White Lodge Public Open Day 11 June 2011

One of the summer highlights in the Borough of Richmond-Upon-Thames this year is the much anticipated White Lodge Open Day at The Royal Ballet Lower School in Richmond Park on Saturday 11 June from 11am to 5pm.

Held every two years, the White Lodge Open Day is a rare opportunity for members of the general public to visit one of the borough’s most important Grade One listed buildings, situated in the heart of the largest green open space in the Greater London area. The central King’s Building of White Lodge was built in 1727 by King George 1 as his hunting lodge and is a fine example of the English Palladian style of architecture.

Members of the public will be entertained throughout the day on the lawn by Royal Ballet School students who will be performing a variety of extracts from the repertoire and national dances.

Visitors will also be taken on guided tours behind the scenes of White Lodge - including rare access to classrooms, dance studios and other student areas - and tours of the White Lodge Museum and Ballet Resource Centre will be offered.

A wide range of other activity includes plant, flower and craft stalls, face painting and tombola plus a therapy area offering massage together with a food and refreshments stall, including a champagne bar.

Tickets £3 per person - available on the day at the Ornamental Gate
Accompanied children and students with ID - free of charge
White Lodge tours - additional £2 per person
Visits to the White Lodge Museum and Ballet Resource Centre - free of charge

To arrange a visit to the White Lodge Museum and Ballet Resource Centre at other times, please call +44 (0)20 8392 8440 for details.

For more information about The Royal Ballet School’s events, please return to the home page and click on ‘Performances and Open Days’.


Pictured: The King’s Building, White Lodge
Photo: BH&M Architects