London’s Most Instagrammable Museum – The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection is formerly the London residence of the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace. Sir Richard Wallace built an extensive collection of paintings, porcelain, furniture and arms and armour during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Collection
The collection contains many important paintings from the 17th and 19th century. Medieval and Renaissance works and one of the finest collections of arms and armour from the UK are also part of the precious collection.
The museum was given to the British nation by Lady Wallace, Sir Richard’s widow, in 1897 and opened to the public as a museum in 1900.
There are British, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Dutch and Flemish painting masterpieces from such painters like Rembrandt, Rubens and Delaroche just to name a few.
The Rooms
Every room flourish in different colours, making the most Instagrammable museum in London with its two floors of treasures. You can spend hours and hours here wandering around the colourful rooms without that ‘museum fatigue’.
Don’t forget your camera!
The Arms and Armour
Even if you’re not the one for military history, it’s worth to visit the armouries. It’s an extensive collection of oriental and European weapons and armours. The oldest piece is from the 9th century, so it’s more than 1000 years old. Wow!
If you take a little time to observe the daggers, riffles and swords, you can realise how elaborated their grips are, and how richly decorated they are. Many of the swords and daggers have decorated blades and diamond, ruby, gold and velvet decoration on their grips.
How to Get There
Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
The closest underground station is Bond Street.
Opening hours: Due to COVID_19 the museum’s opening hours have been shortened. Currently they are open from 11am-3pm daily. (from 1 October opening hours are 10am-4pm daily)
Tickets: The admittance is FREE but you have to book a time slot online in advance and follow the safety guidelines when visiting the museum. You can read through these guidelines here.
The Café
Unfortunately, the café is not currently open within the museum. Instead, a coffee cart is available in front of the building.
The good news, however, you can still admire those pretty pink walls, as there is a route to the inner courtyard.
Ready for your next adventure? Why not explore more colourful places in London?