Dragons take over the Royal Pavilion in a magical new family adventure

Banner for Dragons exhibition. It reads Explore the Palace of Dragons. A blue background with an illustrated dragon head, the features of which are styled on the domes of the Royal Pavilion

Visitors are invited to hunt for hidden dragons, as a mysterious nest appears inside the historic palace.

For more than two centuries, dragons have inhabited the impressive ceilings and chandeliers of the Royal Pavilion. Now a mysterious dragon nest has appeared inside the palace, launching a playful new exhibition that invites families to explore the building and discover its hidden creatures.

Families, curious explorers and dragon detectives of all ages will be encouraged to search the palace for newly arrived dragons and those that have been part of the historic interiors for centuries. From dramatic decorative beasts to tiny creatures tucked away in unexpected corners, the experience invites visitors to look more closely than ever at the Pavilion’s remarkable design and décor.

Visitors can take part in The Great Dragon Count, a playful challenge to discover just how many dragons live inside the palace. Although dragons fill the Pavilion’s décor, surprisingly no one has ever counted them all up in the building’s 200-year history. Until now.

Visitors will be invited to explore and spot every dragon, submitting their guess at the end of their visit or online and be in with a chance of winning a prize (to be announced).

The exhibition marks a new chapter for the Royal Pavilion, introducing a more playful, family-focused way to experience one of Brighton’s most famous landmarks while celebrating the fantastical creatures that have always been part of its story.

Set within the Pavilion’s dazzling Regency interiors, the experience offers families a chance to discover the palace from a new perspective – part treasure hunt, part storytelling adventure and part introduction to the remarkable interiors that make the building unique.

“The Royal Pavilion has always been a palace of dragons – some bold and dramatic, others tiny and easy to miss. This exhibition invites families to become dragon detectives and discover just how many magical creatures are hiding in the palace.”

— Dr Alexandra Loske, Curator of Royal Pavilion & Historic Properties

Whether visitors are spotting a dragon curling through gilded decoration or discovering a newly arrived hatchling, the experience promises surprises around every corner.