After five years of extensive restoration work, the East Wing of Buckingham Palace in London is now open to the public for the first time.
According to reports from international outlets like CN Traveler, the East Wing, previously off-limits to the general public, has been accessible to individual and small group visitors since the 11th of last month.
Built-in 1849, the East Wing is centered around the balcony where the royal family traditionally makes public appearances. The recent five-year restoration project included reinstalling the lotus-shaped chandelier, a central feature of the East Wing, and recreating a silk wall hanging to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. The restoration team meticulously analyzed the pigments of the Chinese-style wallpaper to ensure it was restored to its original state as faithfully as possible.
Purchase a “Summer State Room Tour” ticket to visit the newly unveiled East Wing. This ticket grants visitors access to the East Wing, the Ballroom, and 19 State Rooms, where the royal family traditionally hosts official guests.
Nicola Turner Inman, an art curator, explained that the expansion of the tour areas within Buckingham Palace was in response to the King’s wish to open up more of the royal residence to the public.
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