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 Hackneyland.

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 looking out.

Orleans House was a Palladian villa built by the architect John James in 1710 near the Thames at Twickenham, England, for the politician and diplomat James Johnston. It was subsequently named after the Duc d'Orléans who stayed there in the early 19th century. By the early 20th century it was derelict and in 1926 it was mostly demolished. However, parts of the property, including a baroque octagonal room designed by architect James Gibbs, were preserved. The octagon room and its service wing are listed Grade I by Historic England and, together, with a converted stable block, are now the Orleans House Gallery, a gallery of art relating to the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and neighbouring areas of London.

A hidden gem! If you are in the area (near Twickenham) you must include this in your itinerary. It has been restaured recently and an annex has been built to host a gallery with all modern facilities, as the house itself didn't survive. The original octagonal room is still there and now restaured to it's formal glory!! Once residence to the Duc D'orleans while on exile in England (later French King) ,this place is Definitely worth a visit. The staff running the place , some local volunteers, are adorable!!

For a very large London Borough like Richmond-upon-Thames, it's a surprise that their museum offering is so modest but the newly refurbished Orleans House Gallery is a rewarding experience. The study room has accessible storage / displays with items of local interest with screens drawers and cabinets. The Stables next door has toilets and used to and will again, once an operator is found (this review August 2018) have a cafe. Set in nice wild gardens and next to English Heritage's Marble Hill.

Orleans House gallery is a jewel hidden inside a walled woodland garden just alongside the Thames in East Twickenham. I've been coming here since I was a child and lately the house and gallery have been refurbished, so the spaces are bigger and more luminous. The exhibitions are always interesting, often showing work of local artists. Currently (February 2020) there is an important exhibition of 'outsider art' which is incredible. This is a wonderful gallery run by great volunteers

Love this place! Absolutely beautiful. Great art, space for the kids and galleries for the kids as well. Very happy. Coffee shop with snacks was convenient as well. We went on Wednesday 6th of July and absolutely loved the fantastic gentleman volunteer upstairs, he was so nice and friendly! I was there with my family that didn't speak a word of English. He had plenty time and patience for us, showed us plenty pictures, told us great stories. Thank you!

Beautiful place to spend hours relaxing. The nature that surrounds the place makes everything more magical. Great place to take photos and videos, spend a nice day with your family or friends. The nearby park is immense. The gallery inside the structure is very pleasant to visit. Free entry I went to visit it on June 5th, it was beautiful because being the last day of the jubilee I found so many beautiful people. I will definitely come again. Leo.

Nice quiet building, architecturally and historically of interest. In attractive location with a deeply wooded garden. Paintings by celebrated artists of local scenes, some recognisable despite 200 years of developments on the riverside. Excellent calm place to relax. Temporary exhibition of modern sculpture: on an original theme, but not madly inspiring.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Orleans house gallery is a beautiful building which has been rebuilt amongst other structures on the property to still hold their 1700s look, every room has been rebuilt to hold their purpose, since the rebuilt they’ve been using the property to help younger children to bring out their creative ideas by using the art gallery as show rooms for the children’s work, Which I’ve had the pleasure of view and having my own art hung their recently

I went to the exhibition of outsider art this morning and it was just fantastic. An exceptional array of works with informative notes alongside. I will return to see this exhibition again as it was quite intense for one visit. The space works incredibly well with a contemporary layout in an historical building. The lady assistant in the shop was lovely and so enthusiastic about the exhibition.

Brilliant location and contemporary gallery with a beautiful wood. While a fantastic heritage site, it also exhibits some brilliant cutting edge artwork and has workshops for families and schools. There are two gallery spaces and several floors in the main building, so lots to explore, and there’s a cozy café to drop into in the stables. Highly recommend!

An historic Palladian remnant recently refurbished comprises a gallery, a function venue, also hosting workshops and local community activities. Set in wood and parkland bordering the Thames, featuring the Listed 'Octagon Room’, a potential diversionary attraction when exploring this section of the Thames not short on historic riverside landmarks.

Happened to be in the vicinity so popped in for a look. Some interesting items on show but the convoluted descriptions were probably a little too deep for me to fully appreciate what some of the artists were getting at. Perhaps there may be a different range of exhibits next time. "Tea and Cake in the Courtyard" was my favourite piece

Place full of history although just a little of the original house remains. The Baroque Octagon Room is very beautiful. I highly recommend to talk to a volunteer when you visit the Studying Room. One lady showed us the exhibits and explained is the history and it was really fascinating, including Nellie Ionides and Richard Burton!

