The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace

Location

About

The Queen's Gallery, located in the heart of London at Buckingham Palace, is an art gallery that showcases the vast collection of art and treasures owned by the British monarchy. As a tourist, a visit to The Queen's Gallery is an opportunity to witness some of the most important and awe-inspiring works of art in the world.

The Gallery itself is a stunning piece of architecture, designed by Sir John Soane in the 1820s. It underwent a major renovation in 2002 and now boasts modern facilities and state-of-the-art exhibition spaces. The Gallery is open to the public year-round, except for brief periods during official royal events, making it a must-visit attraction for any art lover traveling to London.

One of the major highlights of The Queen's Gallery is the changing program of exhibitions on offer. Each year, a series of special exhibitions are curated from the Royal Collection, which is one of the most significant and wide-ranging art collections in the world. These exhibitions offer visitors a chance to see works that are rarely displayed publicly, and to learn more about the history of the monarchy and its relationship with the arts.

The exhibitions cover a wide range of themes and periods, from the art of the Italian Renaissance to contemporary works, and from rare manuscripts and books to precious jewels and costumes. Recent exhibitions have included a collection of watercolors by Queen Victoria, a display of exquisite Fabergé eggs, and an exploration of the art and science of gold.

The Gallery also houses a permanent collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, which provide an insight into the tastes and interests of the royal family over the centuries. Highlights of the permanent collection include works by Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Vermeer, as well as a stunning display of Sèvres porcelain.

In addition to the art on display, a visit to The Queen's Gallery offers a unique insight into the workings of the monarchy. Visitors can learn about the role of the Royal Collection, which is held in trust by the monarch for the nation, and about the various ways in which the royal family has supported the arts over the centuries.

Finally, it's worth noting that a visit to The Queen's Gallery can be combined with a tour of Buckingham Palace itself. During the summer months, when the palace is open to the public, visitors can purchase a combined ticket that allows them to explore both the Gallery and the palace. This is a great way to experience the full grandeur of one of the world's most famous royal residences.

In conclusion, a visit to The Queen's Gallery is a must-see attraction for any art lover visiting London. With its changing program of exhibitions, stunning architecture, and rich history, it provides a unique insight into the world of the British monarchy and its relationship with the arts.

Gallery

Things to do nearby

If you're visiting London, a visit to Buckingham Palace is likely high on your list of must-see sights. But did you know that there's a lot more to see and do in the area surrounding the palace? One spot in particular that's worth checking out is The Queen's Gallery, which is located on the Buckingham Palace grounds. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best places to visit and things to do near The Queen's Gallery.

The Queen's Gallery

Let's start with The Queen's Gallery itself. This beautiful gallery is home to a rotating collection of artwork from the Royal Collection Trust. From old master paintings to contemporary art, there's always something interesting to see here. The gallery is open daily, and tickets can be purchased on-site or online in advance. If you're a fan of art, The Queen's Gallery is definitely worth a visit.

Buckingham Palace

Of course, no visit to the area would be complete without a stop at Buckingham Palace itself. While the palace is only open to the public during certain times of the year, you can still get a great view of it from the outside. Be sure to check out the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily during the summer months and on alternate days during the winter.

St. James's Park

If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, head over to St. James's Park. This beautiful green space is located just a few minutes' walk from The Queen's Gallery and Buckingham Palace, and it's the perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Be sure to check out the lake, which is home to a variety of bird species, including swans and pelicans.

Westminster Abbey

Another nearby attraction that's worth a visit is Westminster Abbey. This historic church has been the site of coronations, royal weddings, and other important events throughout British history. The Abbey is open to visitors daily, and guided tours are available for an additional fee.

The Houses of Parliament

Just a short walk from Westminster Abbey is the Houses of Parliament. This iconic building is home to the British government, and it's a must-see for anyone interested in politics or history. While the inside of the building is only open to UK residents, you can still get a great view of it from the outside.

Trafalgar Square

If you're looking for a lively spot with plenty of people-watching opportunities, head over to Trafalgar Square. This bustling public square is home to the National Gallery, as well as the famous Nelson's Column. There's always something going on here, from street performers to political demonstrations.

In conclusion, there's no shortage of things to see and do in the area surrounding The Queen's Gallery. From Buckingham Palace to St. James's Park to Westminster Abbey, there's something for everyone here. So if you're in London and looking for some great tourist attractions, be sure to check out this part of town. You won't be disappointed!