My A-Level history told our class once that the Wallace Collection is rather feminine and a great museum to take a girl - so, naturally, a few weeks later I went with my mum. I revisited a couple of weeks ago with non-familial company and set about rediscovering the place. The Wallace Collection is tucked away in Manchester Square, north of Bond Street Station, just off Wigmore Street. The beautiful building houses an extraordinary collection which, whilst not as eclectic as Oxford's Ashmolean, is impressively varied. Being very interested in Early Modern Europe, the ground floor is absolute heaven with its collection of both pre-Reformation and Reformation trinkets, paintings, coin portraits, and the collection of bizarre wax miniatures. Then there's the armoury: if there is a zombie apocalypse, I'm making a beeline for that place and the 2,500 pieces of C13-18th armour, guns and pointy things from Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East that it harbours. The painting collection is likewise impressive and varied, featuring a lot of late Baroque and Neo-Grec French pieces (such as Paupety's somewhat comic Temptation of St. Hilarion), as well as plenty of Dutch still life (woman with lobster; cat with monkey; dead fish amongst pineapples...). The collection is also home to the famous "Laughing Cavalier". We ended up spending close to 3 hours there, and we could've spent longer. It really is one of the best museums in London (as well as being free), a wonderful counterpoint to the hub-bub and chaos of Oxford Street - I can't recommend it enough. read more

What an amazing gem in central London. This was the last outing with the parents before they head back to Australia, and they were really delighted with it (which is good). In other parts of the world you might pay attrocious sums of money to visit such a collection; but what is so unique (and other people have indicated here), is that this was a private collection basically given to the nation for ever - tucked away in one of the back rooms is an honour given from the Spanish government for helping preserve Spanish art during the 1930s and 40s. Just a great place. And for boys who hate art, they have a spectacular amount of historical military stuff - some of which you can even try on!!! read more

OK .. I admit it. I love art! I love art of a certain age and of a certain style. I am not an art snob but I know what I like. And I definitely, without reservation, like the Wallace Collection. So what makes the Wallace Collection such a great place? Well for a start it's a private collection that was bequeathed in perpetuity to the nation and the collection is extensive. But more importantly the bequest was a permanent one. That means that no piece in the museum can be loaned out to any other exhibitions. That's right. No more arriving at a gallery to see a work of art only to find it's half way across the world being hosted at another gallery. When you want to see a piece ... it's there. It will always be there. With such a wide variety of art on display from Frans Hals The Laughing Cavalier to Canalettos, Velasquez, Van Dyck, Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt etc to the widest collection of Marie Antoinettes furniture anywhere in Europe to an extensive and bold collection of arms and amour you have plenty to look at. Miniatures, furniture, clocks, even the wallpaper and decor is true to the period and designed to give you the feel of what it must have been like to live there. Add to that the wonderful enclosed courtyard restaurant/cafe which adds an air of elegance to the entire proceedings and you have a little bolt-hole of elegance and period sophistication that is well worth savouring. And where is this haven of art? Tucked away in the suburbs? No ... a three minute walk from Oxford Street and right next to the start of the wonderfully eclectic Marylebone High Street. If you like art and period furniture collected during the 18th and 19th Century then you owe it to yourself to visit the Wallace Collection. read more

Amazing. Simply Amazing. Boasting 25 galleries containing some of the worlds well known artists and art pieces the Wallace Collection takes my breath away every single time. This collection of art is attributed to Lady Wallace's request that no items may be taken away or added, and because of this very little has changed since she lived within its walls. Whether you only have 20 minutes to breeze through or 2 hours to silently explore, this is a museum to cater to everybody's tastes. Containing paintings such as the Laughing Cavalier, ceramics, sculptures, exquisite furniture, Rococo designs, and lastly ARMOUR AND WEAPONS (I wrote that for you manly men out there) you are flush with opportunities to be astounded. KEY NOTE: Do NOT touch the armoured horses, it seems there are alarms that will go off should your little hands decide they want to touch history. read more

Fantastic museum, even more so when you consider that it's free. They also have a tour, I think it started at 12:30 that unfortunately I wasn't able to take. The rooms all have books with numbers that match the exhibits so you can read in detail about the items. I also, paid the £4 for the audio tour, definitely something you should consider. I think that's the only way you would know that one of the jeweled boxes has a secret compartment with pictures..yeah, you should rent the audio tour to find out which one! read more