We visited here for a birthday party last Saturday. The party was held in a building next to the gallery and as a guest I'd highly recommend. Place was clean and just beautiful. The entertainment are food I assume was arranged by the birthday child's family so not relevant for the review, though that was lovely too!

The Octagon room is beautiful and stunning and it made me want to be transported back to that era to see how they lived - but the rest of the gallery was a big let down. Really don't 'get' 'Installation Art' - to think that someone (an artist) was paid for the creation that is on display is mind boggling!

Beautiful space for exhibiting beautiful art. Phoebe Boswells colourful installation and artwork is well suited to the environment - inside and out..a very creative and original use of space. NOT to be missed.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Beautiful hidden gem of a place that I only found by accident. The octagon room is a stunning piece of architecture. I love the fact that it's free entry and the staff are always very welcoming and polite, makes for such a nice atmosphere. Well worth a visit

My first visit a couple of interesting rooms and history. Art displays not to my taste. Nice gardens/woods. For me only enough interest for a short visit. Free entry.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No

Nice little local gallery. Free admission to a small local history collection and a changing temporary exhibition. Grounds are very nice and there's a coffee shop too!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A great exhibition, with lots of pieces with very interesting information. They made it interactive by using tags, visitors are able to participate and give their opinion. I loved it and so did my 13th year old daughter and her 9th years old friend.

A beautiful, recently restored interior, super for the wedding we attended and the staff were really, really kind, helpful, efficient and reassuring to the bridal party. Be warned tho’, the acoustics aren’t perfect … hence 4 rather than 5 stars.

This secret place on the river Thames has just been reopened after 18months and a 3.7m makeover, and is absolutely stunning now, apart from the heating which stopped working on the coldest, snowiest launch day! Hope it's now fixed....

Somewhat understated but historic building comprising an imposing octogonal reception room, soon to re-open. Art gallery located in old stables at the rear of the property currently displaying contemporary ceramics and paintings.

Had my wedding here in september 2013, it was drizzling on the day but the ladies were brilliant, well organised, so helpful it was absolutely fantastic wonderful venue and wonderful team !!! Thank you for the memories xxx

Unfortunately, there was an event on the day I visited therefore I couldn't get into the Octagon Room. But for sure, I'll visit again because it's a nice gallery. I like the backyard and wanna dine at the cafe next time.

Always excellent art,crafts & sculpture with other creative events in main gallery. Also the stable gallery has offen fine art. The beautiful designed café & Courtyard is a great meeting place for good refreshments.

Check out the Mindscapes Art Show innStables Gallery . New work added October so go again ! Range of work by Mind services users & professional artists in support of Mind Richmond . In a lovely space with great cafe

Do not miss this small, but perfectly formed hidden gem of a gallery in the leafier parts of london. As well as beautifully curated art, it has one of the most Instagrammable rooms in London. A really lovely space.

Beautifil setting, exhibition was interesting and grounds were lovely. Only 3 stars at the moment as still no cafe. Come on Orleans House, surely you can find someone out there to run stable cafe. ☕ …

We was nearby Marble Hill house and walked over to Orleans House Gallery. It's free to go in. Some great work on display by the stables from local universities. Wasn't much to see but its a nice building to see.

Small but very interesting gallery in an old house that is now a heritage site. There are also a lot of activities available for all age groups. Plus, it has a lovely garden and park surrounding it. Great place

The stable cafe was dreadful. A sourdough broccoli and gruyere rarebit was the worst light bite ever. The broccoli was all but raw with the gruyere so thinly spread as to be almost non existent. Woeful.

I have been photographing weddings and events here for over a decade and the staff and venue are wonderful. The recent refurbishment is spectacular. Looking forward to visiting many times in the future

The gallery has re-opened after extensive restoration & is worth a visit if you're in the area. Be aware that at the time of writing the Stables Cafe is closed until they have found a vendor to run it.

A beautiful collection of local art and curiosities as well as art exhibitions. There are also lovely gardens to explore. The staff were friendly and helpful. Never get tired of visiting Orleans House.

We came here for a wedding and it was absolutely stunning. A beautiful venue for an small, intimate ceremony
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Pleasant experience. The room for the wedding reception had been beautifully restored. The gold leaf was freshly applied and looked wonderful along with the restoration of the carved features.

Funny pictures with brilliant comments left by visitors. Other than that, its jst a quiet manor. Location is very good. If you don't enjoy the place, there is always wonderful riverside to go!

Amazing place! Hidden in St Margaret, on the Riverside, from the 18th Century, the octogon room is stunning and the education team is amazing. The art workshops are great for kids and adults.

