The summer opening of Buckingham Palace is about to begin, tomorrow, Saturday, July 20, 2019.
Every year Buckingham Palace opens its doors to the general public for several weeks in the summer. In this way, both locals and tourists have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful interiors of the famous London palace.
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarchy. Although it was purchased by King George III at the end of the 18th century, the first monarch to use it as an official residence was Queen Victoria in 1837.
Because it has been the official London residence of the British monarchy for almost 200 years, Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous buildings in the world. And for several years now people have had the privilege of seeing part of the palace’s historic interiors (partly to help contribute to the monarchy’s expenses).
At the summer opening of Buckingham Palace you have access to the ‘State Rooms’, some 20 rooms located in the west wing of the Palace and used for public functions held by the royal family throughout the year: investitures, banquets, receptions of heads of state, among others.
Although there is no access to the queen’s private chambers (and you cannot see her bed), these state rooms are majestic. There are sculptures, porcelain and historical furniture of incalculable value and on their walls are hung many masterpieces by some of the most important painters of Western art: Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto, Claude Lorrain, Artemisia Gentileschi and many more.
In addition to the opportunity to see inside the state rooms, each year the Palace organizes a different exhibition with a theme related to the British monarchy. This year the exhibition is called ‘Queen Victoria’s Palace’.
This year, 2019, marks the bicentenary of the birth of Queen Victoria. The queen was on the throne for 63 years, at the height of the British empire, and her reign has given its name to virtually all the historical and cultural events that occurred in the 19th century: the Victorian era.
As we said before, Queen Victoria was the first monarch to use Buckingham Palace as an official residence. When she moved in, the palace was very empty and lacked many basic things. But she and her husband, Prince Albert, dedicated themselves to finishing, furnishing and decorating it until it became what it is today, the epicenter of the British monarchy and one of the most famous palaces on the planet.
This entire transformation process will be illustrated in the exhibition. Access to the exhibition is included with the palace ticket.
Practical Information:
Buckingham Palace will be open to the public this year 2019 from Saturday, July 20 to Sunday, September 29.
Precio:
-Adult: £25
-Over 60s and students: £22.80
-Children between 6 and 17 years old and people with disabilities: £14
-Children under 5 years: free
-Families of 2 adults and up to 3 children under 17: £64
Hours:
-Between July 20 and August 31: from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (last entry at 5:15 p.m.)
-Between September 1 and 29: from 09:30 to 18:30 (last entry at 16:15)
For information on how to get to Buckingham Palace and more general information click here.
To reserve tickets to see the State Rooms and the exhibition, click here.
