All 9 parts, explained
1. Glass roof
The long glass roof lets soft daylight fall from above, the best light for looking at paintings.
Fun fact Light from above does not shine back off the paintings like light from a window would.
2. Paintings
The walls are covered with paintings by famous artists, hung close together in golden frames.
Fun fact Works by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Vermeer are part of the Royal Collection.
3. Fireplace
Carved marble fireplaces stand along the walls, with figures and decorations cut into the stone.
Fun fact Marble is a stone that can be carved into fine details and polished to shine.
4. Sofas
Long sofas with striped covers let visitors sit and look at the paintings.
Fun fact The fabrics on old furniture are carefully repaired or copied when they wear out.
5. Painting conservator
A conservator looks after old paintings, cleaning them gently and repairing tiny cracks with very fine brushes.
Fun fact Conservators use magnifying glasses and microscopes to see the smallest details.
6. Conservation workshop
In the workshop, experts repair gilded chairs and frames, using tools and methods from hundreds of years ago.
Fun fact Gilding means covering wood with a very thin layer of real gold, called gold leaf.
7. Upholsterer
An upholsterer repairs the padding and fabric of chairs and sofas, stitching everything by hand.
Fun fact Some palace chairs are more than 200 years old and still used.
8. Textile store
Rolls of fabric, carpets and curtains are stored on shelves, ready to replace or repair what wears out.
Fun fact Fabrics are kept away from sunlight, which can fade their colors.
9. Green Drawing Room
At the far end of the gallery, doors lead on to the Green Drawing Room and the other State Rooms.
Fun fact Visitors walk through the State Rooms one after another, in a long loop.
