Visit the Royal palaces
July 23, 2015
During the summer, from July 25 to September 27, the 19 State Rooms in Buckingham Palace are not used for official receptions and are traditionally open to the public. This year, for the first time, visitors will enter the State Rooms through the Grand Entrance. Paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto, sculptures by Canova, as well as noble furniture from England and France can be admired in these halls where official ceremonies are usually held.
Just like every year, the Belgian Royal Family left the palace in Brussels after the country's National Day on July 21. The works of art and furnishings in the royal lounges and halls can be seen up close until September 6, 2015. A definite highlight is the Mirror Room, with its ceiling covered with the wing cases of over a million Thai jewel beetles, which reflect the light with a curiously vibrant energy.
Buckingham Palace charges admission for visits, whereas entrance to the Royal Palace in Brussels is free.
ot/ak/eg (monarchie.be, royalcollections.org.uk)