Your visit to The King's Gallery

Step inside The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and experience a blend of royal history and artistic excellence. This unique museum, set within a historic royal palace, provides visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a sequence of temporary exhibitions drawn from the unrivaled Royal Collection. Located at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, The King's Gallery offers a distinctive cultural visit for art enthusiasts, history buffs and anyone intrigued by photography’s role in portraying the British monarchy.

Exhibitions and highlights

The current feature, Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography, showcases the changing landscape of royal portraiture through the lens of some of the world’s most celebrated photographers. From the introduction of colour printing to modern masterpieces by Cecil Beaton and Annie Leibovitz, the exhibition walks you through the fascinating evolution of the royal image. See the earliest royal colour portrait of Princess Margaret captured by Madame Yevonde in 1935, and gain rare insight into the creative process with annotated proofs, handwritten correspondence and original documents sourced from the Royal Archives.

This special exhibition, running until September 7, 2025, is notable for debuting vintage prints and historic materials never displayed to the public before. Many of these unique artefacts provide context to the artistic and personal decisions that have characterised royal portraiture over the past century.

Exclusive access and what you’ll see

• More than 90 portraits illustrating the British Royal Family’s public and private personas over 100 years

• Archival materials revealing the personal touches behind every image

• Occasionally rotating displays meaning each visit promises a fresh perspective

Accompanied by a multimedia guide in English, your experience is both informative and immersive, making it suitable for visitors of all ages and levels of knowledge about photography or royalty.

Facilities and practical visitor information

• Cloakroom, restroom and baby-care facilities onsite

• Accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, with elevators for convenience

• Café available for refreshments before or after your visit

• Free companion ticket for visitors with disabilities

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, as a working royal residence, may occasionally alter opening arrangements with little notice, so checking ahead is advised. Pushchairs are permitted during quieter periods but may need to be stored during peak times for the comfort of all guests.

Why visit The King's Gallery?

• See iconic royal portraits up close

• Experience exclusive, never-before-seen items from the Royal Archives

• Enjoy flexible entry and a multimedia guide to enhance your visit

• Perfect for photography and history enthusiasts looking for a deeper understanding of royal life

This is a rare chance to connect with the hidden stories and historic moments that have defined the Royal Family across generations.

Book your The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets tickets now!