As well as the many actitivies on offer throughout the summer - from shows, drive-in movie nights and rowing boats to wilderness camps and flying fairies, Blenheim offers unique exhibitions within the Palace walls and outdoors. All set against the stunning backdrop of this magnificent Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus in 2021 visitors have the opportunity to convert their day ticket into a free Annual Pass. 

SUMMER EXHIBITIONS INCLUDE:

Cecil Beaton and the Theatre – until 31st August

The exhibition centres on a collection of the acclaimed fashion designer and photographer's work, relating to theatrical productions of the 1950s.

This decade accounted for some his most memorable designs for the stage, including a significant body of work for great figures in the world of ballet such as Frederick Ashton and George Balanchine and culminating in his iconic work on the play and film of Lerner and Loewe's musical "My Fair Lady".

Beaton, best known for his elegant photographs of high society, was a familiar guest at the Palace, attending parties and weekend breaks alongside a host of aristocrats, artists and writers.

Expressions of Nature – until 12th September

The exhibitions will showcase the work of regional artists, on show for visitors to the Palace to enjoy in the new Stables Café.

'Expressions of Nature' by Zuleika Gallery includes work by four Oxfordshire artists: Rachel Gracey RE, Rod Craig, Rosannagh Scarlet Esson, and Peter Care, whose work is inspired by landscapes and the natural environment, with two of the exhibiting artists focusing on Oxford University Parks, and Blenheim Palace parklands.

Studied by artists for centuries, this exhibition celebrates the boundless inspiration of nature and the importance of connecting to the natural world and our outdoor spaces in these extraordinary times of lockdown following the global Covid pandemic.

International Garden Photographer of the Year – until 18th August

The International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition has returned to Blenheim Palace. Catch #IGPOTY, an exhibition specialising in garden, plant, flower and botanical photography.

Our World Heritage Site is an inspiring location for all types of garden photography with several Sites of Special Scientific Interest, including the Great Lake and the ancient oaks in High Park.

Tino Sehgal – until 15th August

Blenheim Art Foundation is pleased to announce a major solo exhibition by Tino Sehgal. Following a year of extensive confinement indoors, this will be the first exhibition at Blenheim designed specifically for the Park and Gardens.

Tino Sehgal (b. 1976) is known for artworks composed exclusively using the human body, voice, and social interaction. His artistic practice focuses on the fleeting gestures and subtleties of social encounters, with participation and open exchange as the subjects of value, rather than material objects. For this project, Sehgal will present a complex, roaming choreography imagined for Blenheim, involving more than 30 participants.

Sir Winston Churchill - permanent

Featuring a mix of historic artefacts and new technology and documenting key aspects of the adventurous life of the famous wartime leader and writer. With photographs, letters, artefacts and excerpts from his most famous speeches, you'll gain a real sense of our 'Greatest Briton'. 

Churchill was born at Blenheim and returned often during his long life for parties, to paint and to spend time with his cousin and close friend 'Sunny', 9th Duke of Marlborough. He also chose to propose to his beloved wife, Clementine at Blenheim.

The exhibition is located in an area of the Palace overlooking the Water Terraces used as an artist's studio by the wartime leader. Blenheim's rich military history provided huge inspiration for Churchill's own career.

The Stables – permanent

An immersive and interactive experience in the Palace's historic stable block showcasing the importance of horses at Blenheim through the centuries.

The original tack room has been restored and the stable office has been recreated, as well as creating an area for live horse displays. A life size model of Churchill's childhood pony Rob Roy in one of the stables and the chance to dress up and attempt to ride side saddle. 

The display area also highlights how Blenheim's ancient woodland, its royal hunting lodge and 'Capability' Brown's landscaped parkland have contributed to the wider Estate's continued success.

Ai Weiwei's gilded cage – ongoing

A monumental sculpture by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is on long-term view in the gardens.

Unveiled by Blenheim Art Foundation last month, Gilded Cage (2017) addresses the international migrant crisis and the physical and ideological constraints of life as a refugee.

When the foundation was launched in 2014, Ai Weiwei became the first contemporary artist in the Palace's 300-year history to exhibit at Blenheim, so Gilded Cage marks a welcome return by the artist.

• For more information visit blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/ . Please note pre-booking is essential for all activities.

Issued on behalf of Blenheim Palace. For more information please contact Samantha Vaughan on 07469 129743 or SVaughan@blenheimpalace.com.

About Blenheim Palace

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, the Oxfordshire Estate was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Set in over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland and designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style, Blenheim Palace is also the birthplace of one of Britain's most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill and it was his father who described the vista, on entering the Estate from the village of Woodstock, as the 'finest view in England'.