Point of interest
Royal Pavilion
in Brighton, United Kingdom
The early-19th-century seaside palace of George IV, famous for its Indian-inspired domes outside and opulent chinoiserie interiors.
Where it is
The Royal Pavilion sits in the heart of central Brighton, in the Pavilion Buildings just off the Old Steine and a short walk from the Lanes.
Address: 4-5 Pavilion Buildings, BN1 1EE Brighton
What it is
Behind the exotic exterior lie lavish chinoiserie interiors, including the spectacular Music Room and the Great Kitchen with its palm-leaf columns. Touring the restored state rooms and the surrounding garden is one of the definitive things to do in Brighton.
History
Built in three stages from 1787 as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV. Between 1815 and 1822 the architect John Nash transformed it into its present Indo-Saracenic form, with domes and minarets. The Grade I listed building is now a museum owned by the city of Brighton & Hove.