What London landmark did Queen Elizabeth II open up to tourism in 1993?

The London landmark Queen Elizabeth II opened to tourism in 1993 was Buckingham Palace. The opening applied primarily to the palace’s State Rooms, rather than turning the monarch’s entire working residence into a normal public attraction.

The decision followed a serious fire at Windsor Castle on November 20, 1992. To help pay for the castle’s restoration, Buckingham Palace opened its State Rooms to paying visitors during the summer, when the royal household traditionally spent time away from London. Income from admission fees initially supported the Windsor restoration.

The State Rooms are ceremonial spaces used for official entertaining, receptions, and other formal events. Visitors can see grand interiors and works from the Royal Collection, including paintings, furniture, and decorative objects. The summer opening began as an emergency fundraising measure but became a continuing seasonal tradition.

Buckingham Palace had already welcomed visitors to the Queen’s Gallery, which opened in 1962, so 1993 was not the first time any part of the palace complex was accessible. The key milestone was the first regular public access to the State Rooms.