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Crown to Couture Exhibition at Kensington Palace

woman looking at dresses from history in the crown to couture exhibitition
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See the work of the most influential names in the fashion world and throughout history in the exciting NEW Crown to Couture Exhibition at Kensington Palace. Featuring 17th-century gowns worn by nobility and recent Met Gala gowns worn by stars like Beyoncé, Audrey Hepburn and Billie Eilish, it’s a skin-pinching exhibit for lovers of fashion and pop culture.

Visitors can get up close to every bead, sequin, stitch, and skirt gate. And if you didn’t already before, you’ll find a tremendous appreciation for the beautiful architecture of each dress throughout history.

Whether you are looking for unique things to do in London or you are on the hunt for a celebrity gown created by your favourite designer, this blockbuster exhibition is open to everyone! So before you race ahead and book tickets to this fashion pilgrimage, let’s get into some of the finer details…

What is the Crown to Couture Exhibition at Kensington Palace?

woman looking at dresses from history in the crown to couture exhibitition
Drawing parallels between royal court dresses and red-carpet looks, The Crown and Couture event showcases the world’s most brilliant minds in fashion throughout every iconic era over the last few centuries.

There are 200 fascinating objects to browse in this huge display, including gowns worn by royalty and the biggest celebrities in history. Explore diverse designs from London fashion week to the Met Gala, an 18th-century dress from the Georgian period, carpet couture and so much more…

There really are so many impressive outfits on display that signify some of the most iconic moments in fashion history including political gowns that you may have seen recently that support the LGBTQ community.

You’ll get to see famous looks like Billy Porter’s “Sun God” outfit, styled by Sam Ratelle and designed by The Blonds for the 2019 Met Gala as well as Kendall Jenner’s shimmering Hepburn-inspired Givenchy dress worn to the 2021 event.

One of the most famous dresses in the collection is the stunning yellow mantua which is on loan from the National Museums of Scotland. It is the widest surviving court gown in Britain, measuring a whopping 3 metres wide! You will also get to feast your eyes on the beautiful Rockingham Mantua – one of several objects from Historic Royal Palaces’ Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.

You’ll get to learn all about the preparation of dressing historical figures and celebrities for important events. This may sound odd but once you see the grandeur of the dresses in the exhibit you’ll understand that dressing is no easy task.

Find rare gems like The Silver Tissue Dress – it’s 360 years old! As you get up close to this delicate garment, you’ll be able to see the impressive craftsmanship that has lasted through the centuries, from The Stuarts’ reign until now.

Shape Location Get directions

Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX

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Other Things to See & Do at Kensington Palace…

queen victoria tiara

Queen Victoria's Tiara Collection

There are so many other historic treasures to uncover at Kensington Palace like Queen Victoria’s family tiaras.

Yes, you’ve browsed a variety of couture outfits but what about the accessories? Discover a collection of stunning pieces at the palace is Queen Victoria’s emerald Tiara, necklace, earrings and broach.

You can actually see this enchanting item at the palace for free as it’s not part of the exhibition. The tiara was picked out by her beloved husband Prince Albert and can be seen in family portraits of her by Franz Xavier in 1846 and 1859…You can also find her grandaughter’s tiaras, the Kokoshnik tiara and the Fife Tiara.

kensington gardens

Kensington Gardens

Once you’ve examined silver lace trims, contemporary couture, and royal fashion, head outside to the Kensington Gardens. The royal garden is 265 acres in total and you’ll find many famous attractions here like Prince Albert’s memorial, Diana’s Memorial Playground, sensory trails, and Peter Pan sculptures. And If you’ve got green fingers, get some tips on growing fruit and veg from the allotment.
Kensington garden cafe

Italian Gardens Cafe

Need to rest your legs? Head over to the Italian Gardens Cafe and relax in the 150-year-old ornamental Italian Gardens. Pick from light breakfast options like smashed avocado on sourdough bread, French pastries, yoghurt, fresh fruit, juice and more.

You can also grab a lunchtime meal too! Enjoy a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, cakes, snacks, and hot and cold drinks.

And in the Summer? Grab some creamy gelato for your walk around the idyllic gardens.

How Much Does the Crown to Couture Exhibition Cost?

woman looking at turquoise gown
Tickets to the brand-new fashion exhibition are free to members. Memberships cost £55 a year.

Prices for non-members (no donation):

Adults (18-64) £25.40

Under 5’s go free

Child (5-15) £12.70

Senior (65+) £20.30

Full-time student (16-17 – must bring ID) £20.30

Disabled concession £20.30

Disabled carers/companions go free

Groups of 15 people or more £23.40

Remember, you must book tickets online!

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When Will This Event Take Place?

close up of silver dress at crown to couture exhibit
This exciting historic fashion event will take place from now until 29th October 2023!

FAQs

How long is the Crown and Couture exhibition?

The tour lasts around 90 minutes and once the tour is over you can explore the rest of the grounds and then browse through exclusive gifts in the gift shop.

What is on display?

There are over 200 items from ball gowns to court suits and handbags to jewellery! Each of these garments has either been worn on catwalks, to royal courts or to major celebrity events like the Met Gala or Fashion Week.

The collections with showcase historic artistry and dress-making as well as famous modern designers like Givenchy.

Which tube station is Kensington Palace?

From High Street Kensington Underground Station (Circle & District Lines) to the palace entrance, it is 765m (0.47 miles) along Kensington High Street and into Kensington Gardens, entering the park via King’s Arms Gate.

Is there a dress code to visit Kensington Palace?

No there is no dress code.

How long does it take to make a Couture dress?

Some of the couture dresses and creations take hundreds of hours to complete, using only the best materials and embellishments, as well as particular attention to detail, leaving nothing to chance.

Have you enjoyed our article about the NEW Crown to Couture Exhibition in Kensington Palace? Find loads more cool things to do in London on our Hub page. We’ve written articles on everything from immersive experiences like The Spaces Inbetween Exhibition to Best Restaurants in Covent Garden, and Kids Afternoon Tea in London to savvy articles like Free Things To Do In London and Free Museums in London.

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