The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Description

Built in the shell of the former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School, The King’s Gallery was opened in 2002 by the late Queen Elizabeth II and exhibits magnificent works from the Royal Collection. 

Before you step inside, marvel at the traditional Scottish style of the entrance doors, made of oak and gilded bronze hinges. Don’t forget to look up at Scotland’s heraldic lion sitting above. 

Palace of Holyroodhouse
Venture into the historic palace to see the lavish State Apartments including the Throne Room, The Privy Chamber, the Great Gallery and the King’s Bedchamber — the grandest room of all. You’ll also discover Mary, Queen of Scot’s chambers, the oldest section of the palace. Here, you can explore the Supper Room, where Mary’s private secretary, David Rizzio, was murdered by her jealous husband and a group of powerful Scottish lords. What’s more, you can still see the bloodstains on the floor! Your ticket also includes access to Holyrood Abbey and the Palace Gardens.

Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians
From 22 March – 22 September 2024 explore how the Georgians ushered in many of the cultural trends we know today, including the first stylists and influencers, the birth of a specialised fashion press and the development of shopping as a leisure activity. Discover what fashion can tell us about life in the 18th century – a revolutionary period when trade, travel and technological innovations fuelled fashion trends across all levels of society. The exhibition brings together almost 100 works from the Royal Collection, including paintings, prints and drawings by artists such as Gainsborough, Hogarth and their contemporaries. A selection of clothing and accessories is displayed alongside paintings to show what the Georgians wore – from the functional dress of laundry maids to the glittering gowns suitable for court.