landscape of large art installations. Helen’s ecological and sustainable approach with a focus on the natural world perfectly complements the young curators’ desire to create a magical garden for families to explore; prioritising play, wonder and exploration over text heavy displays and overwhelming information.