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This museum houses a prestigious private collection of art bequeathed by Lady Wallace in 1897. The Collection is located in Hertford House, a beautiful mansion in Manchester Square, in the heart of London. This is one of the best collections of French 18th-century pictures, porcelain and furniture, plus a fantastic array of 17th-century paintings. While I am not a complete fan of French art, I was just "gobsmacked' by the sheer scale and quality of items on display here. The highlights for me were Rembrandts self portrait and the Laughing Cavalier. Tips: Admission is FREE A short walk from either Marble Arch or Bond Street Nice cafe for lunch or afternoon tea Plan on spending a couple of hours here read more

I'm a huge fan of museums and galleries, and this a lovely gem in London's already impressive repertoire. A red-plushed grand staircase greets you as you walk in the double doors and the surrounding rooms are decadent in typical 18th-19th century decorate style with the massive art collection of the Wallace family. I wasn't a big fan of Rembrandt-era paintings before, but I have warmed up to them and appreciate them after perusing through several in this collection. There were more people than I expected, but then again it was a Saturday afternoon ... but definitely not the crowded feel one often gets at places like the British Museum on a weekend. There was a temporary contemporary exhibit by William Hirst when I visited and it was an interesting contrast to the traditional decadence of the previous galleries. Best thing - it's free! (Though they accept donations) read more

A few steps away from Oxford Street, lies this verry special metropolitan oasis, one of London's hidden gems. This is arguably the world's most beautiful and interesting collections of paintings, and certainly one of the most important art collections in existance -- so it's well worth a visit! If you're ever in London, this is one of very few unique attractions I would designate with a coveted "must see" status. You could spend a lunch break or a whole day taking in the paintings in this vast collection, and enjoying the surroundings of Hertford House. The armory in the basement is a fascinating little museum of weapons and armour. The building, a high-class London townhouse with a richly-designed interior, would be worth a look even without the paintings! While you're there, be sure to sample the atrium cafe, which I've reviewed separately. (Hertford is my home town, so Hertford House along with its contents and history have a special resonance for me.) read more

This is my first five-star review on here. Definitely a must see (and free, to boot). The collection of paintings and art objects is well curated, and each room intriguingly leads into the next. It is far removed from the hubbub of other museums (V&A, I'm looking at you) and you can actually see everything you want to see at a leisurely pace without feeling crowded or rushed. Each room tells a story and all of the details are well thought out--even the chains are painted to the wall colors so as not to detract from the paintings. A breathtaking range of pieces are on display, including Canalettos and Fragonards. Some of the pieces are out for restoration, and a couple of others need to be restored, overall the collection is spectacular. Be sure to check out the restaurant for lunch or afternoon tea. The gift shop is also not to be missed. read more

I have been to numerous museums in London but have never been somewhere as intimate and unique as the Wallace Collection. This gorgeous mansion houses the personal collection of the Wallace family, including masterpieces such as "The Swing", "The Laughing Cavalier", an extensive collection of European armor, and numerous Dutch paintings. The museum itself feels like you are walking back in time through this exquisite house. All the furnishings are original from the 1700 and 1800s and add an air of comfort and hominess to the entire museum experience. I particularly enjoyed the Wallace Tea Room. I had not had tea in England yet and this tearoom was the perfect place to have it. I cannot wait to come back to the Wallace Collection and explore more of this lovely home and have another enjoyable tea in the tearoom. read more

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The Wallace is an amazing collection housed in a beautiful townhouse in Manchester Square. The art itself had all been gathered during the 18th and 19th centuries by the Marquesses of Hertford and was bequeathed to the British nation at the very end of the 19th century. There's something special about seeing art in a building that feels so residential and the whole experience brings together ideas of family and community. The work itself is immense; there are classic pieces from Titian, Rembrandt, Hals (The Laughing Cavalier) and Velázquez. There is also a really nice restaurant at the back which styles itself as a French brasserie. It's in an atrium and the feel is slightly decadent and completely elegant. If you prefer to bring your own sandwiches there are a few little lawns out at the front and on a good day they're perfect before or after all the art. read more

