This museum is closed temporarily.
The feminine influence of generations of royal women has shaped this stylish palace and gardens. Kensington Palace features exhibits related to: social history, fine art, decorative and applied art and costume and textiles. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: designated collection.
Art & Design Nature & Natural History Historic house Applied art Garden & Park
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Kensington Palace has 4 ratings.
Kensington Palace, located in the heart of London, offers visitors a glimpse into British royal history. The palace, which has been a residence for members of the royal family for over 300 years, now serves as both a working royal residence and a public museum.
Many visitors appreciate the well-preserved State Apartments, which showcase ornate interiors and period furnishings. The exhibitions dedicated to Queen Victoria, who was born and raised in the palace, are often highlighted as informative and engaging. The display of royal fashion, including dresses worn by Princess Diana, is another popular feature that draws praise from fashion enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The palace gardens, particularly the Sunken Garden, receive positive mentions for their beauty and tranquility, offering a pleasant respite from the busy city. Some visitors note that the gardens are especially lovely in spring and summer.
However, some reviewers express disappointment with the limited access to certain areas of the palace, feeling that the tour doesn't cover as much of the building as they expected. A few mention that compared to other royal residences, Kensington Palace can feel smaller or less grandiose.
The audio guide is generally well-received, providing useful context and stories about the palace's history and inhabitants. However, a few visitors find the exhibition layout confusing or the signage inadequate.
Ticket prices are a point of contention for some, who feel the experience doesn't fully justify the cost, especially during busier periods when the palace can get crowded.
Overall, Kensington Palace offers an interesting look into royal life and history, with its strengths lying in its historical significance, royal costume exhibitions, and beautiful gardens. While it may not be as expansive or opulent as some other royal residences, it provides a more intimate and focused experience of British royal heritage.
A great visit to K.P A special Thank you to Kenny. ( Security) for his kindness ,cheerfulness and Help in assisting me with my disability. a true Star
Visited on Oct 25, 2023
We recently visited the exhibition Crown to Courtier in Kensington Palace.
We had expected to see sumptuous red carpet dresses. There were some of these, but the exhibition had a consistant focus on gender fluidity, which we had not expected, and prevented us from enjoying what could have been a really interesting exhibition.
I visited Kensington Palace on Friday 23rd March 2018 - very excited to be visiting another royal palace (have been to Buckingham Palace and Hampton Court) and also the Diana exhibition.
To say I found it a major disappointment would be an understatement.
The rooms that we saw were virtually bare - it was as if someone was moving house and had cleared out. The Diana exhibition was small, hot and stuffy. Walk ways around the exhibition cases of her dresses were narrow and comprised mainly of two main rooms and a couple of corridors - it was a shame as I am sure much more could have been made of it.
The shop was (as usual) full of hugely overpriced items. The café was OK except I was charged an extra 30p for a soy cappuccino (instead of 'normal' milk) - didn't see that extra charge marked up anywhere!
My friend and I came out wondering when we were going to see the palace - a real let-down big time.
My suggestion would be to close this and convert what was 'on show' back to living quarters - waste of time and money visiting it.
I would not recommend Kensington Palace as a place to visit - the gardens and area around it great, but close the Palace. Bad value for money all round.
Visited on Mar 23, 2018
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