Enjoy A Royally Good Day Out At The Buckingham Palace State Rooms Discover the magnificent Buckingham Palace State Rooms with a self-guided tour of this historic royal residence. The official London home of His Majesty The King (and one of the world’s most famous working palaces) now invites visitors to explore the State Rooms, which houses priceless artworks from the Royal Collection. Inside Buckingham Palace, you can expect to find: • 19 stunningly decorated State Rooms where guests are received and official Royal functions are held • The Throne Room, which you may recognise as the backdrop for royal wedding photos • The magnificent Grand Staircase • The White Drawing Room with its spectacular crystal chandelier • The Music Room, where State Visit guests are presented The palace is also home to an impressive collection of treasures including: • Paintings by iconic artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck • Sculptures by Canova • Exquisite Sèvres porcelain • Fine English and French furniture The History Of Buckingham Palace Originally named Buckingham House, the residence was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. The building was then acquired by George III in 1761 for Queen Charlotte. It became her private residence and was renamed The Queens House. In the 19th century, it was extended by architects John Nash and Edward Blore who constructed three wings around a central courtyard. The palace became the official London residence of British monarchs upon Queen Victoria's ascension to the throne in 1837. New additions were made to the Palace during the late 19th/early 20th centuries. This includes the famous East Front balcony - now the iconic spot where the royal family greets the public - and the King’s Gallery - which was constructed in place of the palace chapel after it was destroyed in World War II bombing. Today, the palace boasts 775 rooms and London's largest private garden. Its State Rooms welcome visitors annually from July through September.