The King’s Gallery

Gallery designed by William Kent to contain the finest paintings of the Royal Collection

A striking residence for art

The largest and longest of the state apartments at Kensington Palace, the King's Gallery looks almost exactly as it did when it was transformed for George I in 1725.

Red damask, fine oak joinery, a new marble chimneypiece, carved overmantel and new door cases were inserted by William Kent.

Kent and his assistants also painted the seven large ceiling canvases, which show scenes from the life of Ulysses.

The King's Gallery was used for exercise as well as displaying pictures. At the east end, it is dominated by a copy of van Dyck’s noble portrait of Charles I on horseback.

When

Open Wednesday - Sunday

In line with palace opening hours

Ticketing information

Included in palace admission (members go free)

Buy Kensington Palace tickets

Things to see

Secrets of the King's Gallery

The King's Gallery was built for William III as an addition to Sir Christopher Wren's original design. It was hung with green velvet and William would meet with his spies and plan military campaigns here.

This room saw many intimate moments. It was here that William played soldiers with his little nephew and intended heir, the Duke of Gloucester.

It was also here that the King died from pneumonia after falling from his horse at Hampton Court Palace.

The dial positioned over the gallery fireplace was connected to a wind vane on the roof. This enabled William to see which way the wind was blowing, where his navy was likely to be heading and when the posts were likely to arrive. Incredibly, it is still in working order today.