The King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace is currently closed to the public and will reopen in April 2026.
Note: The State Rooms and the Royal Mews are also closed.
From happy customers
Loved by 48 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Christelle
Oct 2025
5/5
Easy to walk around the exhibition. I came with kids aged 8 and 10. They listened to all the descriptions. Beautiful paintings, jewellery and artefacts on display.
Deliwe
Oct 2025
5/5
Art gallery was a wonderful idea and experience to remember
Mrs
Oct 2025
5/5
Very interesting displays, plenty of space to move around.
Rosalind
Nov 2025
5/5
Maria
Nov 2025
1/5
Imposible imprimir las entradas
Dominika
Nov 2025
5/5
Mr
Nov 2025
3/5
Patricia
Nov 2025
4/5
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The King's Gallery | A public showcase of the Royal Collection
The King's Gallery, formerly known as The Queen's Gallery, is a public art gallery at Buckingham Palace. Originally the site of a chapel destroyed in World War II, it exhibits a rotating selection of treasures from the vast Royal Collection, offering a unique opportunity to view some of the world's most significant artworks and historical artifacts.
Where is it located?
The King's Gallery is situated within the grounds of Buckingham Palace, specifically forming the most protruding south wing of the Palace. It has its own dedicated public access entrance on Buckingham Palace Road.
Year opened: 1962 (as The Queen's Gallery, re-opened in 2002 after expansion, renamed The King's Gallery in 2024)
Must-see highlights: Artworks from the Royal Collection, one of the world's largest. See paintings by Old Masters, decorative arts, and historical artifacts.
Current use: Public art gallery showcasing rotating exhibitions from the Royal Collection.
Unique fact: Built on the site of Queen Victoria's private chapel, which was destroyed by an air raid in 1940.
Why visit The King’s Gallery
Constantly changing exhibitions: Unlike the State Rooms, which show the palace's permanent grandeur, The King's Gallery hosts a new exhibition every few months, offering a different experience at each visit.
Window into the Royal Collection: The gallery is a showcase for the Royal Collection, one of the largest art collections in the world. It provides a rare opportunity to see priceless masterpieces, historical photographs, and artifacts that are held in trust by The King for the nation.
History of renewal: The gallery stands on the site of a chapel that was destroyed during a World War II air raid. Its reconstruction and reopening in 1962 was a symbol of renewal and a commitment to making the Royal Collection accessible to the public.
World-class art experience: The King's Gallery is a state-of-the-art venue designed for a premier art viewing experience. The exhibitions are meticulously curated and beautifully lit, providing a focused, quiet, and engaging environment.
Things to know before booking The King’s Gallery tickets
Separate admission: Access to The King's Gallery is not included with a standard ticket to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms. You will need to purchase separate tickets for each if you wish to visit both.
Accessibility:The King's Gallery is wheelchair accessible with lifts (elevators) and ramps available. Manual wheelchairs and rollators can often be borrowed free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Concessionary rates are available for visitors with disabilities, and a complimentary ticket is offered for an access companion. Accessible toilets are also available.
Timings: The King's Gallery is currently closed until April 9, 2026.
Security: Be prepared for airport-style security checks upon arrival. It's advisable to bring as few bags as possible to expedite the process.
Luggage: Large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside the exhibition space and need to be stored in the cloakroom.
Photography: Photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted inside the King's Gallery, but flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
Food and drink: Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the gallery, with the exception of bottled water.
Pets: Only guide, hearing, or assistance animals are admitted.
What’s inside The King’s Gallery
The Nash Gallery
This gallery forms a significant part of the original 1960s structure but was entirely rebuilt internally during the 2002 expansion. Its design is versatile, allowing for a variety of display combinations. You might find large-scale paintings or impressive sculptural works in this area, depending on the exhibition theme.
The Chambers Gallery
This space is often designed to exhibit works on paper, such as drawings and prints, which require specific light and environmental controls for conservation. It might feature a series of smaller, more intimate displays. It can also be used for other objects like porcelain or bronzes.
The Pennethorne Gallery
This gallery, often hung with a rich, vibrant fabric, is designed to evoke the feel of a palace room, showcasing paintings, furniture, and other works of art as they might have been displayed in a royal residence. Two smaller "Cabinet Rooms" often lead off this space, offering more focused displays.
Upcoming exhibitions at The King's Gallery
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style
When: April 10–October 18, 2026
See the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of the late Queen Elizabeth II's wardrobe, featuring over 200 items, on display for the first time, including her wedding dress and her Coronation gown. Chart the evolution of her style across all ten decades of her life: from Princess to Queen, and from off-duty attire to dressing for the global stage.
Historical significance of The King’s Gallery
The King's Gallery, formerly known as The Queen's Gallery, was originally a conservatory built for George IV, which was later converted into a private chapel for Queen Victoria in 1843. This chapel was destroyed in an air raid during World War II.
After the war, the site remained in ruins for over a decade. It was the joint vision of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, that transformed the bomb-damaged chapel into a public gallery to showcase the Royal Collection.
The gallery was first opened to the public in 1962.
The Royal Collection is one of the largest and most significant art collections in the world, held in trust by the monarch for the nation. The King's Gallery provides a space to exhibit works from this vast collection on a rotating basis.
