At the entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, The King’s Gallery displays changing exhibitions of art and antiquities from the Royal Collection. Set in a Victorian building at the east end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, it gives you a focused art stop to add to a palace visit. Past exhibitions have included Renaissance Italian drawings, royal jewellery and watercolours by Victoria and Albert depicting their homes, travels and everyday lives. Detailed labels provide context, and interactive iPads have helped younger visitors explore exhibition facts.
Changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection
The King’s Gallery presents rotating exhibitions of art and antiquities from the Royal Collection. Its displays have included Renaissance Italian drawings, royal jewellery and watercolours by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
The watercolours offered views of places the couple visited, their homes and scenes from their lives. Together, these works give a glimpse of both their public and private worlds. What you see depends on the exhibition running during your visit, so check the gallery’s official website for current details.
The gallery building and location
The gallery stands at the entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the east end of the Royal Mile. It was built between 1999 and 2002 within the shell of the 19th-century Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School. Formerly called The Queen’s Gallery, it was renamed The King’s Gallery in 2024.
From Waverley Station, the walk takes about 15 minutes. The Scottish Parliament is opposite the Palace and gallery. The compact scale makes the gallery a practical art stop alongside a visit to Holyroodhouse.
Reading the displays
Detailed exhibition labels add context to the objects and artworks. Interactive iPads have also been available to help children explore facts about the displays. If you want time to take in the written information, leave room for a slower visit rather than treating the gallery as a quick walk-through.
Häufige Fragen
What can you see at The King’s Gallery?
The gallery shows changing exhibitions of art and antiquities from the Royal Collection. Past displays have included Renaissance Italian drawings, royal jewellery and watercolours by Victoria and Albert.
Where is The King’s Gallery?
It is at the entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the east end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, opposite the Scottish Parliament.
How long does a visit take?
The available information does not give a typical visit length. Allow extra time if you want to read the detailed exhibition labels.
Can The King’s Gallery be closed during an event?
Yes. Events have led to closures, so check the gallery’s official website before your visit.
