It's not easy to visit Banqueting House.
In fact, this establishment only reserves a few days for visits per year.
In this article, we focus on what you need to know about this palace.
Banqueting House: article summary
Banqueting House: at a glance
Banqueting House is the only surviving building from the vast palace of Whitehall, destroyed by fire nearly 300 years ago.
The Maison des Banquets is a welcome refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, and a hidden treasure for anyone interested in art and architecture. Its ceiling painting by Rubens is just one of the works of art on display.
Other places on the site include the Great Hall of King James Iᵉʳ, the basement and the site where Charles Iᵉʳ was executed on January 30, 1649.
Exceptional architecture
The building is architecturally significant, as it was the first building in England to be constructed in the neoclassical style.
It was designed by Inigo Jones, inspired by Andrea Palladio, and completed in 1622. It is considered an emblematic building that changed the face of British architecture.
The Maison des Banquets will not be open for guided tours until 2024.
What to see at the Banqueting House
The ceiling of the Maison des Banquets is one of Sir Peter Paul Rubens' most famous works, and the only surviving ceiling painting by the Flemish artist.
In addition to the ceiling painting by Rubens, the Banqueting House also houses a painting of Charles Iᵉʳ by Daniel Mytens and a bronze bust of Jacques Iᵉʳ, by Hubert Le Sueur in 1639.
The basement of the Banqueting House has been designed as a bar. Visitors to the basement can watch a video about King Charles Iᵉʳ and the history of the building, as well as exhibits about Inigo Jones and the events that took place there.
Where is the Maison des Banquets?
Banqueting House is located in Whitehall, just a few minutes opposite the Household Cavalry Museum and the Horse Guards Parade.
It is a five-minute walk from Charing Cross subway station and only a little further from Charing Cross railway station and bus stations. metro Embankment and Westminster.
When can you visit the site?
Entry is by guided tour only, with visits only on the following days in 2024:
- Sunday, January 7, 2024
- Sunday, January 28, 2024
- Sunday, February 11, 2024
I advise you to book tours online well in advance. Because of the rarity of the tours on offer, these may have been sold out months ago.
Offered on very few tourist schedules, Banqueting House is an important place to visit in London. Slightly removed from the main sights, you'll discover an exclusive place to stay. which still tells the tale of London's past greatness.
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