Medieval Palace | Tower of London, UK

The Medieval Palace at the Tower of London reopened in May 2025 following a major reinterpretation led by Historic Royal Palaces and exhibition designers Northover&Brown. This exhibition lighting design project reintroduces the royal lodgings of Henry III and Edward I as richly atmospheric spaces that reveal the rhythms and rituals of medieval court life.

These rooms are among the few surviving domestic interiors from the 13th century within a royal fortress. Although architecturally significant, they had previously lacked a strong interpretive framework. The aim of the project was to bring clarity, coherence and character to the visitor experience lighting scheme, offering a more immersive understanding of the palace’s former use and significance.

Creating a Visitor Experience Lighting Scheme That Balances Atmosphere and Conservation

Our role was to develop the permanent lighting scheme that supports this transformation. The approach was quietly theatrical, helping to define the tone and rhythm of each space without overwhelming the architecture or interpretation. We worked closely with the curatorial and design teams to shape an experience that feels both authentic and contemporary, where lighting design plays a key role in setting mood, focus and pace.

Throughout the exhibition lighting design, we used high-tech solutions to achieve low-key effects. Warm white LED sources are carefully controlled and concealed, bringing out detail in painted finishes, textiles and architectural features. A series of mains-powered, flickering LED candles create a soft, domestic glow without reliance on mains dimming or external drivers. In the fireplaces, a custom-programmed dynamic projector replicates the movement and warmth of firelight, animating the spaces with a subtle sense of life and presence.

Low-Key Lighting with High-Tech Solutions for Immersive Exhibitions

Lighting is integrated within reconstructed furniture, canopy beds and wall-hung elements, with minimal visual impact and full reversibility. Levels are deliberately low to evoke a domestic character and to support conservation needs. In key moments, accents draw the eye and support storytelling, always in balance with the soundscapes and interpretive media that run through the experience.

The result is a series of spaces that now feel lived-in and emotionally engaging. Visitors are invited to spend time, notice detail and imagine life within these historic rooms. This carefully considered visitor experience lighting scheme brings clarity and atmosphere while remaining sensitive to the historic fabric, marking a confident reworking of one of the Tower’s most important spaces.