Orleans House Gallery — Attraction in London

This is an amazing local Gallery exhibiting contemporary art as well as pieces of its important history, which dates back to the early 18th century. The house initially included a garden, a vineyard and later, an octagonal room designed for entertaining royal guests (Queen Caroline and Queen Victoria visited). At the beginning of the 19th c. it became the residence of Louis Philippe Duc d'Orleans, until he went back to France to become king. The house suffered some transformations, and part of it was demolished, but the octagonal room stands magnificent the tests of time, brilliantly serving as a wedding venue. The pictures are part of the current exhibition that celebrates 300 anniversary of the construction of the Octagon room: 'Octagon 300' from the artist collective Alice in...

I attended a noon music performance in the Octagon Room. It's a fabulously attractive venue but possibly not the best place for music because of its large flat surfaces. The effect was immersive. The music was coming at me from all directions. Something that it took me a few minutes to adapt to.

When visiting Orleans House Gallery, do take time to visit the Octagon Room. It is rather special. I do not know its history but the positioning of the windows suggests it was built to give view out over the Thames between Richmond and Twickenham. What a vista that would have been. Now, all you see are trees. Pleasant enough but not inspiring. For me the best part of this room is its ceiling. So when you visit do be sure to look up as well as...

Wow, hidden gem! Walking in from the Thames riverside footpath, couldn’t find it at first. ..then we stumbled upon a moderately sized garden with lots of seating, flowering plants and ornamental trees surrounded by low walling then this beautiful building – check out the ornate Baroque Octagon Room, has interesting architectural details. The gallery itself is not too far, about 12mins walk from Richmond bridge and town centre. The gallery presents a year-round programme of exhibitions, live events and short courses, a wild wood to explore, a shop and the Stables Café serving delicious treats in the courtyard. Entry to the...