From sister estate, The Newt in Somerset, this interactive exhibition explores the intricate bonds between bees, the land and humankind. The Byzantium interactive installation was first exhibited by The Newt at the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. The pop-up exhibition, inspired by The Newt’s own Beezantium, has since been thoughtfully repurposed and now finds its permanent home at Babylonstoren.
Nestled behind the Moestuin (kitchen garden) at the rear of the Babylonstoren garden, The Byzantium offers visitors a rare chance to step into the hive mind and discover the world through the eyes of the honeybee.
A living lesson in collaboration
In contrast to our individualistic world, honeybees thrive through community. Each bee plays its part – engineer, nurse, cleaner, collector, undertaker and royalty – working together as one superorganism. Through a series of golden honeycomb displays, visitors can explore the bees’ collective world via drawers, peep holes, animations and infographics. Every detail reveals how these tiny creatures keep our ecosystems alive.
“Bees remind us of that cooperation, not competition, sustains life,” says Arné Stander, Babylonstoren’s resident beekeeper and entomologist. “Each bee knows its role – together, they create something extraordinary.”
A space to explore and reflect
The Byzantium blends design and discovery. Visitors can move at their own pace with state-of-the-art audio guides that share fascinating facts about bee behaviour, communication and hive structure. “The observation hives in the Byzantium are the real gems, offering visitors a real-time view of how a bee colony works together – it is magical to see the bees in action,” says Elsa Vogts, Babylonstoren museologist.
For those eager to go further, Babylonstoren offers beekeeping workshops led by Arné. Guests don protective suits for a hands-on hive experience that brings the world of bees to life. “More than an exhibit, this is a space for learning about and connecting with the smallest yet most powerful workers on earth,” says Arné.
Next to the Byzantium a new workshop reception area gleams with copper, ready to host several of the farm’s workshops.
Bees are essential to our food systems and biodiversity. Their pollination supports roughly one-third of all crops, yet their populations face growing threats from habitat loss and climate change. The Byzantium seeks to deepen understanding and respect for these vital pollinators. It’s a celebration of life, interconnectedness and the beauty of balance – values at the heart of Babylonstoren.
Beyond the exhibition, Babylonstoren continues to honour the bee through a beautiful collection of bee-inspired treasures available at shop.babylonstoren.com – from raw honeys (Sugar Gum, Fynbos, Macadamia Blossom and Wild Flower) and chocolate honeycomb rocks to soft tea towels and keepsakes that celebrate the artistry of the hive.
Visit the Byzantium
Visit the Byzantium, open daily from 09h00–16h00. Located behind the Moestuin at Babylonstoren Garden. Entry is included in the annual Babylonstoren Garden Membership, available from the Babylonstoren Ticket Office.
Beekeeping workshops by reservation only. For bookings and enquiries, contact enquiries@babylonstoren.com or visit www.babylonstoren.com.