Don’t forget HRP membership is the most cost-effective way to visit our palaces, giving unlimited free entry to all five palaces for a whole year. Prices start at only £56.00 for family membership.Visit http://www.hrp.org.uk/ for information about membership!
EXHIBITIONS
FINAL EVOLUTION
Enchanted Palace
Kensington Palace
Daily until 3 Jan 2012
Kensington Palace, former home to some of Britain’s best known royals including Queen Victoria and Diana, Princess of Wales, is currently transformed into the Enchanted Palace. An interactive visitor experience combining contemporary art installations, fashion, and live performance, it is an innovative response to a £12 million major renovation project currently underway at the palace.
The experience features stunning displays of courtly costume created by leading British designers Vivienne Westwood, Paul Costelloe, Bruce Oldfield, Zandra Rhodes, and Boudicca. Whilst visitors journey through the historic State Apartments, they discover the stories of Kensington’s seven princesses who once lived there. Dresses that once belonged to and were worn by Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales are also displayed alongside the fashion installations.
From 26 May 2011, Enchanted Palace will change once more. For the final evolution of Enchanted Palace, contemporary artist Chris Levine will create a series of spectacular light installations throughout the State Apartments, inspired by the palace’s fascinating history and its former royal residents.
EVENTS
MAY HALF-TERM
The Great Exhibition
Enchanted Palace, Kensington Palace
28 May – 5 June
11.00-16.00
This May half-term, come and find out about some of the weird and wonderful inventions of this amazing spectacle. Design and draw your own mind-boggling inventions, make spinning thaumatropes and zoetropes and create other inspired crafts.
The Great Exhibition of the ‘works of industry of all nations’ was opened on May 1st 1851 by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The great Crystal Palace was originally only a stone’s throw away from Kensington Palace across the other side of the park. Prince Albert was passionate about new technologies, inventions, history and culture and he helped plan the exhibition. Almost 14,000 people displayed over 100,000 exhibits; works of art, textiles and clothing, furniture, ornaments, inventions and machinery.
Recommended age 5 - 13 years
Enchanted Evening
Enchanted Palace, Kensington Palace
17 June, late opening until 21.00
What could be more enchanting than a palace at night?
Experience the dazzling spectacle of the Enchanted Palace experience after dark, when the palace doors would normally be locked.
The Dashing dog Show
Kensington Palace, Orangery Lawn
18 June, 10.00-17.00
Entry £10 per dog. People go free!
This is the original dog and throne show! This is a unique opportunity to show off your majestic mutt, pedigree princess or your king of K9s for one day only in aid of the transformation of Kensington Palace. You can enter your dog in up to seven fun competitive classes and there will be doggie games, obedience training, sensational fly ball, plant sales and live entertainment.
The Dashing dog show is open to all fit and friendly dogs accompanied by responsible owners aged over 16.
Capacity for dogs is limited, so advance booking and registration for classes is strongly recommended.
