Visit The Wallace Collection — a free London museum of art, armour, and treasures inside a historic Marylebone mansion. Explore its world-class galleries.

Visit The Wallace Collection London

Looking for a hidden gem in the heart of London? The Wallace Collection is a museum unlike any other — intimate, elegant, and full of surprises. Inside a grand Georgian townhouse, you’ll find paintings, sculpture, and decorative art gathered by generations of the Wallace family.

Located in Marylebone, just a short walk from Oxford Street, this free museum blends art, history, and luxury in a truly unique way.

A Mansion of Masterpieces

The Wallace Collection is housed in Hertford House, the former London home of the Marquesses of Hertford. It opened to the public in 1900 and remains one of London’s most beautifully preserved historic interiors.

Each room feels like stepping into a private gallery. As you move through the mansion, you’ll see glittering chandeliers, silk-lined walls, and exquisite furniture from the 18th century.

Unlike larger institutions, the Wallace Collection offers a more personal experience. You can enjoy world-famous works up close, without the crowds.

Highlights of the Collection

The museum’s treasures span five centuries and several continents. Whether you love fine art or intricate craftsmanship, there’s something here to inspire you.

Art You Shouldn’t Miss:

Fragonard’s The Swing – A playful masterpiece of Rococo art.

Titian’s Perseus and Andromeda – A dramatic mythological scene.

Rembrandt’s Portraits – Intimate and full of emotion.

Canaletto’s Venice Views – Perfectly capturing light and perspective.

French 18th-Century Furniture and Porcelain – Among the finest in Europe.

In addition, the Arms and Armour Gallery is one of the most popular. It showcases helmets, swords, and suits of armour from Europe, the Middle East, and Japan — each one a work of art in metal.

The Arms and Armour Galleries

Step into a world of knights, duels, and craftsmanship. The Wallace Collection’s arms and armour are displayed in magnificent style.

You’ll find full suits of tournament armour, royal weapons, and intricately engraved firearms. These galleries show how art and technology combined to create beauty and power.

For children, it’s a highlight — and for adults, a fascinating look at how war, artistry, and status intertwined.

A Glimpse of 18th-Century Life

The museum isn’t just about objects; it’s about atmosphere. The Drawing Rooms and Boudoirs reveal how the aristocracy once lived — surrounded by art, conversation, and culture.

Walk through rooms decorated with gilded mirrors, French furniture, and delicate porcelain. As a result, you feel as though you’ve stepped back into a different age.

The Great Gallery, reopened after major restoration, displays large-scale paintings under soft natural light — a perfect setting for masterpieces by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Velázquez.

The Courtyard Café

Need a break? The Wallace Restaurant and Café, set in the glass-roofed courtyard, is a destination in itself. Enjoy coffee, afternoon tea, or lunch in a calm, light-filled space surrounded by history.

It’s one of London’s most elegant museum cafés — ideal for relaxing after exploring the galleries.

Plan Your Visit

Entry: Free (charges apply for some special exhibitions).

Location: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN.

Transport: Nearest stations – Bond Street or Baker Street.

Opening Hours: Daily, 10am–5pm.

Facilities: Café, shop, cloakroom, and accessible routes.

Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as Madame Tussauds, Regent’s Park, or Selfridges for a perfect Marylebone day out.

For more information please visit Official Wallace Collection website

Why Visit The Wallace Collection?

The Wallace Collection London captures the beauty, skill, and spirit of Europe’s artistic golden age. It’s more than a museum — it’s an experience of elegance and storytelling.

Whether you come for the art, the armour, or the quiet grandeur of Hertford House, you’ll find something unforgettable at The Wallace Collection.

Step into one of London’s most enchanting museums — where history and beauty live side by side.