Making history at Kensington Palace
As part of Kensington's transformation, Victoria Revealed, our exciting new permanent exhibition, explores Queen Victoria's life and reign through her own words. Visitors experience Victoria's first day as Queen at Kensington Palace, the romance of her early relationship with Prince Albert, moments of family life and aspects of Albert's involvement in the 1851 Great Exhibition. Set within the rooms Victoria lived in as a child, the displays include paintings by Franz Xaver Winterhalter and Sir Edwin Landseer, gifts which Queen Victoria exchanged with Prince Albert during their engagement in 1839 and her wedding dress. Glamorous jewellery, poignant mourning clothes and other personal items sit alongside replica Victorian children's toys, try-on clothing and fun interactives for all visitors.
Jubilee – the view from the crowd, running from 24th May-31st October 2012 inclusive, is our temporary exhibition which tells the story of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1897 from the point of view of millions who joined in the festivities, from Duchesses to street sellers. It will emphasise the great enthusiasm and excitement surrounding the celebrations, ‘Jubilee mania’ as one paper described it, focussing in particular on the spectacular procession through the streets of London on 22 June 1897 when the Queen, members of the royal family and soldiers from across the globe made their way to a special service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. The exhibition will showcase stunning loan objects associated with these exuberant Jubilee celebrations, from a range of museums and lenders.
Diana, glimpses of a Modern Princess
A small but very special selection of dresses worn by Diana, Princess of Wales are on show at Kensington Palace for the first time in the UK until 02 September 2012 as a prelude to a new installation introducing the story modern royal dress at Kensington Palace in 2013.
As one of the most photographed women in the world, Diana had a significant influence on British style and fashion. The dresses, displayed alongside fashion illustrations and photographs, reflect memorable moments in Diana’s public life – from the famous black strapless evening gown by Emanuel worn during an early official engagement with the Prince of Wales to a sleek black cocktail dress by Gianni Versace worn several years later.
This beautiful and decorative display explores the Princess’s evolving style and showcases the dresses at their best. An elegant and theatrical set will create a stylish atmosphere for the dresses, four of which have been kindly lent by Museo de la Moda, Chile, while specially commissioned wallpaper by renowned artist Julie Verhoeven highlights some of the key moments in the Princess's life.
Getting here and coach parking
There is a coach park north of the palace on Bayswater Road. Open 24 hours, it has capacity for 20 coaches and costs £20 for 2-12 hours and £30 for 12-24 hours (£10.00 pre-booking charge). Please allow ten minutes for your group to walk through Kensington Gardens to the palace entrance. Contact Europarks on +44 (0)207 563 3000.
Find out more about getting to Kensington Palace.
Food and shopping for groups
Group bookings and menus are available at the elegant Orangery. Contact the Orangery by telephone on +44 (0)20 3166 6112 or by email at orangery@ampersandvenues.co.uk
Click here to read more about group catering ideas at Historic Royal Palaces.
Direct your groups to the Kensington Palace shop. Staff are happy to advise visitors from outside the EEC on shipping and tax-free shopping.
