Kids can redesign Blenheim Palace in national competition with a prize written into history
From drawings to mood boards, young creatives can win the chance to sign a roof slate at Blenheim Palace.
Budding young architects have just over a week left to enter a nationwide design competition launched by Blenheim Palace, with a prize that could see their name become part of the historic building itself.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site has unveiled the challenge as part of the national Vanbrugh300 campaign, marking 300 years since the death of Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect behind the iconic Oxfordshire palace. And it is not just for adults, children and teens can get involved too.
Winners will be invited to an exclusive topping out ceremony and given the extraordinary opportunity to sign a roof slate that will be reinstalled on the Palace, meaning their name will remain in situ at Britain’s Greatest Palace for generations.
A design challenge for every age
The competition has been split into three age categories, making it accessible for primary school children through to university students.
- Budding architects (under 12s) are invited to draw a picture of Blenheim Palace.
- Aspiring architects (ages 12 to 17) are asked to create a moodboard showing what features could be added if Blenheim Palace were designed today.
- Rising architects (18+ studying a degree or equivalent in architecture, construction, creative or design-related subjects) are invited to submit their interpretation of what they believe Blenheim Palace would look like if it were designed in 2026, 300 years after it was built.
For mums with creative children who love drawing, model making or mood boarding, it is a rare opportunity to connect art and design with real British history.
Entries must be submitted as a PDF A4 visual to blenheim@cabcampaign.co.uk by Wednesday 18 March.
What can winners expect?
Each category winner will be announced on Monday 23 March and will receive:
- An exclusive invite to the Blenheim Palace topping out ceremony on 31 March
- A once in a lifetime chance to sign a roof slate that will be reinstalled on the Palace
- An annual pass and afternoon tea for two at Blenheim Palace
The winner of the Rising Architect 18+ category will also receive an exclusive talk and tour with Kelly O’Driscoll, Head of Built Heritage at Blenheim Palace, and a signed copy of Living Buildings: Architectural Conservation, Philosophy, Principles and Practice by Sir Donald Insall. Terms and conditions apply.
Celebrating 300 years of architectural history
The competition coincides with Blueprints of Power, Blenheim Palace’s latest exhibition celebrating the 300th anniversary of Sir John Vanbrugh. The exhibition explores the story behind the building of the Baroque masterpiece and offers visitors a closer look at its ongoing restoration.
Heather Carter, Managing Director – Visitor Attraction at Blenheim Palace, said the restoration project has given families a fresh perspective on the historic site and hopes the competition will spark creativity in young people across the UK.
We have such a rich architectural history, so this challenge is an exciting one. We can’t wait to see the submissions and do not doubt that the talented aspiring architects in the UK will create some amazing designs.
How to visit and find out more
Admission to the Blueprints of Power exhibition, as well as the chance to see the restoration work in action, is included with a valid day ticket or Pass to Britain’s Greatest Palace.
For families considering a spring day out, it could be the perfect way to inspire children before they submit their designs.
Full details, including terms and conditions, can be found at www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/john-vanbrugh-competition/
With the deadline closing on Wednesday 18 March, parents of budding creatives may want to get the pencils, paints or Pinterest boards out sooner rather than later.