Buckingham Palace
4.4(31,118)

The King's Gallery Tickets

Timings

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Entrance to The King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace with columns and trees.

From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Andreis Kartupelis

Andreis

Aug 2025
5/5
Great.very easy buy.easy print tickets in office.lovely personal and amazing exebition.im open many new thing what i doesnt know before .im sure recommendet for my friends
Christopher Scott-Jones

Christopher

Aug 2025
5/5
Easy process to book and get tickets electronically The exhibition was very enjoyable with some fabulous Royal Jewell's and FABERGE items on display
Ecaterina Popovici

Ecaterina

Jul 2025
5/5
Great experience 😊 I loved the jewellery collection
Barbara S Cowen

Barbara

Jul 2025
5/5
Everything was perfect from arrival to exit.
SERGIO ARTURO SCHLEICH

Sergio

Jul 2025
5/5
Obviously the gallery exhibition is very interesting and the organization is impeccable.
Lynette Whitehead

Lynette

Jul 2025
5/5
A varied interesting collection of paintings and artifacts. Not crowded which made viewing easy.
vernon j trescott

Vernon

Jun 2025
3/5
We did not understand that we would not receive membership with our admission
Dr Rosemary Kelly

Dr

Sep 2025
5/5

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.

How to access?

Access to The King's Gallery requires a separate ticket from general admission to Buckingham Palace's State Rooms.

Edwardian art and artifacts displayed in King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London exhibition.
  • 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.
King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace featuring classic paintings and ornate furniture.
  • 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.
About Buckingham Palace
  • 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: While the State Rooms are open from July 10 to September 28, 2025, The King's Gallery operates from April 11 to November 8, 2025, from 10am to 5:30pm. The King's Gallery is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except July 10 to August 31, 2025, when it is open 7 days a week. Last admission is at 4:15pm. The gallery is closed from March 10 to April 10, 2025.
  • 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.

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.

Diamond tiara displayed at The Edwardians Age of Elegance Exhibition, Kings Gallery, Buckingham Palace.
Decorative artifacts displayed at The Edwardians Age of Elegance Exhibition, Kings Gallery, Buckingham Palace.
Portraits and busts displayed at The Edwardians Age of Elegance Exhibition, Kings Gallery, Buckingham Palace.
Edwardians Age of Elegance Exhibition at Kings Gallery, Buckingham Palace, featuring tapestries and artifacts.
Edwardian portraits and gowns at Kings Gallery, Buckingham Palace exhibition.
Edwardian artifacts displayed in King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, showcasing Age of Elegance Exhibition.

The Edwardians: Age of Elegance

When: April 11–November 23, 2025

The Edwardian era was all about luxury and social sparkle, and this exhibition gives you a front-row seat! Explore over 300 pieces from the Royal Collection, including works by Fabergé, Sargent, and other top artists, all while learning about the royal lives of Edward VII, Alexandra, George V, and Mary.

  • 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.
King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace with sculptures, paintings, and ornate decor.

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.

Entrance to The King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace with columns and trees.

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.

King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace featuring classic paintings and ornate furniture.

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.

King's Gallery Buckingham Palace
  • Thursday to Monday: 10am to 5:30pm
  • Last entry: 4:15pm
  • Closed on: March 10–April 10, 2025

Exceptions to opening hours:
July 10–August 31, 2025: Open 7 days a week.

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
Entrance to The King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace with columns and trees.
  • 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.
King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace featuring classic paintings and ornate furniture.
  • 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.
Edwardian art and artifacts displayed in King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London exhibition.
  • 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.
​​Is The King's Gallery access included in the Buckingham Palace ticket?

No, access to The King's Gallery requires a separate ticket. It is a distinct attraction from the Buckingham Palace State Rooms.

How much time should I allocate to exploring The King's Gallery during my time at Buckingham Palace?

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.

Is skip-the-line access needed for The King's Gallery tickets?

No. While not strictly "skip-the-line," booking timed tickets in advance is highly recommended to guarantee entry and reduce waiting times.

How long does a typical guided tour of The King's Gallery last?

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.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, or can I purchase them on the day of my visit?

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.

Are there any restrictions on photography or filming inside The King's Gallery?

Photography for personal, non-commercial use is generally permitted, but flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are usually prohibited. Specific exhibition rules may vary.

Are audio guides available for self-guided tours of The King's Gallery, and how can I obtain one?

Yes, a free multimedia guide is provided to enhance your self-guided tour. You can pick it up at the entrance.

What additional sub-attractions are included in The King's Gallery tickets?

Your ticket includes access only to The King's Gallery exhibition. No other parts of Buckingham Palace are included.

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