The Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore art, heritage, and culture from the Royal Collection. The gallery offers a spectacular insight into the personal taste of the British monarchs, their traditions, and their history. Here's what you can expect from your visit to The Queen's Gallery.
The Queen's Gallery is located adjacent to Buckingham Palace, on the site of what was once a private chapel for Queen Victoria. The chapel was destroyed in an air raid in 1940, and at the suggestion of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh it was developed as an art gallery for the Royal Collection in 1962. In 1997, a project began to expand and modernise the gallery, the most significant addition to Buckingham Palace in 150 years. The Queen's Gallery was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, and today it hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection.
The Queen's Gallery is an architectural marvel that beautifully combines historic design elements with modern elegance. Nestled within the majestic Buckingham Palace, the gallery's interior has been thoughtfully designed to provide a fitting environment for the incredible artwork on display. From the grand entrance hall to the intricately detailed ceilings, the gallery exudes an air of sophistication and grandeur that captures the essence of the British monarchy. As you wander through the gallery's elegant spaces, you'll be surrounded by architectural elements that reflect the rich heritage of Buckingham Palace, enhancing your experience of the Royal Collection.
The Royal Collection, held in trust for the Nation by His Majesty The King, is an awe-inspiring treasure trove that spans over a million works of art, including old master paintings, sculptures, drawings, and decorative arts. Among the collection's many highlights are masterpieces by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Canaletto, as well as rare furniture, exquisite porcelain, and images from the vast photograph collection. The Royal Collection also features an impressive array of decorative arts, showcasing the finest craftsmanship from various eras and regions. As you explore the gallery, you'll uncover the artistic heritage that has shaped the British monarchy and discover the many facets of this extraordinary collection.
The Queen's Gallery offers exhibitions that explore specific themes related to art and history from the Royal Collection. These exhibitions provide a unique opportunity to discover new perspectives and insights into one of the world’s largest private art collections. Recent exhibitions have included "Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace, "Japan: Courts and Culture," and "Leonardo Da Vinci: A Life in Drawing"
Explore how the Georgians ushered in many of the cultural trends we know today, including the first stylists and influencers, the birth of a specialised fashion press and the development of shopping as a leisure activity. You’ll discover what fashion can tell us about life in the 18th century, a revolutionary period when trade, travel and technological innovations fuelled fashion trends across all levels of society. This exciting new exhibition includes 200 works from the Royal Collection by artists such as Gainsborough, Zoffany and Hogarth, as well as rare surviving examples of clothing and accessories, helping you explore what the Georgians wore, from the practical dress of laundry maids to the glittering gowns worn at court.
A visit to The Queen's Gallery promises an unforgettable experience that offers a rare glimpse into the rich and diverse cultural and artistic heritage of the Royal Collection. From the iconic masterpieces to the lesser-known pieces, each artwork in the collection has a unique story to tell. So, if you're a lover of art, history, or culture, don't miss the opportunity to visit The Queen's Gallery and immerse yourself in the opulent world of art and heritage.
The Queen's Gallery is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Opening time: 10:00
• Last admission: 16:15
• Closing time: 17:30
Closures
• 27 February – 20 April 2023 - Gallery closed
• 6 May 2023 - Gallery closed
The Queen's Gallery is part of a working royal palace so sometimes closures can happen at short notice. Any closure dates will be listed here.
• Photography and filming for non-commercial purposes are welcome at the Gallery. Out of consideration to other visitors, we ask that you go out of the exhibition space into the foyer if you need to make or answer a phone call.
• Food and drink are not permitted inside the gallery. Visitors are requested to leave their food and drink outside or in the designated areas.
• Large bags, rucksacks, and suitcases are not allowed inside the gallery. Visitors are requested to leave these items at home or in their accommodation.
• Strollers and pushchairs are not permitted inside the gallery. However, there is a cloakroom where visitors can leave their strollers and pushchairs.
• Visitors are requested to dress appropriately when visiting the Queen's Gallery. Clothing that is revealing or offensive is not allowed inside the gallery.
The Queen's Gallery is located at Buckingham Palace, in the heart of London, making it easily accessible by public transport, taxi, or on foot.
By metro: The nearest metro stations to the Queen's Gallery are Victoria, Green Park, and Hyde Park Corner, all within walking distance.
By bus: Several bus routes pass close to the gallery, including numbers 11, 211, C1, and C10 - stop on Buckingham Palace Road.
By taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout London and can drop you off at the entrance to Buckingham Palace, where the Queen's Gallery is located.
By foot: If you're exploring the city on foot, the Queen's Gallery is just a short walk from many of London's top attractions, including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Trafalgar Square.
No matter which mode of transport you choose, getting to the Queen's Gallery is easy, and there are plenty of signs to guide you to the entrance once you arrive at Buckingham Palace.
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A visit to the Queens Gallery in London is a must for any art lover or history buff. With impressive artworks in the Royal Collection and featured in stunning exhibitions, visitors will be amazed by the treasures on display. Book your London City Pass now to explore these and many more top London attractions. With a London City Pass, you can make the most of your time in London and enjoy everything this vibrant city has to offer.
Free admission to London's museums, attractions, and tours. Free public transport can be added. Discounts included.
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