Brighton’s Royal Pavilion to reopen to visitors

Visitors will be welcomed back to Brighton’s world-famous Royal Pavilion, from next Monday (July 27)
Brighton's Royal Pavilion. Pic by Steve RobardsBrighton's Royal Pavilion. Pic by Steve Robards
Brighton's Royal Pavilion. Pic by Steve Robards

To celebrate the reopening, following the coronavirus shutdown the city’s mayor Alan Robins and lead councillor for culture Carmen Appich will be welcomed as the first guests to visit since the building closed in March.

The reopening of this iconic building, the symbol and heart of Brighton & Hove, is another step towards the city returning to a new normal.

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Once again visitors will be able to marvel at the exotic and quirky former Royal Palace with its Indian-inspired exterior and lavish Chinese-inspired interior.

The summer is a fantastic time for visitors to see the Royal Pavilion with these highlights on display:

• For the first time, visitors will be able to see the newly refurbished Queen Victoria’s apartments which have been hung with the original elegant 19th-century Chinese export wallpaper.

• A Prince’s Treasure of over 120 decorative items such as pagodas on loan from Her Majesty The Queen on display in the Royal Pavilion returned while Buckingham Palace undergoes renovation.

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Throughout the lockdown staff have been working with Public Health England, Brighton & Hove City Council, the Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust and unions to follow government guidelines and ensure the buildings and work environments are safe for both visitors and staff.

An online video shows the changes visitors can expect. They include:

• Pre-booked timed entry to limit numbers

• Hand sanitiser stations at entry points

• Perspex screens and barriers

• Physical distancing signage

• A new one-way visitor route

• Removal of audio guides

• A reconfigured retail space

Each slot can accommodate a party of up to six people and to avoid disappointment it is recommended for visitors to book at least 24 hours in advance.

Cllr Appich, chair of the council’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture Committee, said: “It’s fantastic news that, thanks to the hard work and commitment of staff, we are now able to re-open our wonderful Royal Pavilion.

“Visitors can now look forward to touring the building safely, as well as enjoying a warm welcome from all the staff.”