Victoria and Albert: Our Lives in Watercolour
Follow the story of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s life together through colourful and dynamic watercolours, including many on display in Scotland for the first time. Collected and commissioned by the royal couple themselves, the watercolours record their experiences of historic events and bear witness to the birth of a modern nation. Away from the pomp and spectacle of the court, the collection also offers a unique window into Victoria and Albert’s close-knit family life and reflects their deep love of Scotland. Discover fond memories of incognito expeditions through the Highlands and theatrical balls at Balmoral, alongside atmospheric views over Victorian Edinburgh.
★★★★ 'Astonishing pictures' The Scotsman
Exhibition highlights
Eugene-Louis Lami (1800-90)
Marie-Amélie, Queen of the French, greets Queen Victoria at Le Tréport
Joseph Nash (1809-78)
Queen Victoria driving out with Louis-Philippe from the Quadrangle, Windsor Castle
Joseph Nash (1809-78)
Prince Albert’s closing address at the Great Exhibition, 15 October 1851
Waller Hugh Paton (1828-95)
Edinburgh with a distant view of the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Events programme
Shop the Exhibition
Video: Facsimile Album
In 2019 the Royal Bindery produced a replica of one of Victoria's cherished picture albums
Queen Victoria's Journal
Victoria often sketched in the margins of her diary
Exhibition Features
Additional research by exhibition curator Carly Collier
Works in focus
Explore selected works from the collection in greater detail
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.