The gallery's redesign in 2002 for Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee was the most significant addition to Buckingham Palace in over 150 years, allowing it to become a world-class art gallery.
Architectural highlights of The King’s Gallery
Origins and rebirth
The King's Gallery stands on the site of Queen Victoria's private chapel, designed by John Nash, which was destroyed by an air raid in 1940. Following this destruction, the decision was made to build a public art gallery. The original Gallery opened in 1962, marking a significant moment in making the Royal Collection more accessible to the public.
2002 redevelopment
The Gallery underwent a major redevelopment and expansion, reopening in 2002, overseen by the architectural firm John Simpson and Partners. This project transformed the space, adding more exhibition areas, improving visitor facilities, and enhancing environmental controls essential for preserving the artworks, blending classical design influences with modern functionality.
Classical design elements
The architecture of The King's Gallery, particularly after its 2002 redevelopment, features a strong classical influence, echoing the grandeur of Buckingham Palace itself. This includes a prominent Doric entrance portico and internal use of classical columns and proportions. These elements contribute to a dignified and appropriate setting for the world-class art it houses.
Plan your visit to The King's Gallery
The King's Gallery is currently closed until April 9, 2026. The new exhibition is open to the public from April 10, 2026 onwards.
Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom | Find on Maps
By tube: Victoria line Nearest stations: Victoria, Green Park, St. James's Park, and Hyde Park Corner
By train: Southern Nearest stations: Victoria and Charing Cross
By bus: Bus routes 11, 211, C1, and C10 Nearest stops: Buckingham Palace Road or Victoria Coach Station
Artworks: Please do not touch any artworks or display cases.
Photography: Photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted without flash or tripods/selfie sticks.
Bag policy: Large bags, backpacks (which should be carried by your side), and long umbrellas must be checked into the cloakroom.
Outside food and drink: Food and drink, other than bottled water, are not allowed in the galleries.
Security check: Security checks similar to those at airports are in place upon entry.
Wheelchair access: The King's Gallery is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities. It features lifts and ramps throughout the exhibition spaces.
Wheelchair on loan: Manual wheelchairs and rollators can be borrowed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Toilets: Accessible toilets are available.
Carer tickets: Concessionary rates are offered for disabled visitors, and a complimentary ticket is provided for an accompanying carer.
Guide materials: The gallery strives to be inclusive, offering resources like D/deaf-friendly scripts and large print texts.
Understand the Gallery's flow: The King's Gallery has three main exhibition spaces: the Nash Gallery (for large-scale paintings), the Chambers Gallery (for drawings and more intimate works), and the Pennethorne Gallery (which showcases items as they would appear in a palace room). Knowing this layout allows you to anticipate the type of art in each space and focus your attention.
Visit at the quietest times: The Gallery is at its quietest on weekday afternoons, particularly when the Buckingham Palace State Rooms are closed (November to May). If you must visit in the summer, aim for a booking a couple of hours before closing. This avoids the morning tour bus crowds and allows for a more peaceful experience.
Go beyond the frame: Look for the stories behind the art, especially the Dagmar Necklace and Queen Alexandra's coronation dress, which have fascinating backstories.
Focus on the details: Pay close attention to the small, often overlooked objects, like the Fabergé cigarette cases, elaborate fan collections, and miniature portraits that are often more revealing than the large portraits.
Frequently Asked Questions about The King's Gallery
No, access to The King's Gallery requires a separate ticket. It is a distinct attraction from the Buckingham Palace State Rooms.
Allocate 1 to 1.5 hours for The King's Gallery. If also visiting Buckingham Palace (seasonal), allow 2-3 hours for the State Rooms.
No. While not strictly "skip-the-line," booking timed tickets in advance is highly recommended to guarantee entry and reduce waiting times.
The King's Gallery typically offers a complimentary multimedia guide, which lasts approximately 1 hour. Formal guided tours are less common, but private tours may be available by arrangement.
Advance booking online is strongly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred entry time. On-the-day tickets may be available but are not guaranteed.
Photography for personal, non-commercial use is generally permitted, but flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are usually prohibited. Specific exhibition rules may vary.
Yes, a free multimedia guide is provided to enhance your self-guided tour. You can pick it up at the entrance.
Your ticket includes access only to The King's Gallery exhibition. No other parts of Buckingham Palace are included.
Alcohol, drones, bicycles, folding bikes, roller-skates, or skateboards are not allowed on this experience.
Eating and drinking are not permitted inside The King's Gallery, except for bottled water.
Mobile phones must be switched off while inside the gallery.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Accessibility
This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
Additional information
The gallery is temporarily closed from November 24 to April 9, 2026.
The King's Gallery opens from 2pm on May 5, May 12, May 19, May 26, June 9, June 16, June 23, June 30, October 6, and October 13, 2026.
All visitors will be subject to airport-style security checks.
Prams/strollers will need to be left in a designated area at very busy times. In such circumstances, baby carriers and hip seats are available at no cost, subject to availability.
Inclusions
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Entry into Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style exhibition at The King’s Gallery (from April 10 to October 18, 2026)
Multimedia guide in English
Exclusions
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Entry to Buckingham Palace
You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
