Inside the Spectacular Transformation of the Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery
WHAT'S ONSPOTLIGHT STORIES
Buckingham Palace is about to open its doors for the annual summer opening, and this year, visitors are in for an unprecedented visual treat. The world-renowned Picture Gallery has undergone a spectacular, once-in-a-generation transformation, nearly doubling the number of masterpieces on display from 63 to a breathtaking 120.
Running from 9 July until 27 September 2026, the exhibition allows the public to step into the historic space and view a treasure trove of art, including legendary works by Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Rubens.
A New Look with Historic Roots
Curators spent an astonishing 875 hours meticulously hanging the collection, relying on archival photographs, historic watercolours, and old inventories to recreate a display that honours the past. The room itself has been completely revitalised, replacing the faded, 50-year-old coral pink wall coverings with striking emerald-green silk damask, complemented by state-of-the-art lighting.
Anna Reynolds, Surveyor of The King’s Pictures, noted that the ambitious project aligns with the Royal Collection Trust's charitable mission to make as much art accessible to the public as possible. She also pointed out that major re-hangs in the gallery have traditionally followed a change of reign, making this update a fitting continuation of royal history.
What to Look Out For
The 47-metre-long gallery, originally designed by architect John Nash for George IV, now groups paintings by geography, period, and theme, while highlighting fascinating artistic connections. Here are some of the key highlights visitors can expect:
The Dutch Masters: Five Rembrandt paintings, alongside one from his studio, are now grouped together. Visitors can also admire Vermeer’s famous Lady at the Virginals with a Gentleman, which is now joined by Gerard ter Borch’s intimate and beautifully textured painting, The Letter.
The Rubens Connection: Seven works by Peter Paul Rubens are on display, including a brilliant pairing of his Self Portrait facing a portrait of his friend and former pupil, Anthony Van Dyck. This arrangement cleverly replicates how the two pieces were hung together at Whitehall Palace back in the 1660s.
The Italian Influence: Masterpieces by Caravaggio, including The Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew, are positioned to show how his dramatic use of light influenced surrounding Flemish and French works.
An 18th-Century Revival: Celebrating a flourishing era of British art, a new section reflects Queen Victoria’s original 1840s arrangement. It features Johan Zoffany’s The Tribuna of the Uffizi, George Stubbs’s A Rough Dog (believed to be George IV’s pet), and a Thomas Gainsborough portrait that has never been displayed in the gallery before.
Beyond the Picture Gallery: What Else is New This Summer?
The grand art display is just one part of the summer experience. Visitors exploring the State Rooms and palace grounds will find plenty of other unique additions:
A Royal First Look
In the adjacent Silk Tapestry Room, visitors can view a large oil study of His Majesty King Charles III by Jonathan Yeo. Painted in 2023, this study was used to prepare for the first official portrait completed after the Coronation and was recently gifted to the Royal Collection by the artist.
Family Features
For those visiting with children, the Family Pavilion on the West Terrace features an exhibition of handwritten letters sent to The King by young people across the globe, focusing on shared passions like sustainability and the environment.
Garden Trails and Luxury Transport
Out in the Grand Entrance Portico, a magnificent royal Rolls-Royce Phantom IV will be on display. Additionally, a standard ticket now includes access to a new information trail through the Buckingham Palace Garden, highlighting the lake island's wildlife, endangered beetles, and meadows boasting over 320 wildflower varieties.
Visiting Information
The summer opening runs daily from 9 July to 27 September 2026. For those looking for an enhanced experience, ticket add-ons are available for exclusive guided tours of the East Wing and specific highlights of the garden, such as the rose garden and summer house.
In an effort to make the Palace more accessible, the Royal Collection Trust has introduced a variety of discount schemes. Alongside standard young person and child discounts, £1 tickets are available for anyone receiving Universal Credit and other select benefits. Furthermore, tickets bought directly from the Trust can be converted into a 1-Year Pass, giving visitors free re-admission for the next twelve months. All ticket proceeds go directly toward the ongoing care and conservation of the historic Royal Collection.
Ollēdi © 2026
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