King’s Gallery

Lynda, the gallery is fairly small and in the past when I visited it as the Queen's Gallery the only things on display were in the Exhibition, if that makes sense? No "permanent collection" available...just the special exhibit. The audio guide which comes with the entry has always been excellent. I'd say a max of about 3 hours, and I dawdle thru a museum. I do not know if things have changed with the name change (which slightly startled me, lol!).

It is excellent and I always try to go if they've got something on that I am interested in.

I know, I kept trying to look up the Queens Gallery and whoops it’s obviously not that anymore.

Oh darn, I’ll be so disappointed if it is only permanent collection viewing or special exhibit and not both. You think if you own a Vermeer, only one of 33-35 in the world, you’d keep it on view, for Pete’s sake. Last time I was in London back in 2019 the whole gallery was closed.

Lyndash, I agree with Pam.

Don’t expect to see the Vermeer. It’s a small gallery with rotating exhibitions taken from the private collection and in my recollection doesn’t have items permanently on show. Takes me an hour max. It’s only worth it if you’re interested in the current exhibition. I’d put it some way down the list of galleries and museums to see in London.

You think if you own a Vermeer, only one of 33-35 in the world, you’d keep it on view, for Pete’s sake.

Good chance it's on view somewhere, just not where the plebs can see it, as is the case with most of the huge Royal collection.

I've not been (paintings aren't my 'thing') . The website mentions a 'complimentary multimedia guide, which lasts approximately 1 hour.' So half a day max.

The last I visited it was of course the Queen's Gallery for the da Vinci "A Life in Drawing" exhibit. There were 200 drawings taken from the royal collection. Even though it was the largest da Vinci exhibit in 65 years it still seemed on the small side. It filled the entire gallery so it's not a very large space. I would only allow a lot of time if the subject is particularly interesting to you or if it's a blockbuster like the da Vinci show. I certainly would not allocate an entire day.

I attended the Holbein exhibit and perhaps spent 1 1/2 hours there.
It really depends on how much time you spend on viewing art.

The Kings Gallery website has a virtual tour now for that exhibit showing how it’s only
a few rooms and gift shop area.

Right now there 3 exhibits simultaneously going on into the fall. In February it looks like there is only one. Unless it is really huge it just seems like there should be room for a display of their greatest hits but I’m guessing from what I’m hearing it probably won’t happen. I know to be philosophical when traveling. You never know when things will be in scaffolding or touring etc. But I sure was hoping to be able to see that Vermeer.

Hi Lyndash, the King’s gallery is one of my favorite art galleries in all of London. The royal collection is gigantic and this gallery only features a portion of the collection at any given point in time. I personally appreciate this approach as the exhibition focuses on specific themes, and it enables art to be viewed in a more relaxing and digestible way without being overwhelmed by too much information. While the Vermeer won’t be featured in the Italian renaissance exhibition, I can assure you that the exhibition will be well organised and feature some amazing works of art. If you have even a passing interest in Italian art I recommend visiting the gallery. There are typically two daily talks by gallery experts that are free. They are usually at 11 and 2 pm and included in the cost of admission. Pam is spot on: I spend 2 to 3 hours at the gallery. The gift shop is a fun stop before leaving. Enjoy and do report back if you decided to visit!