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The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace

Explore centuries of royal art and history in the elegant King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace, home to the Royal Collection’s rotating masterpieces.

4.5

The King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a distinguished public art gallery showcasing changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Established in 1962 on the site of a bombed chapel, it features masterpieces ranging from old master paintings to decorative arts and rare furniture. The gallery offers an immersive experience into British royal history and artistry, with exhibitions such as 'The Edwardians: Age of Elegance' revealing the opulence of the Edwardian era. Open Thursday to Monday, it invites visitors to explore centuries of royal heritage in a modern yet historic setting.

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: 4 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 as entry is limited and the gallery can close temporarily for new exhibitions.
  • Visit between Thursday and Monday; from July to August the gallery is open daily.
  • Allow approximately 1.5 hours to fully explore the exhibitions.
  • Use the multimedia guide for richer insights into the artworks and royal history.
  • Expect airport-style security checks; strollers may need to be left at designated areas during busy times.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Take the London Underground to Victoria Station, served by the Circle, District, and Victoria lines; the gallery is a 6-minute walk from there. Alternatively, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner stations are about 12 minutes on foot. Single fares range from £2.50 to £5 depending on payment method and time.

  • Coach

    Victoria Coach Station is approximately a 10-minute walk from The King's Gallery. Coaches arrive regularly from across the UK, with ticket prices varying by route and operator.

  • Taxi or Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-share services can drop you directly at Buckingham Palace Road. Travel times vary with London traffic but typically range from 10 to 30 minutes from central London. Expect fares from £10 upwards.

  • Walking

    If staying nearby in Victoria or Westminster, walking to The King's Gallery is pleasant and accessible, taking around 10 to 20 minutes on flat, paved streets suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
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Discover more about The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace

Origins and Architectural Renewal

The King's Gallery, formerly known as The Queen's Gallery, was inaugurated in 1962 as the first part of Buckingham Palace to open to the public. It was constructed on the site of the palace’s private chapel, which was destroyed during a 1940 air raid in World War II. This innovative gallery, designed in a classical style, represents one of the most significant expansions of Buckingham Palace in over 150 years. A major refurbishment and extension completed in 2002, commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II, more than tripled the gallery’s space, adding a Doric entrance portico and new exhibition rooms, enhancing its role as a cultural beacon within the royal residence.

Royal Collection Showcase

Dedicated to displaying works from the Royal Collection, one of the world’s most extensive and important art collections, The King's Gallery offers a rotating programme of exhibitions featuring around 450 works at a time. The collection includes old master paintings, drawings, rare furniture, decorative arts, textiles, ceramics, and photographs, all held in trust by the monarch for the nation. The gallery serves as a vital window into centuries of British and European royal patronage of the arts, highlighting masterpieces by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, John Singer Sargent, and William Morris.

Exhibitions and Thematic Highlights

Exhibitions at The King's Gallery are carefully curated to explore different facets of royal history and artistry. The current exhibition, 'The Edwardians: Age of Elegance,' showcases over 300 objects including fashion, jewellery, paintings, and photographs from the Edwardian period, many displayed for the first time. This exhibition immerses visitors in the glamour and social life of Britain’s fashionable royal couples, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and King George V and Queen Mary, revealing their personal tastes and the era’s cultural vibrancy.

Visitor Experience and Atmosphere

Visitors to The King's Gallery enjoy a refined yet accessible cultural experience within the grandeur of Buckingham Palace. The gallery’s layout and lighting enhance the viewing of artworks and artifacts, while multimedia guides provide rich context and storytelling. The atmosphere balances the historic significance of the royal setting with a modern museum environment, making it a compelling destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Security is thorough, reflecting the gallery’s location within a working royal palace.

Location and Accessibility

Situated on Buckingham Palace Road in central London’s Victoria area, The King's Gallery is within walking distance of major transport hubs including Victoria Tube Station and Victoria Coach Station. The gallery is open Thursday to Monday, with extended summer hours from July to August. Visitors should book tickets in advance due to limited capacity and occasional closures for exhibition installations. The gallery’s proximity to other London landmarks makes it an ideal cultural stop in the heart of the city.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

The King's Gallery embodies the monarchy’s commitment to sharing its vast artistic heritage with the public. It stands as a symbol of continuity and adaptation, transforming a war-damaged site into a vibrant cultural institution. By hosting changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, the gallery not only preserves but also revitalizes interest in royal history and the arts, contributing to London’s rich tapestry of museums and galleries.

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