The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace : The history of the gallery showcasing the Royal Collection

Discover the fascinating history of The King’s Gallery. Originally opened as The Queen’s Gallery in 1962, the gallery was the first part of Buckingham Palace to open to the public, causing huge excitement. The gallery showcases highlights from the Royal Collection - one of the world’s most important art collections, held in trust for the nation by His Majesty The King. Explore how this gallery rose from the rubble of the Queen Victoria’s private chapel, destroyed during World War Two, thanks to the vision of Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh and opening in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Learn about the inaugural 1962 opening that sparked huge public excitement and queues around the block. From exhibitions on the Old Masters, to Canaletto to decorative arts, The King’s Gallery offers a revolving exhibition programme, with an aim to share the Royal Collection with the public. Hear insights from curators and see behind-the-scenes. The gallery has