How to visit The Queens Gallery at Buckingham Palace in London
If you are planning to visit the Queens Gallery at Buckingham Palace in London, here is everything you need to know.
Plan your visit
Experience the ever-evolving exhibitions showcasing treasures from the Royal Collection, including timeless masterpieces, exquisite antique furniture, ornate decorative arts, and captivating glimpses into the Queens Gallery´s extensive photography archive.
Situated to the right of Buckingham Palace, The Queen’s Gallery boasts its own dedicated entrance. It offers a rotating lineup of distinct exhibitions, with each year presenting a fresh array of captivating showcases. It is recommended to take a moment to look up the current exhibition schedule before of your visit, ensuring you’re well-informed about the compelling displays on offer.
The History of the Queens Gallery
The former structure that once occupied the site of today’s Queen’s Gallery had been designed by John Nash in the style of an Ionic temple. Initially, it functioned as one of Buckingham Palace’s conservatories. Upon its completion in 1831, it was repurposed as a private chapel for Queen Victoria starting in 1843. Unfortunately, it met its demise during a devastating air raid in 1940.
In 1997, John Simpson & Partners were commissioned to undertake a modernization and expansion project for The Queen’s Gallery, in honor of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. This ambitious endeavor encompassed various enhancements, including the creation of a new entrance, improved accessibility, the development of flexible gallery spaces, and the incorporation of advanced environmental controls. Notably, the design of the entrance drew inspiration from the architectural contributions of John Nash to Buckingham Palace’s Quadrangle, featuring exquisite friezes symbolizing The Queen’s reign and intricate relief panels depicting the Patron Saints of the United Kingdom.
The heart of the transformation centered around the main gallery, where three distinct rooms were thoughtfully redesigned to provide versatile display spaces. Notably, the Nash Gallery, a pivotal element of the original Queen’s Gallery, underwent a comprehensive reconstruction.
This ambitious project carried a price tag of £20 million, marking the most significant addition to Buckingham Palace in over 150 years. Remarkably, the endeavor was fully financed by the Royal Collection Trust through public admissions and retail activities, uniting a diverse team of highly skilled artisans in its realization.
Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians
The Exhibition is running from 21 April to 8 October 2023.
Step into a world of opulence and refinement as you embark on a captivating journey through time with the exhibition “STYLE & SOCIETY: Dressing the Georgians” at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. This exclusive showcase offers a rare glimpse into the extravagant world of Georgian fashion, where style was not merely clothing but an expression of one’s social status, aspirations, and identity.
The exhibition boasts a meticulously curated collection of garments and accessories that encapsulate the essence of the Georgian period. Visitors will have the privilege of witnessing elaborate court dresses, exquisite textiles, and the accessories that defined the era. Each piece tells a story of the individuals who wore them and the society they inhabited.
Holbein at the Tudor Court
The Exhibition is running from 10 November 2023 to 14 April 2024.
Hans Holbein held the prestigious title of the ‘image-maker’ at the Tudor court, entrusted with capturing the likenesses of prominent figures including Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Sir Thomas More. In this exhibition, you’ll have the privilege of encountering one of the most significant extant compilations of his masterpieces. Prepare to engage with the iconic personalities who defined 16th-century England through the artistry of this eminent Tudor court ‘image-maker.’ Discover the world of Holbein’s portraiture and immerse yourself in the presence of the era’s most renowned individuals.
Accessibility and facilities
Upon your arrival, you will go thru security procedures similar to those at airports. While you explore The Queen’s Gallery, you’ll have the opportunity to utilize a complimentary multimedia guide, which typically requires approximately an hour to fully enjoy.
Restroom facilities and amenities for baby care are available for your convenience. If you are accompanied by a pushchair, you are welcome to bring it into the Gallery, unless during exceptionally busy periods.
Public transport
Train: The nearest train stations are London Victoria (10 minute walk) or London Charing Cross (20 minute walk).
Underground: The nearest tube stations are Victoria, Green Park, St. James’s Park and Hyde Park Corner (all approximately 10 minutes walk).
Bus: Bus numbers 11, 211, C1 and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Road. Victoria Coach Station is a 10-minute walk from the Palace.
The Queen´s Gallery ticket pricing:
Adult: £19
Ages 18-24: £12
Children aged 5-17 and disabled visitors: £9.50
Children under 5: Free of charge
The Queen’s Gallery Opening Hours:
The Queen’s Gallery is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
It is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Gallery Closures:
Please be aware that the Gallery will be closed during the period from October 9 to November 9, 2023 and Friday, March 29, 2024.