About
Orleans House Gallery is one of London's most enchanting art venues, set within a remarkable baroque mansion on the south bank of the Thames at Twickenham. The gallery takes its name from Louis Philippe, Duke of Orleans (later King of France), who lived in exile here between 1815 and 1817. The surviving Octagon Room, completed in 1720 by John James for Secretary of State James Johnston, is regarded as one of the finest examples of baroque interior decoration in England.
The gallery is owned and managed by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and serves as the local authority's principal art venue. It houses the Richmond Borough Art Collection, a significant collection of some 3,000 works including paintings, watercolours, drawings, prints, and photographs relating to the borough, the Thames Valley, and the wider history of art from the 17th century to the present day.
The collection includes major works depicting the Thames at Richmond and Twickenham, portraits of notable local residents, and topographical views charting the development of the borough over three centuries. Key works include paintings by Richard Wilson, Peter Tillemans, and Augustin Heckel, as well as a rich archive of 20th-century documentary photography.
Beyond its permanent collection, Orleans House Gallery presents a lively programme of temporary exhibitions across multiple gallery spaces, showcasing contemporary art alongside historical material. The gallery actively commissions new work and provides exhibition opportunities for both established and emerging artists with connections to the borough.
The gallery occupies a tranquil woodland setting on the Thames, surrounded by the Orleans House Gallery Woods — a publicly accessible green space with riverside walks. The stable block and coach house have been converted into additional gallery spaces and education facilities, making this a cultural destination that balances historic grandeur with contemporary arts programming.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Make sure to visit the Octagon Room — the baroque plasterwork is extraordinary and unlike anything else in outer London. Ask staff if access is available on the day.
- The gallery is free to enter, making it an ideal starting point for a day that combines art, history, and riverside walks in the Twickenham area.
- St Margarets station is the closest to the gallery and has a pleasant 10-minute walk through quiet streets. Twickenham station is slightly further but has more frequent services.
- Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience. Sunday afternoons can be busy, particularly when a popular temporary exhibition is showing.
- Combine your gallery visit with a walk along the Thames Path to Marble Hill House or take the seasonal foot ferry to Ham House for a memorable afternoon.
- The woodland grounds are perfect for children to explore after the gallery. Family activity sheets are often available, and holiday workshops are popular with local families.
- The exterior of the Octagon Room and the riverside woodland setting are particularly photogenic. The garden and river views are excellent in spring and early summer.
- Check the gallery's website before visiting to see what temporary exhibitions are showing and whether any events or workshops are running during your visit.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
The Richmond Borough Art Collection comprises over 3,000 works including oil paintings, watercolours, drawings, prints, photographs, and sculptures. The collection is particularly strong in topographical views of the Thames, 18th and 19th century landscape painting, and 20th century documentary photography of the borough.
Richmond Borough Art Collection
A rotating display from the 3,000-strong permanent collection, featuring paintings, prints, and photographs documenting the history, landscape, and culture of Richmond upon Thames from the 17th century to the present day.
The Octagon Room
The historic baroque Octagon Room of 1720, with its magnificent plasterwork by James Gibbs, is presented as a heritage space and used for small-scale exhibitions and events.
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Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.