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Banqueting House

Discover a royal masterpiece and home of the Rubens ceiling

Discover a royal masterpiece and home of the Rubens ceiling

Admire the epic Rubens' ceiling and discover the site of Charles I’s execution at Banqueting House, Whitehall.

Banqueting House closure (re-opens 2025)

Banqueting House is now closed for a period of essential re-servicing, conservation, and maintenance work and we expect to re-open in 2025.

Historic Royal Palaces is grateful to the Garfield Weston Foundation and Wolfson Foundation, whose generous support of the project will help us to conserve this magnificent building for generations to come.

Browse history and stories

The execution of Charles I

Charles I was convicted of treason and executed on 30 January 1649 outside the Banqueting House in Whitehall.

Take a closer look at Peter Paul Ruben’s painted masterpiece

Discover the stories depicted in the nine painted panels and secrets of the Banqueting House with Google Arts and Culture. Zoom in to see details of the paintings in incredible detail online.

Browse our online shop

Shop 24/7 online

Discover beautiful commemorative souvenirs and unique gifts inspired by our palaces.

Support us

As an independent charity, there are several ways you can support us.

Make a donation

Help us to conserve these historic buildings, ensuring they are here for future generations to enjoy. 

Donate

Join

Explore our iconic palaces and historic gardens as many times as you like, all year round.

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Become a patron

Step closer to history and join us for unique and amazing events as a patron of Historic Royal Palaces.

Become a patron