Palace of Westminster
About This Museum
The Palace of Westminster doesn't feel like a typical museum; it's a living, breathing chronicle of British power, where every echoing footstep in a stone corridor seems to whisper of political intrigues and historic debates. While its primary function is governance, wandering through on a tour feels like stepping into a vast, neo-gothic storybook. You move from the overwhelming, almost sacred space of Westminster Hall, with its magnificent 14th-century hammerbeam roof, directly into the opulent, symbolic heart of the building: the Houses of Parliament. The air is thick with tradition and the faint scent of old wood and polish, a palpable atmosphere that is both awe-inspiring and surprisingly human.
Collection Highlights
The undeniable centerpiece is Westminster Hall, a survivor of the original medieval palace that has witnessed everything from the trials of Thomas More and Guy Fawkes to royal lyings-in-state—its cavernous space and breathtaking timber roof are humbling. Then there's the stunning contrast of the House of Lords, a blaze of crimson and gold leaf with an ornate throne, versus the more subdued green leather benches of the House of Commons, where you can almost feel the tension of Prime Minister's Questions.
Visitor Information
Getting inside requires a bit of planning, as you can't just wander in off the street. Guided tours are your ticket, typically running on Saturdays throughout the year and on most weekdays during the summer recess when Parliament isn't sitting—it's essential to book those slots well in advance.
Architecture & Building
It's the global poster child for the Gothic Revival style. After a devastating fire in 1834, architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin rebuilt it as a romantic, sprawling fantasy of pointed arches, intricate stone carvings, and that iconic clock tower housing Big Ben—a deliberate evocation of Britain's medieval past.
Contact & Location
Address: London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7219 3000
Website: Visit Website
