The Wallace Collection: A Majestic London Mansion of Art and History
Discover timeless masterpieces and aristocratic elegance in the heart of London at the Wallace Collection, a free museum of art and history.
The Wallace Collection, housed in the elegant Hertford House in Manchester Square, London, is a free national museum showcasing an exquisite array of fine and decorative arts from the 15th to 19th centuries. Its remarkable holdings include Old Master paintings, French 18th-century furniture, porcelain, and a renowned arms and armour collection, all displayed within a historic London townhouse setting. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, it offers visitors an immersive cultural experience in the heart of the city.
A brief summary to The Wallace Collection
- Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, W1U 3BN, GB
- +442075639500
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Join the free daily guided tour at 2:30 pm for expert insights into the collection and Hertford House.
- Visit during February’s Open Furniture Month to see inside cabinets and drawers usually kept closed.
- Photography without flash is allowed, so bring your camera for memorable shots of the art and interiors.
- Enjoy a meal or afternoon tea in the museum’s elegant courtyard restaurant, open daily.
- Use the free visitor lockers on the Lower Ground Floor to store bags and personal items securely.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground
Take the London Underground to Bond Street station (Central and Jubilee lines) or Baker Street station (Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines). Both stations are approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the museum, with step-free access available. Tickets cost between £2.50 and £6.00 depending on zones and time.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Manchester Square, including routes 6, 7, 13, 23, and 27. Bus travel times vary but typically take 15-30 minutes from central London areas. Pay with an Oyster card or contactless payment, with fares capped at £1.75 per journey.
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Taxi / Rideshare
Black cabs and rideshare services like Uber can drop you near Hertford House. Travel time from central London locations ranges from 10 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares from £10 to £25.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to the Wallace Collection is pleasant and accessible, with flat, paved routes suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Walking times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point.
The Wallace Collection location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Wallace Collection
A Historic Mansion Transformed into a Cultural Treasure
The Wallace Collection is located in Hertford House, a grand 18th-century London townhouse in Manchester Square. Originally built in 1776, the house was acquired by the Second Marquess of Hertford in 1797 and remained the family home for generations. The building’s elegant interiors, including rooms like the Dining Room, Billiard Room, and Smoking Room, offer visitors a glimpse into aristocratic life, with original wallpapers, fireplaces, and chandeliers enhancing the historic atmosphere. This setting provides a unique backdrop for the museum’s extensive art collection.Masterpieces of Painting and Decorative Arts
The collection is renowned for its exceptional Old Master paintings, featuring masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Fragonard. Alongside these are exquisite displays of 18th-century French and English furniture, porcelain, and decorative arts, many pieces once owned by European royalty. The museum also houses a fascinating arms and armour gallery, showcasing military artefacts within the refined mansion environment. The combination of fine art and decorative objects creates a rich, immersive experience for visitors.Visitor Experience and Special Features
Visitors can explore the museum’s two floors at their own pace or join the daily free guided tour offered at 2:30 pm, which provides insightful commentary on the collection and building history. For those preferring a self-guided experience, an audio tour is available. The museum hosts special events such as the annual Open Furniture Month, where visitors can see inside cabinets and drawers rarely accessible. Photography is allowed without flash, and the museum’s courtyard restaurant offers French-style dining in a stunning glazed setting.Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
The Wallace Collection is fully accessible, with step-free entrances, lifts to all floors, and facilities designed for visitors with limited mobility. Free visitor lockers are available, and the museum provides seating areas and clear signage throughout. The museum operates a strict no-smoking and no-vaping policy and encourages respectful behaviour to protect the collection. Nearby public transport options and Blue Badge parking bays support easy access, although on-site parking is not available.Location and Practical Information
Situated just minutes from Oxford Street and Baker Street, the Wallace Collection is ideally placed in central London’s vibrant Mayfair district. It is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with free admission to the permanent collection. Temporary exhibitions may require tickets. The museum closes only on 24, 25, and 26 December. Visitors can enjoy a quiet, contemplative atmosphere amid some of the UK’s most treasured artworks and historic interiors.Legacy and Cultural Significance
Bequeathed to the nation in 1897 by Lady Wallace, the collection remains intact under the condition that none of the pieces leave the museum, preserving its unique character. It stands as a testament to the vision of Sir Richard Wallace and the Marquesses of Hertford, offering an unparalleled window into European art and aristocratic heritage. The Wallace Collection continues to inspire and educate, bridging history, art, and culture in a singular London landmark.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Former EMI House (Beatles album cover photo)
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Historic site of EMI Records’ headquarters and iconic Beatles album cover at 20 Manchester Square, a landmark of British music heritage.
Montagu Square
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Baker St
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Upper Wimpole St
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Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
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University of Westminster Marylebone Hall
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Grosvenor Sq
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Roosevelt Memorial
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Sherlock Holmes Statue
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38 Grosvenor Sq
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Speakers' Corner
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221B Baker St
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Liberty’s clock
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The Photographers' Gallery
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Allies (Churchill & Roosevelt)
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A life-size bronze sculpture on New Bond Street celebrating Churchill and Roosevelt’s historic wartime alliance and enduring friendship.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Dover Castle
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Moco Museum London
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Madame Tussauds London
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Frameless Immersive Art Experience
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The Wonderpass
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St Mary's Church, Bryanston Square
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Swingers West End
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Handel Hendrix House
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Where Handel composed Messiah and Jimi Hendrix made his only London home – a unique double portrait of musical genius in Mayfair.
Fashion Space Gallery
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Animals In War Memorial
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The Sherlock Holmes Museum
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Grosvenor Casino, The Victoria
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The Blind Pig at Mary's est. 2024
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St George's Church, Hanover Square
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Sotheby's London
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Essential places to dine
Apricity Restaurant
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Mercato Mayfair
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Portland
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Little Social
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sketch
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Starbucks Coffee
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Kingly Court
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NOPI
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Social Eating House
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Blanchette
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Bob Bob Ricard Soho
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Andrew Edmunds Restaurant
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The Ninth
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Inamo
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Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Selfridges
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St Christopher's Place
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Disney Store
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London Gifts
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Crest Of London
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London Beatles Store
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Oxford St
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Europe’s busiest shopping street, Oxford Street offers iconic department stores, high-street fashion, and vibrant retail energy in central London.
237 Oxford St
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Beyond Retro Soho
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LONGCHAMP
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Bond St
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Thomas Goode & Co
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Liberty London
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Liberty
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Regent St.
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Purl London
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The Churchill Bar & Terrace
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The Argyll Arms
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Cahoots London
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Disrepute - Soho
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Disrepute - Cocktail Bar in Soho
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NQ64 Soho
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Punch Room
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The Blind Pig at Social Eating House
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Basement Sate
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The Victoria, Paddington
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Below
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The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
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Duke of Argyll
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The Thin White Duke
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
