Ready for some royal vibes and world-class art? This ticket is your direct pass to The King’s Gallery, located within the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Gallery is your go-to destination for epic temporary exhibitions featuring masterpieces drawn straight from the Royal Collection.

Getting started

The King's Gallery is situated within the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the end of Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile. Upon entry, you'll receive a multimedia guide in English to help deepen your understanding of the artworks on display. Budget at least one hour to fully explore the exhibition.

What to expect

The King's Gallery

Visit a space dedicated entirely to displaying the finest items from the Royal Collection. The exhibition showcases the transition of the British monarchy through a period of immense change—from the peak of Victorian family life to the glamorous, avant-garde styles of the early 20th century. Walk among masterpieces by contemporary greats like John Singer Sargent and Carl Fabergé, while uncovering how the monarchy evolved into a symbol of national duty during World War I.

Features:

• Current exhibition: The Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition, running from October 17, 2025, to March 8, 2026, showcases a wide range of drawings from the revolutionary period between 1450 and 1600, including 45 pieces never exhibited in Scotland before.

• Masterpieces of the era: Explore works by renowned artists, including Frederic Leighton, Edward Burne-Jones, and Rosa Bonheur, including the enduring allure of Leighton’s Nanna and Bianca, recently conserved to restore their original brilliance.

• Royal fashion and ceremony: Witness the physical splendour of the era through a case study of the 1902 Coronation. See conserved gilded thrones and the intricate detail of Queen Alexandra’s golden dress, embodying the era's signature glamour.

• Personal stories and collections: Go beyond the public image to see Queen Alexandra’s passion for photography and the family’s personal collecting habits. Learn about the 1901 Royal Tour, the most extensive journey of its time, which brought global influences back to the heart of the British court.

• Complimentary multimedia guide: Your ticket includes a multimedia guide in English, allowing you to gain a deeper appreciation for the masterpieces on display, learning about the context, technique, and history behind each gem in the Royal Collection.