The Art of Safekeeping

The Royal Collections Gallery will host The Art of Safekeeping exhibition from 23 October to 21 February 2027, organised by National Heritage as part of the programme for its Unveiled Collection. The exhibition brings together a major set of historic chests, boxes, trunks, caskets and cases from different royal palaces, monasteries and convents, showcasing pieces that have been designed to safeguard some of the Crown’s belongings for centuries.

The route analyses these containers from a dual perspective, both functional and spiritual. On one hand, travel cases, safes and customised furniture made out of leather, noble wood and complex metalwork to safeguard jewels, tableware and everyday objects during the court’s constant travels will be on display. On the other hand, chests and reliquaries of great artistic and material value whose purpose is to protect sacred relics in the leading religious sites associated with the monarchy can  also be seen.

This is a perfect opportunity to discover the technical skill of cabinetmakers and goldsmiths, enabling key insights to be gathered and showcasing what everyday life was like in the court and in monasteries, reflecting how kings and clergy organised their most valuable possessions before journeys, moves or to protect them against theft.