Background

The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace

Explore centuries of royal art and history at The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace’s prestigious home to the Royal Collection.

4.5

The King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace in London is a prestigious public art gallery showcasing a rotating selection from the Royal Collection. Established in 1962 on the site of a bombed chapel, it features masterpieces including paintings, decorative arts, and rare historical objects. The gallery hosts temporary exhibitions highlighting British royal history and art, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the monarchy's cultural heritage.

A brief summary to The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace

  • London, Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA, GB
  • +443031237301
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Book tickets in advance to secure entry, especially during popular exhibitions and summer months.
  • Allow about 1.5 hours to fully enjoy the rotating exhibitions and detailed displays.
  • Visit from Thursday to Monday; the gallery is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays except in peak summer season.
  • Use nearby Victoria Tube station for convenient access, and be prepared for airport-style security screening.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Take the London Underground to Victoria station, served by the Circle, District, and Victoria lines. From there, it is a 6-minute walk to The King's Gallery. Tube services run frequently throughout the day, with ticket prices starting at approximately £2.40 with contactless payment.

  • Bus

    Multiple London bus routes stop near Buckingham Palace Road, including routes 11, 211, and 239. Buses run regularly, with fares starting at £1.75 using an Oyster card or contactless payment. The nearest stops are within a 5-minute walk of the gallery.

  • Coach

    Victoria Coach Station is about a 10-minute walk from The King's Gallery, making it convenient for visitors arriving by long-distance coach. Coach services vary by operator and route, with ticket prices depending on the departure location.

  • Walking

    If staying nearby in central London, walking to The King's Gallery offers an enjoyable experience through the historic Victoria area. The terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors, with an estimated walk time of 15 to 30 minutes from landmarks such as Westminster or Green Park.

The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace

A Royal Legacy Reborn

The King's Gallery, formerly known as The Queen's Gallery, is a distinguished art space located within Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch. It was established in 1962 on the site of a chapel destroyed by bombing during the Second World War. The gallery’s creation was inspired by the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and opened during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. It marked the first part of Buckingham Palace to open to the public, symbolizing a new era of accessibility to the Royal Collection, one of the world's most significant art collections held in trust by the monarch for the nation.

Architectural and Historical Significance

The gallery forms the most protruding south wing of Buckingham Palace and was extensively expanded and modernized in the early 2000s, with a reopening in 2002 to coincide with Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. The refurbishment tripled the exhibition space, adding a new classical Doric entrance portico and additional galleries. This transformation made it one of the most important architectural additions to the palace in over 150 years, blending classical design with modern gallery functionality.

Exhibiting the Royal Collection

The King's Gallery is dedicated to showcasing works from the Royal Collection, which includes over a million objects accumulated by British monarchs over centuries. The gallery typically displays around 450 works at a time, including old master paintings, rare furniture, decorative arts, textiles, ceramics, and photographs. The exhibitions rotate regularly, offering fresh insights into British royal history and artistic heritage. Temporary exhibitions often focus on specific themes or eras, such as the Edwardian period, featuring fashion, jewellery, paintings, and photographs.

The Edwardians: Age of Elegance Exhibition

One of the notable recent exhibitions, "The Edwardians: Age of Elegance," showcased more than 300 objects exploring the opulence and glamour of the Edwardian era. It highlighted the tastes and lifestyles of King Edward VII, Queen Alexandra, King George V, and Queen Mary, featuring works by renowned artists like Carl Fabergé, John Singer Sargent, and William Morris. Nearly half of the items were displayed for the first time, offering a rare glimpse into this influential period of British history.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

Visitors can expect to spend approximately 1.5 hours exploring the gallery, enjoying an immersive experience of royal art and history. The gallery is open Thursday to Monday, with extended summer hours from July to August when it opens daily. Entry requires advance booking, and visitors undergo airport-style security checks. The gallery is accessible via nearby Victoria Tube station and is part of the vibrant Victoria neighborhood, rich with other cultural landmarks and dining options.

Connecting Past and Present

The King's Gallery continues to serve as a cultural bridge, sharing the monarchy’s artistic treasures with the public. Its renaming in 2024 to reflect the reign of King Charles III underscores its living connection to the British royal family. The gallery not only preserves historic art but also invites contemporary audiences to engage with the evolving story of Britain's heritage through world-class exhibitions and educational programs.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace

Popular Hotels near The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace

Select Currency