Kensington Palace
A residence of the Royal Family since the 17th century, Kensington
Palace was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria and now
you get the chance to venture behind the royal doors! You’ll arrive at
the Palace through beautiful landscaped gardens before stepping through
the entrance hall and into the plush King and Queen’s State Apartments.
Here, you can soak in exceptional architecture and costumes that the
royal family have worn over the centuries. Discover the story of the
Stuarts and the Hanoverians royal courts, and find out what you would
have worn and how you should behave and act in order to succeed in the
palace’s heady environment! Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the
architect behind St Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace is an elaborate
palace with much to see and discover.
Crown to Couture (5th April to 29th October 2023)
Crown to Couture will see contemporary couture worn by high profile
celebrities including Lizzo and Lady Gaga, displayed alongside historic
costume – drawing fascinating parallels between the world of the red
carpet and the world of the Royal Court in the eighteenth century.
Set to be the largest exhibition ever staged at the palace, over 200
fascinating objects will be going on display across the glittering State
Apartments and intimate exhibition spaces, from some of the finest
examples of 18th century court dress to iconic contemporary red carpet
looks.
The King’s Gallery will be filled to the brim with stunning dress, just
as it would have been over 300 years ago. It will create a connection
across the centuries, demonstrating how just as the celebrities of today
are on show and subject to scrutiny at public events, the fashion worn
by Georgian visitors to these spaces would have been watched by throngs
of onlookers and reported widely in the newspapers just as they are
today.
Along with the modern looks created by some of the hottest designers of
today, the exhibition will pay homage to the stunning design of the
Georgian age, from the distinctive mantua to the intricately embroidered
court suit. Highlights will include the Rockingham Mantua, brocaded in
silver thread and silver lace trim and believed to have been worn by the
wife of British Prime Minister, the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, in the
1760s. Other historic items set to be unveiled include the world-famous
Silver Tissue Gown, on loan from the Fashion Museum Bath, which will
form the opening to the exhibition. A rare example of fashion worn at
the court of Charles II and handmade of fine silk woven with silver
thread, the gown perfectly encapsulates the origins of Georgian court
culture and fashion.
Crown to Couture opens to the public on 5th April 2023 and is included in in palace admission.
Opening Hours:
Wednesday to Sunday only: 10.00 - 18.00
Last admission: 17.00
On the following dates last entry is at 14.00, Palace closes at 15.00:
23rd December
Planned closures:
24th to 26th December