Montserrat + Artistic Barcelona

The Queen's Gallery was built in the shell of the former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School at the entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The buildings were constructed in the 1840s with funds from the Duchess of Gordon, but fell into disuse in the late 19th century. Benjamin Tindall Architects were appointed project architects for the new Queen’s Gallery in October 1999. Their central visual theme was a celebration of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, expressed through a series of arches and screens that lead visitors from the Gallery entrance to the exhibition spaces beyond. Their design complements the original 19th-century architecture, elements of which were incorporated into the new spaces. Unsympathetic later internal alterations were removed, and a new exposed steel and concrete floor inserted to reflect the original ‘gallery’ of the Church.   A new stone arched entrance was created at the centre of the Horse Wynd frontage, opposite the new Scottish Parliament building. The use of a stone archway, with a courtyard beyond, is a traditional entrance device in Scottish architecture. The main walling is of Catcastle stone, the dressed work and lettering is of Stainton stone and the base is of Kenmay granite. ‘THE QUEEN’S GALLERY’ lettering above the entrance is the work of John Neilson, a calligrapher and carver. The letters were cut from single pieces of stone. Above sits Scotland’s heraldic lion, designed by Jill Watson. The lion sedant is based on a small red lion that sits at the feet of Mary, Queen of Scots on her tomb in Westminster Abbey. (The Palace of Holyroodhouse was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots.)   The monumental entrance doors of oak have gilded bronze hinges by Jill Watson. Continuing the heraldic theme, the main hinges are decorated with the Scottish lion and unicorn. The beasts are set against the adjacent urban scene of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and the rural scene of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. The upper hinges are made as golden boughs of flowering native trees – chestnut and laburnum, oak, rowan and hawthorn. The stone archway is decorated with a carved and gilded garland of Scottish flowers, including daisies and thistles, created by Graciela Ainsworth, an Edinburgh-based sculptor, carver and conservator. Over the old entrance to the former church is a stained-glass window by Christian Shaw.  The design shows a perspective drawing of the interior of a gallery. At night, the shape of the archway is reflected by the glass lights by Keiko Mukaide set into the paving. The artist has given the tiles a water flow pattern, mirroring the stream of visitors walking in and out of the Gallery. Inside, the reception desk by Hamid van Koten is made from curved pieces of Scottish elm with kilned glass and patinated copper. The pendant lights were designed and made in Edinburgh by Ingrid Phillips. Dividing the reception from the main Gallery area is a patterned glass screen by Jacqueline Poncelet. The screen’s bronze handles by Jill Watson incorporate figures looking at art in a gallery.   The dramatic central stair of native timber leads to the Gallery spaces above. The complex shape was designed by the architects with Charles Taylor Woodwork, who were responsible for the construction. Lights set into the first floor illuminate the curved balustrading.  

For Tours:
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour time (20 minutes prior if you have booked children's equipment). Please bring your receipt or confirmation number.
Participants arriving after the tour departure time risk forfeiture of their tour seats.
If you would like to reschedule your reservation you may do so at any time.
If you cancel your reservation at least 48 hours prior to the tour start time and would like a refund we will issue a refund less a 10% processing fee.
No Refund will be issued for a reservation cancelled with less than 48 hours notice.
We reserve the right to cancel any tour for weather or other reasons. If the tour is cancelled, and you are unable to make any of the rescheduled tours, we will issue a full refund for the cancelled tour.
If the weather is questionable, please call one hour prior to the start time to confirm the tour status.
On the day of your tour, bring your printed voucher(s) and photo identification to the tour departure location. Trailer carriages, trailer tandems, and child seats available for children at the child rate. Tours may be cancelled if the weather makes for dangerous riding conditions. If we are unable to reschedule the tour, we will issue a full credit or refund.

Duration is 1 hr and 30 mins. If you have any dietary requirements please contact us at [email protected] as soon as you make your booking.  

Your 365Tickets Blenheim Palace ticket can either be shown on a mobile device or printed Several eateries serving a wide range from light snacks, to 3 course meals and afternoon teas are available at the Palace  Your ticket cannot be exchanged for an annual pass for the Palace Please note tickets are non-refundable

Facilities and Access Entrance and parking: The castle is reached on foot along a causeway from West Park slipway in St Helier. Visitors can either walk at low tide or catch the pirate-themed Castle Ferry (small charge applies) at high or low tide. Public parking is available in Patriotic Street, the Waterfront or in parking bays off Victoria Avenue. Buses and cycle routes: All bus routes terminate at Liberation Station which is a short walk away. Jersey cycle route 1 Refreshments: A coffee shop is on the premises – members receive 10% with their voucher (found in your voucher pack) Gift Shop: Jersey Heritage gift shops, selling gifts, souvenirs, books and toys are located at Elizabeth Castle and in the Castle Ferry kiosk. Access arrangements: Unfortunately the site is not suitable for people with mobility impairment Dogs: No dogs allowed, except guide dogs Hearing loop available at reception and a portable hearing loop is available for groups if requested in advance

All visitors (including members and visitors 18 and under, who always receive free admission) require a ticket so we can ensure the museum does not exceed capacity. Order tickets in advance for all members of your party so everyone can enter the galleries at the same time. No eating, drinking, smoking, or sleeping is permitted in the Museum. Eating and drinking are permitted in designated areas only (Café 5, Sightglass at SFMOMA, and In Situ). Sealed food and drink containers are allowed if they are packed away inside a bag. Backpacks may not be carried on your back; they must be carried or worn on your front at all times.