When it comes to iconic landmarks to visit in Brighton, the historic Royal Pavilion, bedecked with Regency opulence, has got to be up at the top. The newly-opened COLOUR experience highlights the rich, vibrant history of the palace’s colour design, pigmentation and its intricate relationship with human psychology, from the resplendently regal crimsons and silvers of the banqueting hall, to the serene jades of King George’s bedroom, the COLOUR exhibition offers a feast for the eyes and mind of children and adults alike.
The Venue
The Royal Pavilion is centrally located in the heart of the city, near Brighton’s Old Steine, and just a few minutes’ walk from the seafront. From April to September, the Royal Pavilion is open from 9.30am to 5.45pm (last admission 5pm), and from October to March, from 10am to 5.15pm (last admission 4.30pm). Standard admission is £19.50 per adult, but there are impressively discounted entries for families, students, and Brighton residents, including just £14.75 for a Brighton resident and up to four children. Plus, your ticket includes unlimited free return visits for an entire year!
COLOUR Exhibition: The Vibe
Once inside, we were free to explore the fantasy pleasure palace of George IV and uncover its intriguing history of banquets, royally rowdy parties and its use as a military hospital for Indian Soldiers during WW1. In addition, the exhibition included a range of beautifully curated art installations focussed around the shades of each room, as well as newly unveiled vibrant outfits worn by the Palace’s inhabitants.
COLOUR struck the perfect balance between fascinating historical insights into the development of new pigments, the palace’s interior design and hands-on fun for families, including a Chameleon trail, dress-up opportunities and interactive colour construction play.
The Verdict
Whether you’ve visited before or not, the COLOUR exhibition will shed new light on the kaleidoscopically vibrant Brighton Pavilion, allowing visitors young and old to discover and bask in the innumerable shades of anything but grey. Keep an eye out, too, for the variety of COLOUR events running from April to October, including educational talks from Neil Parkinson – The Colour Librarian, arts and craft workshops inspired by the Palace’s decor, and Pinot & Picasso pop-ups creating painted artwork inspired by the Pavilion’s elaborately decorated wallpapers, and a Summer Solstice Sound Bath.
COLOUR is open until 19th October 2025.
Website: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1EE
Website: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/
