Blenheim Palace’s original ‘Baroque star’ gets an encore as exhibition extended on anniversary

Marking 300 years since the death of Sir John Vanbrugh (24th January 1664 – 26th March 1726), Blenheim Palace has today announced the extension of its Blueprints of Power exhibition, celebrating the extraordinary life of the architect behind the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Originally set to close on 10th April, visitors will now have until 31st May 2026 to explore the interactive exhibition, which brings Vanbrugh’s architectural brilliance to life.

The exhibition spans Vanbrugh’s early life and theatrics as a playwright, all the way to his high-stakes partnership with Sarah Churchill, First Duchess of Marlborough. Each room in Britain’s Greatest Palace pays homage to Sir John Vanbrugh and his legacy as an architect, playwright, soldier, spy, courtier and diplomat.

Visitors are invited to begin in the Great Hall where plans, letters and models bring the architect’s work to life, before discovering his architectural influences in the China Anteroom. The Dining Room reveals where the First Duke of Marlborough met Vanbrugh at secret London society meetings, while the Second State Room brings his rivalry with Sarah Churchill to life through animated portraits.

The must-see finale in The Long Library immerses guests in a tailor-made light, sound and motion projection experience, showcasing the different stages of building Blenheim Palace. Visitors can even meet the legendary architect and the First Duchess Sarah Churchill in person, hear about their fascinating feud and capture a memorable photo with the actors during their visit.

Running daily until 19th April, visitors can also head up to the Palace’s rooftop for an immersive talk with John Vanbrugh, seeing the palace from his perspective and uncover the ideas that defined its iconic silhouette.

Blueprints of Power features an abundance of never-before-displayed items curated amongst Blenheim Palace’s own priceless collections, with film enthusiasts able to spot Sandy Powell’s original costumes from The Favourite (2018).

Heather Carter, Managing Director – Visitor Attraction, Blenheim Palace, said: “Blueprints of Power has sparked remarkable momentum, opening conversations across generations. The response has been excellent, so we’re pleased to be extending the exhibition to give visitors more time to explore Sir John Vanburgh’s remarkable life. From his architectural brilliance to his larger-than-life character, never-before-seen items, interactive experiences and an immersive finale in the Long Library make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture fans and anyone curious about the fascinating story behind Blenheim Palace.”

Admission to the Blueprints of Power exhibition is included with a valid day ticket or Pass to Britain’s Greatest Palace.

For more information about the exhibition and to book tickets, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/blueprints-of-power.html