Historic Masterpiece on View

A passenger lift installed into the 400-year-old Banqueting House in London’s Whitehall will offer visitors step-free access to Peter Paul Rubens’ masterpiece ceiling for the first time.

Built for King James I in 1622, the Banqueting House is last complete piece of the lost royal Palace of Whitehall, most of which perished to fire in 1698.

It has recently reopened following a major project by Historic Royal Palaces to upgrade the building’s facilities and carry out essential improvement works.

The brand-new lift enables guests visiting the Banqueting House to have step-free access to the Main Hall, a grand space housing the only artwork by Rubens to still be displayed in the original space for which it was created.

The installation follows years of planning from expert conservators, historic buildings curators and other specialists, enabling the integration of modern accessibility into a Grade-I listed building at the heart of Whitehall.

The Banqueting House has witnessed dramatic moments in history, including the execution of King Charles I. Originally created as a space in which to stage entertainments and completed in 1622 as part of the Palace of Whitehall, the Banqueting House is a masterpiece of classical architecture designed by Inigo Jones for James I. 

A sneak preview of the Banqueting House will be available to visitors on March 20, April 3, May 1, May 29 and June 26. From August 1 – September 20, the Banqueting House will open with a new visitor experience, bringing 400 years of history, art and architecture to life.

To find out more visit https://www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house/whats-on/open-days/