The Octagon Room was commissioned by James Johnston, a politician who served as Secretary of State for Scotland.
Louis-Philippe, who lived here during his exile, later became the King of the French.
The original 18th-century mansion was largely demolished in 1926, leaving only the Octagon Room and the stable block intact.
The gallery collection includes portraits and topographical views of Twickenham and the river Thames.
The grounds feature a 19th-century stable block that has been repurposed for exhibition and educational spaces.
The site is designated as a protected cultural heritage area within the London Borough of Richmond.
Orleans House Gallery is a public art space centered around a historic octagonal room designed by James Gibbs in 1721 for James Johnston. The gallery is situated on the grounds of the former Orleans House estate, which once served as the refuge for the exiled Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orleans. The site is managed by the Orleans House Gallery Trust and functions as a focal point for arts education and community engagement in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The gallery houses the Riverside Collection, featuring diverse artworks related to the local history of the Thames and the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the surviving Baroque architecture alongside contemporary gallery spaces that host rotating exhibitions. The venue is set within landscaped gardens that offer direct access to the Thames towpath. It remains one of the few surviving examples of the villa culture that once dominated this stretch of the river.
The interior of the Baroque Octagon Room, noted for its ornate gilded plasterwork.
Combine your visit with a walk along the Thames towpath leading toward Richmond or Teddington.
Check the gallery's online calendar for rotating exhibitions, as the contemporary gallery space changes frequently.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to fully explore the surrounding woodland and garden trails.
Do not attempt to park on-site, as the facility has very limited parking capacity for visitors.
Closed on Mondays.
