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Blueprints of Power exhibition

More to explore... extended
until May 31st!

Book now

More to explore... our exhibition has been extended until May 31st!

Open now, Blueprints of Power invites visitors to step straight into the dazzling world of Sir John Vanbrugh an architect, playwright and larger than life character whose ambition shaped an era. 

Our limited time exhibition brings his story to life through immersive visual moments that carry you from his mischievous beginnings in the theatre to the high‑stakes tension of his partnership with Sarah Churchill, the formidable first Duchess of Marlborough.

Don’t forget to grab a photo with our John Vanbrugh and Sarah Churchill actors while you’re here.

*Please note, that there will be some disruption in the Great Hall & Long Library on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April.

Discover our daily talks & tours – free with an Annual Pass

Tour Location Times & Details
Blueprints of Power Tour Palace 12.00 – Step inside with our expert guides for a fascinating deep dive into the world of John Vanbrugh.
State Room Tour

Palace

 15.00 – Round off your afternoon with our classic State Room Tour, exploring the stories, splendour and personalities that bring these historic rooms to life.

Creators Capturing the Moment

History with Alice

History with Alice

Join History with Alice as she explores our new exhibition, Blueprints of Power

Isabella Rose

Isabella Rose

Step into the baroque era as Isabella Rose brings it to life

Zack Pinsent

Zack Pinsent

See Zack Pinsent channel Vanbrugh in a full-costume palace takeover

Leslie Stroz

Leslie Stroz

Watch Leslie Stroz sketch the palace, every line bringing its story to life

Utope

Utope

Listen as Utope brings Winter Vivaldi to life with a bold baroque twist

Blenheim Palace Socials

Blenheim Palace Socials

Explore all our influencer collaborations and see what else we’ve got lined up for you

Experience our Vanbrugh Afternoon Tea in the Orangery

Savour the Vanbrugh Afternoon Tea, served with a glass of Champagne and featuring afternoon tea classics and a playful array of handcrafted sweets inspired by Vanbrugh himself. A fitting treat for baroque enthusiasts and history lovers alike!

Menu

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Vanbrugh 300 Weekend

From the 25th to 26th April, get ready for a weekend packed with creativity, imagination and activities for all.

Settle in for a lively storytelling performance, roll up your sleeves to make your own John Vanbrugh inspired wearable architecture, or explore the hidden stories in his buildings through movement and play in a fun, family‑friendly drama session.

Dive into a day full of laughter, discovery, and hands‑on adventure.

Find out more

Lecture: Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill and an Expert Panel

On Thursday 7th May at 18.30, join Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill and a panel of experts - Prof. Christine Stevenson, Edward Lewis, Adrian Attwood and Jeremy Musson - for an evening lecture on the life and work of Sir John Vanbrugh, principal architect of Blenheim Palace. Together they'll explore his tempestuous relationship with Sarah Churchill, First Duchess of Marlborough, and reflect on discoveries emerging from the ongoing restoration.

Find out more

Panel Talk: Vanbrugh's Hidden Blenheim

On Wednesday 29th April, 16.30 - 19.00, join Charles Saumarez Smith, Kelly O'Driscoll and Edward Lewis (chaired by Tanvir Hasan) will meet at Donald Insall Associates Studio in London as they explore Vanbrugh's original design, the paradox of fine craftsmanship alongside compromised stonework, lost institutional memory and the living reality of Blenheim as a home from the first Duchess to today, drawing on findings from the current £12m conservation project.

Location for talk: 

Donald Insall Associates Studio 

12 Devonshire Street 

London 

W1G 7AB

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"The tour guide in character was great fun and informative"

"It's a site to behold if you haven't seen it yet"

"You are truly transported back in time"

Event Information

  • Location Icon

    The exhibition will take place inside the Palace.

  • Tickets Icon

    Included with a pass

  • Date Icon

    Saturday 14th Feb - Sunday 31st May

  • Time Icon

    10.30 - 16.45

  • Dogs Welcome Icon

    No dogs allowed.

Take a sneak peek behind the scenes...

 

The life and achievements of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664-1726) are being celebrated across the UK during 2026, his tercentenary year, following a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to The Georgian Group. The VANBRUGH300 celebrations are presented by the Georgian Group and will include a variety of events, educational programmes, volunteer training, lectures and exhibitions in collaboration with six of the architect’s most significant buildings: Castle Howard (Yorkshire), Blenheim Palace (Oxfordshire), Seaton Delaval Hall (Northumberland), Grimsthorpe Castle (Lincolnshire), Kimbolton Castle (Cambridgeshire) and Stowe House (Buckinghamshire). Click here for more information on Vanbrugh 300

 

The Blenheim Palace Blueprints Exhibition Sponsored by

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