Charles II: Art & Power
After over a decade of austere Cromwellian rule, the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 led to a resurgence of the arts in England. The court of Charles II became the centre for the patronage of leading artists and the collecting of great works of art, which served not only as decoration for the royal apartments but also as a means of glorifying the restored monarchy and reinforcing the position of Charles II as the rightful king. Old master paintings and spectacular silver furniture show the rich material world of Charles II's court and the role of the arts in the re-establishment of the Stuart monarchy.
Exhibition highlights
Antonio Verrio (c. 1639-1707)
The Sea Triumph of Charles II
Sir Peter Lely (1618-80)
Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland (ca 1641-1709)
English
Side table
Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci 1452-Amboise 1519)
The muscles of the back and arm
Charles II: Art & Power
A lavish publication to accompany the Royal Collection exhibition
Map & directions
By car
There is a public car park adjacent to the Palace at Broad Pavement. Please visit the Historic Environment Scotland website for more details.
Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come first-serve basis.
By train
Edinburgh Waverley. The Queen's Gallery is a 15 minute walk from the station.
By tram
The nearest tram stop is York Place. The Queen’s Gallery is a 20 minute walk from the station. Visit Edinburgh Trams for times and fares.
By coach / bus
Bus numbers 6 and 35 stop near the Gallery. Open-top tour buses stop nearby.
Limited free coach parking is available adjacent to the Palace. Alternative pay-and-display coach parking is available on nearby Regent Road.
By bike
A free-to-use public bicycle rack is located opposite the Scottish Parliament. Cycle hire stations are available nearby on both Holyrood Road and Abbeyhill, within a 5 minute walk of the Palace and The Queen’s Gallery. Visit Edinburgh Cycle Hire for details.
