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Queen Victoria's Palace
This exhibition is in the past. View our current exhibitions.

The exhibition

Queen Victoria’s Palace tells the story of Buckingham Palace’s transformation from an unloved royal residence into the premier home of the British monarchy. Together with Prince Albert, Queen Victoria changed not only the fabric of the building itself but also the relationship of the monarchy with the nation. Her vision that a modern palace should fulfil two roles, one public the other private, still governs Buckingham Palace today.

A new beginning

Victoria moved into Buckingham Palace almost immediately after she became queen

East Gallery

Buckingham Palace was transformed during Queen Victoria's reign

The Coronation

Queen Victoria was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 28 June 1838

Creating a family home

Queen Victoria set about transforming Buckingham Palace to meet the needs of her growing family

Building the East Front

The most visible change introduced by Queen Victoria was the East Front of the palace

Entertaining

Victoria frequently held concerts and recitals at the palace

Building a ballroom

The large new ballroom designed by James Pennethorne allowed the palace to host large numbers of guests

The Crimean War and the Ball of 1856

Buckingham Palace was the centre for national commemoration of the Crimean War

State Dining Room

The table is laid with works from the Minton dessert service

The Music Room and Bow Room

Victoria continued to use Buckingham Palace after entering mourning for her husband's death


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.