The Royal Pavilion Overview

Unveiled in 1818 and restored over the last 30 years, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton takes its unique character from the man for whom it was built, George IV. The magnificent interior, replete with Chinese and Indian influences, is a reflection of his personality and taste.

Originally a simple farmhouse, the Pavilion was transformed into a spectacular oriental palace by the work of architects Henry Holland and John Nash. It is filled with astonishing colours and superb craftsmanship, including many original furnishings and decorations on loan from HM The Queen.

Permanent collections

Today the Royal Pavilion is home to some of Britain’s finest examples of chinoiserie – a decorative style inspired by Chinese art which became fashionable in the mid-18th century.

In 2010, the Pavilion acquired a collection of important Regency political cartoons with support from the Art Fund.

Art Funded works

The Music Room, Brighton Pavilion by Augustus Charles Pugin is a preparatory drawing for one of the 1826 'Views of the Royal Pavilion at Brighton', published by John Nash. It shows the ornate Music Room designed by Frederick Crace for the Prince Regent. The figures in the picture are drawn from life by John Stephanoff and several can be identified.

Two Chinese Pagodas from the Yung Chen period, part of original furnishings of the Music Room at the Royal Pavilion, were probably supplied to the Prince Regent in 1815 by Fogg's. Each has nine storeys, richly decorated, with gilt-bronze kylins as finials at each angle of the roof section.

Visitor information

Audio guides are free with admission and are a perfect accompaniment to a tour of the palace. Visitors can also discover more about the Prince Regent and the Royal Pavilion at special interest talks and tours.

A spacious tearoom, with a sunny balcony overlooking the gardens, can be found on the upper floor of the Pavilion. The tearoom offers light lunches, daily specials, and teas with home-made cakes and scones.