Royal Hospital Chelsea: State Apartments Art Tour
Location:
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Date & time:
Friday 8 May 2026, 3.00pm - 4.00pm
Price:
£25.00
About the event
The art tour of the State Apartments looks at the rarely seen part of the Hospital that is typically closed to the public.
The Apartments once served as a meeting place for the monarch and showcase the architectural genius of Christopher Wren.
Inside, participants will see the Great Peece, the monumental portrait of Charles I and his family painted by Van Dyck and his studio, alongside other works by prominent 17th and 18th century artists and studios. This session will explore the shared visual language of portraiture in the period and consider the role of studios in 17th-century artistic production. You will see portraits of people who played a vital role in the history of the Hospital. The tour will be led by a Chelsea Pensioner and an art historian.
FAQs
Is the Royal Hospital Chelsea accessible?Yes, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk or call 0207 881 5200.
Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.
Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.
Please adhere to the age range specified for events on the listings page and if appropriate please book a ticket for your child. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult approved by the parent/guardian. The event organiser cannot be responsible for unsupervised children.
What’s on
Check out more events at this venue
Walking Tour: The Royal Hospital Chelsea at War
- 26 April 2026, 1.00pm
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- £20.00
Step back in time and discover the incredible wartime history of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
More info
Governor’s Lecture Series – Reliving World War II
- 6 May 2026, 6.00pm
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- £15.00
Join author and journalist Lucy Colback as she explores how an entire generation was shaped by the experience of global conflict, drawing on her book Afterbursts: Reliving World War II.
More info
London Craft Week: Family Sea Glass Art Workshop
- 16 May 2026, 11.00am
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- Free
Join us at the Soane Stable Yard on Saturday 16 May as we celebrate London Craft Week with a creative, hands‑on family workshop.
More info