A must visit for anyone, locals and visitors alike. Interesting building, cafe out back and great exhibitions. And on a lovely River walk route too passing cute little pubs serving great food

I didn't visit the main house but there is a lovely little art gallery and cafe located in old stables, perfect for a coffee and light snack, and a good way to spend a happy couple of hours.

Fascinating exhibition! Free entrance, super little cafe Very knowledgeable guide on hand to tell about the history of the house and the artworks. Very pleasant grounds overlooking river

Thoroughly enjoyed it. What a beautiful site and friendly staff. Must visit if you’re in the area.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No

Very interesting small museum gallery based around this early 18th Century folly. Pleasant garden and small shop selling gifts and cards. The history of Orleans house is interesting.

Nice gallery tucked away near the Thames River just outside Twickenham town center (10-5mins walk). Worth a visit and as a plus you will enjoy the walk and surrounding grounds.

This is such a beautiful venue, the building is amazing you have the option to look I side and walk outside both work very well, I went with my 3 children, we really liked it.

Staff enthusiastic and helpful, lovely rooms although a strange collection of art. Plenty of information and an interesting place to visit. Cafe on site. Toilets clean.

Small but very nice art gallery with an baroque room which is the best of the house
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Fantastic gallery and grounds. Super helpful staff and great location for a smaller wedding celebration right close to parkland and the River Thames nearby. Fantastic

The octagon room is beautiful, so is the surrounding park. Unfortunately we arrived a bit late and couldn't fully enjoyed the rest of the gallery. We'll come back!

Wonderful free resource on Twickenham Riverside on the way to Richmond. Helpful staff. Recent refurbishment. Well worth a visit if visiting Marble Hill Park.

This is a lovely place to visit and to learn more about the surrounding area. The volunteers are welcoming and there is a nice collection of art to enjoy.

Enjoyed our first visit here following the rebuilding work. Loved the new displays and layout of the building. Very helpful volunteers and staff.

I'm sure lovely in gallery. Been restored since out last visit. Would like to revisit. The gallery was closed as we walked by it on Sunday.

wonderful historical venue, weddings, events and its an art gallery too. The Stables cafe has lovely coffee, homemade cakes and lite bites.

Such a beautiful and historic mansion set amidst lush gardens. Definitely a place to get away from it all. Just peace and tranquility.

staff were so lovely, told me a lot about the history and the building itself and showed me lots of artworks in the upstairs room

Fascinating building used by the French monarchy in exile. It houses exhibitions by local artists. The Octagon Room is splendid.

Attended a beautiful wedding here yesterday. The ambiance is magical and the staff are incredible people. Top notch hospitality.

Rare look into the historical and extravagant past very opulent and beautiful, very helpful and knowledgeable staff, recommended

Beautiful & nicely kept. Love how it’s slightly off the beaten track. Surrounding woodlands a great walk for young kids or dogs

Interesting place to catch up on local history of the house and other people from the past. Also used for wedding receptions.

Lovely octagonal room. Interesting historical connections with Louis Philippe of France. Very friendly staff and volunteers.

absolutely beautiful. Whenever I come here i feel i have left london and the chaos behind. lovely grounds as well

Attended a wedding. Delightful location. Beautiful setting.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

The team created such a beautiful a wedding for me and my wife. I couldn't recommend them more for a wedding.

We are getting married here in 3 months time just a totally stunning place..with lovely staff..just perfect

Throughly enjoyed our visit and my first look at the paintings and photos of Orleans House through history.

The café was excellent although the hot food stops at 15:00. Gallery interesting and very clean.

A lovely little gallery. The octagonal room is impressive! Absolutely beautiful and free entry.

Had a great experience in the gallery. Especially the study room :)) so nice garden as well.

Stunning room to visit. Interesting gallery. Not particularly polite staff. Disappointed.

Must visit this hidden gem of London
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Beautiful old house with some interesting paintings, great cafe in the old stables.

An amazing gallery hidden away in the back alleys of Twickenham. Worth a visit!

Great grounds with Gardens and woods. Good activities for families and children

Lovely spot by the river. Well appointed Gallery with an excellent cafe.

I visited the gallery on National play day, it's was interesting!

Beautiful gallery tucked away right next to Twickenham Riverside

Amazing place for a short visit. Discovering of the tree nature!

Lovely and secluded, Lovely setting and too far away from town.

Amazing place, great for a weekend dose of art and quiet!

We were here for a wedding and the building is stunning

Stunning area. The cafe is cute along with the cakes.

Beautiful place, great exhibition and friendly staff.

Beautiful place, with interesting local history.

Couldn't go in, but was nice from Distance

Cute little gallery, entry is free :)