Buckingham Palace has unveiled a significant rehang of its Picture Gallery as part of the summer opening season, which runs through September 27. The newly arranged gallery nearly doubles the number of paintings on display, increasing from 63 to 120 works, showcasing an expanded selection from the Royal Collection.
Among the highlights is George Stubbs’ “A Rough Dog,” positioned prominently at the far end of the gallery. The painting, depicting a dog resting in the shade, is part of the Royal Collection’s extensive holdings of Stubbs’ work, reflecting the historic patronage of George IV, who in 1793 commissioned elaborate frames for several of the artist’s pieces.
The Picture Gallery, originally designed in the 1820s by architect John Nash during the transformation of Buckingham House into Buckingham Palace, has undergone a notable aesthetic update. The walls, which have historically changed colors multiple times—from golden yellow and lilac to crimson red and olive green—have recently been redecorated with green silk damask hangings, replacing the faded coral pink velvet that dated back to 1976. The new wall coverings provide a vivid backdrop that complements works such as Johann Zoffany’s richly tinted “The Tribuna of the Uffizi” and Rembrandt’s somber portrait of Agatha Bas.
Visitors to the summer opening can also explore the state rooms, which remain adorned with opulent decor and serve as reminders of the palace’s long-standing diplomatic and royal significance. Tickets are priced at £33 if purchased in advance and £37 at the door, granting access to the full palace experience, though the limited annual opening and ticket cost continue to be seen as barriers to broader public engagement.
The Royal Collection also features masterworks spanning a wide range of artists, including Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Vermeer, Canaletto, and Pieter de Hooch, underscoring the gallery’s status as one of the most important and extensive art collections worldwide. The summer presentation offers a rare opportunity for the public to appreciate these treasures within the historic setting of Buckingham Palace.
