Visit Queen's House in Greenwich is an essential part of your day out in this part of the city.
Located a few kilometers from the old City of London, it's one of the most important buildings in British architectural history.
Focus on this popular tourist attraction.
Queen's House in Greenwich: article summary
Queen's House in Greenwich: at a glance
Queen's House Greenwich is one of the most important buildings in English architecture. As its name suggests, it is a former royal residence built between 1616 and 1635.
The house was commissioned in 1616 by Anne of Denmark, queen during the reign of King James Iᵉʳ. This house is in fact the first consciously constructed classical building that has gave rise to a change in British architecture.
This was the first major commission for architect Inigo Jones, after his return from his extensive tour of Roman, Renaissance and Palladian architecture in Italy from 1613 to 1615.
A remarkable work, a turning point in London architecture
The house was designed as a royal retreat. Building the house was completed in 1638.
Unfortunately, Queen Anne of Denmark died before the house was completed. After the house was completed in 1638, King Charles I presented it to the queen of the time, Henrietta Maria.
What makes Queen's House in Greenwich so special?
Wondering what's so special about this house? And what made it revolutionary in the eyes of the British at the time?
Queen's House Greenwich is regarded as the the introduction of Palladianism into British architecture by Jones.
Although the house differs from Palladio's exact mathematical concepts, it is an immediate example of this type of architecture.
Part of the Royal Museums
The Queen's House is now part of the Royal Museums of Greenwich, which include :
- The Royal Observatory
- Cutty Sark
- The National Maritime Museum
Step through the doors and into this perfectly proportioned space with its striking marble floor anda black and white geometric pattern originally installed in 1635.
The venue also boasts an extensive collection of maritime paintings and portraits of British royalty.
Queen's House in Greenwich: nowadays
Today, the house is a listed monument. It is also honored as a Grade I building in England.
It is important to note that the house has also been used as a VIP center for the 2012 Olympic Games.
When you visit, be sure to see and attend the breathtaking new art exhibition by Turner Prize-winning artist Richard Wright.
Staircases not to be missed
One of the most important features of Queen's House Greenwich is the emblematic tulip staircase.
The staircases represent a tulip, and it's the very first geometric spiral staircase ever built in Britain.
Another notable feature is that the staircase is self-supporting, unlike others of the period. This means that the staircase was built without central support.
Interesting as it may seem, the staircase attracts more attention for its appearance.
The flow of light that floods the stairwell from the centralized window above. The elaborate ironwork of its balustrades. make it an elegant piece of architecture that enchants visitors today.
Queen's House in Greenwich: how much does it cost?
Visit Queen's House Greenwich is free of charge. However, tickets must be booked well in advance.
Now you know more about Queen's House in Greenwich. During your visit, don't hesitate to make a detour to this museum. You'll discover a unique place in London, a pioneer in the field of architecture that is very common in cities today.
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