Blenheim Palace unveils major ‘Blueprints of Power’ exhibition marking 300-year anniversary of its architect Sir John Vanbrugh
In 2026, dare to think bigger just like the dramatist turned architect did, as Blenheim Palace announces an all-new immersive visual experience for visitors. The Blueprints of Power exhibition will run from 14th February until 10th April next year, marking the tercentenary of the death of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664–1726).
The significant new experience will shine a light on Sir John Vanbrugh’s brilliant mind, his rivalries and ambitions and take visitors on an interactive journey from his early life and theatrics as playwright all the way to his high-stakes partnership with Sarah Churchill, first Duchess of Marlborough. Blueprints of Power will combine immersive visual experiences with rare archival material, recognisable outfits and costumes and the dramatic stories behind them. Visitors will be able to step back in time and discover how this flamboyant architect’s ties to high society helped define an age.
From a building site in the early 1700s to Britain’s Greatest Palace as we know it today, the tailor-made exhibition will span the Palace encompassing the Great Hall, China Anteroom, Dining Room, Drawing Rooms, State Rooms, Saloon and more, right up to the rooftop.
Often described as ‘The Rockstar of English Baroque’, Vanbrugh was one of the most prominent architects of his time and is celebrated for his design of Blenheim Palace and his many other achievements including his work as a dramatist and political activist.
Blueprints of Power forms part of the national celebration coordinated by the Georgian Group that will take place in 2026, his tercentenary year. This national collaboration benefits from a £193,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional support from the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art.
Vanbrugh 300 will feature a variety of events, exhibitions and activities at six of the architect’s most significant creations including Blenheim Palace, Castle Howard, Seaton Delaval Hall, Grimsthorpe Castle, Kimbolton Castle and Stowe House.
For more information about the upcoming Blueprints of Power exhibition, visit
www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/blueprints-of-power.html
ENDS
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About Blenheim Palace
Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland and is the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill.
With over 300 years of history to share and one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, Blenheim Palace is not only an iconic part of history, but also a living, changing experience with a wealth of sporting and cultural events, themed exhibitions and tours all year around.
A short miniature train ride away from the Palace is the Walled Garden, which boasts interactive areas entirely dedicated for families to explore including Adventure Play and the Rowse Honey Hive, The Marlborough Maze and Butterfly House. With curated events, an exciting programme of annual activities, entertainment and dedicated eateries for families, these areas guarantee a memorable family day out.
Beyond the grounds and an array of Formal Gardens, the total Estate expands into a further 10,000 acres and focuses on care for the land through sustainable means, pursuing net zero, the growth of the local economy, the provision of affordable homes, apprenticeship training and supported community groups.
Blenheim Palace is Britain’s Greatest Palace.
About Vanbrugh 300
The life and achievements of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664-1726) are being celebrated across the UK during 2026, his tercentenary year, following a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to The Georgian Group.
Sometimes referred to as ‘The Rockstar of the English Baroque’, Vanbrugh was also one of the great Restoration dramatists. His architectural work was as bold and daring as his early political activism and risqué plays. Among many other achievements – including as a dramatist and political activist – Vanbrugh is celebrated for his capacity to exploit the emotional impact of architecture, making exciting and dramatic use of light and shadow, recesses and projections.
The VANBRUGH300 celebrations are presented by the Georgian Group and will include a variety of events, educational programmes, volunteer training, lectures and exhibitions in collaboration with six of the architect’s most significant buildings: Castle Howard (Yorkshire), Blenheim Palace (Oxfordshire), Seaton Delaval Hall (Northumberland), Grimsthorpe Castle (Lincolnshire), Kimbolton Castle (Cambridgeshire) and Stowe House (Buckinghamshire). These activities will all be supported by a dedicated website Vanbrugh300.co.uk.
