Discover more at Kingston Lacy
Find out when Kingston Lacy is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Meet Rembrandt: a slow looking experience
What might you discover by spending some time with a great work of art?
Meet Rembrandt in 2026
We’re inviting you to take your time to explore one of the National Trust’s greatest treasures: a self-portrait by Dutch master, Rembrandt.
It’s on tour from Buckland Abbey in Devon. It’s playful, flamboyant and theatrical. Until 22 March, it will be on display in a wheel-chair accessible space, with comfortable chairs and audio guides (including hearing loops) to prompt you into looking slowly at this masterpiece.
Gift yourself some time with one of the world’s greatest painters.
What are the details?
Rembrandt van Rijn’s ‘Self-portrait in a Feathered Bonnet’ (1635) will be on display at Kingston Lacy until 22 March in a wheel-chair accessible space. Entry for wheel-chair users is from the Laundry Courtyard.
It is a self-led experience and there's no extra charge beyond normal admission (free to National Trust members). Entry is on a timed ticket system (this applies only to the exhibition space where the portrait is displayed; you are free to enjoy the rest of the house and its amazing art collection while waiting for your time slot).
Please collect your timed ticket from Visitor Reception when you arrive. Times will be 10.35am, 10.55am, 11.15am, 11.35am, 11.55am, 12.15pm, 12.35pm, 12.55pm, 1.15pm, 1.35pm, 1.55pm, 2.15pm, 2.35pm and 2.55pm. Please arrive 5 minutes before your timeslot. Entry is via the front door of the house, unless level access is needed.
If you would like to secure a timed ticket before arriving, the 11.35am and 1.55pm time slots can be pre-booked online.
Talk: Rembrandt and the science of art
Book now to hear Rebecca Hellen, National Conservator for Visual Arts, on the science and skill of art conservation.
Rebecca worked extensively on Rembrandt's self-portrait. She will be sharing how her work expands our understanding of art, discussing what can be learnt from conservation and bringing to life not only this portrait but others within the Trust's collection. She will also be talking about the Trust's pioneering work to create a collection of scientific paint samples, the largest in the UK and Europe, taken from both paintings and interiors; and exploring how and why we are embarking on this journey into colour.
The talk on 10 March at 3.30pm will include time for you to enjoy the slow looking audio guide, followed by Rebecca’s talk and time for questions. Tickets cost £15; click below to find out all the details.
A national tour
Meet Rembrandt will also be at the following venues:
Friday 27 March–Sunday 12 July 2026
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Friday 17 July–Sunday 8 November 2026
Upton House, Warwickshire
You might also be interested in
The Rembrandt self-portrait at Buckland Abbey
See the painting at Buckland Abbey which was revealed as a genuine self-portrait by the famous Dutch artist Rembrandt.
Things to see inside the house at Kingston Lacy
Find out more about the Bankes family home. Discover art treasures and look at how a large home was used by the family and their visitors who came to stay.
The history of Kingston Lacy
A vision from Venice nestled in a pocket of Dorset. Read about Kingston Lacy’s most influential owner who made it the important place you see today.
Art and collections
The art and heritage collections we care for rival the world’s greatest museums. Learn more about the collection of paintings, decorative art, costume, books, household and other objects at historic places.
