Marie of Romania, Artist Queen.

A Floral Conversation

Last night, we had the immense joy of opening the Romanian Cultural Institute in London’s flagship project of the year: a stunning floral art exhibition marking 150 years since the birth of Queen Marie of Romania, celebrating her artistic talent and remarkable cultural legacy.

Hosted in the elegant setting of the Garrison Chapel, The King Foundation’s gallery in Chelsea, the evening brought together a vibrant audience — members of the diplomatic corps, artists, long-standing supporters and new friends of the Institute. We were honoured by the presence of Aarien Areti - Deputy Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, George Gima – MP/ Romanian Chamber of Deputies, and other distinguished guests.

The exhibition presents a unique visual dialogue between Queen Marie’s exquisite watercolours and botanical lithographs from The Transylvania Florilegium, a monumental art project capturing the native flora of Transylvania through the eyes of international artists. Two landscape facsimiles signed by HRH King Charles III add a deeply personal Royal touch to this celebration of nature and heritage.

The event was opened by RCI London Director Aura Woodward and featured insightful remarks from Romanian Ambassador Laura Popescu and curator Dr Shona Kallestrup, who highlighted Queen Marie as one of the greatest bridge figures in the shared history of Romania and the United Kingdom.

Our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us last night, and to the people who made this exhibition possible: Dr Shona Kallestrup for her curatorial vision, historian Sorin Mărgărit – co-curator of the exhibition, Alexandru Radu Popescu for the gallery installation, Dan Serbanescu for the graphic design, Alex Coman for capturing the evening in these beautiful images, our valued partners and sponsors, and our colleagues at the Romanian Cultural Institute in Bucharest and London.

Partners: The King’s Foundation, Romanian Academy, University of St. Andrews, Embassy of Romania to the UK, Consulate General of Romania in London

Supported by: Macromex, Regina Maria, Impactum, Eidos Foundation, Upgrade 100

The exhibition runs until 12 October 2025, Mon-Fri between 11am – 6pm & Sat-Sun between 11am – 4pm. We warmly invite you to visit and discover this fascinating floral conversation.

We were incredibly honoured to welcome His Majesty King Charles to see “Marie of Romania, Artist Queen” exhibition produced by the Romanian Cultural Institute in London to mark 150 years since her birth. Watercolours painted by Queen Marie are presented for the first time alongside exquisite botanical art from His Majesty’s collection “Transylvania Florilegium”. The exhibition is curated by Dr Shona Kallestrup and Sorin Margarit and offers a vivid dialogue between the two collections, celebrating Romania’s natural beauty.

His Majesty was welcomed by Romania’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom HE Laura Popescu, and our Director Aura Woodward, who guided His Majesty through the exhibition. The show is generously hosted by The King’s Foundation Garrison Chapel Gallery in central London. The King's Foundation undertakes a range of projects in Romania, reflecting His Majesty’s longstanding affection for our country and deep interest in our landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Developed in partnership with the Romanian Academy, the University of St Andrews and The King's Foundation, the exhibition is free and open between 19th September and 12th October from 11am-6pm Monday to Friday, and from 11am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The exhibition is funded by The Romanian Cultural Insititute, Impactum Group, Macromex and the “Regina Maria” Health Network with the support Upgrade 100 and Eidos Foundation.

Photography Alex Coman