Buckingham Palace celebrates a special summer opening in honor of the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Buckingham Palace – it’s one of the most important and recognizable buildings in London. Both the official London residence and the primary workplace of The Queen and Royal Family, visitors travel from around the world to simply breath in the air of royalty at Buckingham Palace, to watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony or to catch of glimpse of that iconic balcony. If you’re traveling to London from late July to September, you can enjoy visiting the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace while The Queen is in residence at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. This special Summer Opening is the only chance most people will ever have to walk in the steps of royalty in Buckingham Palace … and it’s one of the highlights of summer in London each year!
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
See the Palace from the other side during the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace
This is a very special year to visit the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace as 2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As you walk through the State Rooms you can feel the history of the rooms, which played an integral part of the Coronation Day events on June 2nd, 1953 and for countless historic events since. For the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace this year, visitors to the State Rooms will enjoy photos and information throughout the rooms that share moments and information about Coronation Day and the role of Buckingham Palace in the grand event.
The Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace for this year will take place from July 27th to September 29th with the following schedule:
27 July -31 August 2013
Open daily 09:30-19:00
(last admission 16:45)
1-29 September 2013
Open daily 09:30-18:00
(last admission 15:45)
We highly recommend booking tickets for Buckingham Palace in advance to avoid missing out on a visit during your stay in London. You can visit just the State Rooms or enjoy a Royal Day out with a visit to the State Rooms, the Royal Mews and the Queen’s Gallery. There’s even a very special evening tour of the State Rooms that we’re swooning over this year! Find out all about the tours and booking in advance here. If you can’t make it to London for the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace this year, sit back and enjoy these virtual tours of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms.
The Queen’s Coronation 1953 Exhibition
Exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut adds the finishing touches to the display of The Queen’s Coronation Dress and Robe. Photo copyright the Royal Collection.
To mark the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a special exhibition will take place in Buckingham Palace from July 27th – September 29th called The Queen’s Coronation 1953. Included in the visit of the State Rooms, this is the largest exhibition on the Coronation since the event itself in 1953. It brings together many remarkable items of clothing, memorabilia, paintings and objects for the first time since Coronation Day and allows viewers to experience this important occasion in British history. One of the most exception pieces on display will be the dress and robe worn by Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation. Here’s a fascinating look at the exhibition and its significance by curator Caroline de Guitaut.
Find out more about The Queen’s Coronation 1953 exhibition here. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy London in the summer and a very special Summer Opening at Buckingham Palace this year!
Special Note for London Pass Users: If you have a London Pass, your entrance to both the Royal Mews and Queen’s Gallery are all included! To find out more about the advantages of the London Pass and super savings on visiting London sights, transportation and more, simply click here.
Photo Credits: Buckingham Palace by Misterweiss, Buckingham Palace Guards by jimmyharris
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