Anyone who visits this place and fails to give it 5 stars is already dead. The collection - though small by international standards - is immense in its value and significance. There are very famous pictures - internationally famous - on every wall. The collection - of a private family and willed to the nation in perpetuity is astounding - that one family had that vision and then gifted it to us. Deo Gratia And what breathtaking vision it was - classical paintings, sculpture, engraving, furniture, weapons, armour it goes on and on. It is quiet - secluded and almost unknown - I feel guilty telling everyone that they must see it. MUST. I have been going here for 30 years and have yet to tire . . . PS. It is very quiet, secluded and romantic . . . take a potential date here for a civilised mid-afternoon coffee . . . read more

Fantastic and free! Go! Spectacular I must try that restaurant next time! read more

When I saw The Swing by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, I asked my friend (who studied arts and works in a gallery): Is it a replica? My friend: No this is *The* Swing Mind Blown. How one family's collection could be so magnificent is beyond my imagination. Paintings, drawings, furnitures, sculptures and armory, Wallace Collection has them all. Wandering from room to room, I was more and more impressed. There's a cafe and restaurant in the central court yard, a lovely shop near the entrance. When I was there, the crowd is mostly local. There was also a group of young pupils sketching in front of a masterpiece by Van Dyke, which was adorable. Easily walkable from Baker St and Bond St tube station and free to public, there's no reason not to visit this gem. read more

Pretty amazing armoury. And a museum which has enough to display but not too much. A lovely little greenhouse out back is good for a pot of tea. Definitely a Sunday outing read more

The Wallace Collection - Armoury - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

Behind Selfridges is a real wonderful find! The armour collection is absolutely amazing as well as the most interesting, detailed, and beautiful weapons! There is also a lovely patio for lunch or tea and cakes and a lawn out front that people were sitting on enjoying the sun and their lunches. A very interesting collection. read more

Do you like swords? Really? I mean a lot? Then you've struck gold! I've never seen a more comprehensive collection of armory in my life, which isn't necessarily my thing, but they do have many other beautiful collections as well as a very picturesque restaurant run by Peyton & Byrne. It is a nice stop if you're looking for the remedy to the typical gallery and want to experience something a bit more intimate. read more

What a fabulous personal collection of works in the heart of Marylebone. I happened to stumble upon it after an exhausting morning of shopping through Bond Street. This museum is worth a visit if you want to see something quintessentially aristocratic, a little bit different, but definitely impressive. A bonus point for zero crowds. It is a historic London townhouse with 25 galleries, primarily French and Italian artists from the 18th century. It was the former Spanish Embassy during the 1700s before being acquired by the Marquess of Hertford and then being converted into the French Embassy during the 1800s. The ground floor holds some spectacular armories with European Medieval armour and horse armour, still intact and practically untouched! No replicas here. It is probably one of the most impressive collections of armour and weapons in London, across three galleries, down to every last bolt. The rest of the galleries feature ridiculously colourful, opulent rooms with divans, sculptures and ceramics, 18th century paintings (Caravaggio, Van Dyck, Rubens are some of the more recognised artists). The Former State Rooms are also worth a peek, very opulent drawing rooms where VIP would be received. A museum that is impressive, relaxing, crowd free and easy to get to from Bond Street tube station. read more

I'm not quite into museums persay; I was enticed to the Wallace because it's free and has exhibits on weaponry and armor. I went on a tour, not knowing it was based on the furniture and paintings on the upper level. Honestly not my exact cup of tea but it ended up being more enjoyable than I thought. The tour guide was very nice and informative, and gave a great history on some of the collection's most popular pieces. Going downstairs, I saw a gallery of swords which was more akin to my likes. The look was completely different than the "house" style of the main collection, but it was a nice change; it felt like being in a completely different museum. Overall it's definitely worth checking out..what's to lose? read more

Excellent smallish museum, totally do-able in a half day (as long as part of that is reserved for lunch or tea in the excellent, stunning cafe). Well worth a visit. Reminded me (a bit) of Hillwood in DC -- an individual's eclectic collection displayed from a lifetime spent acquiring it. But this is sumptuous. Simply sumptuous. The guy was gangsta when it came to acquiring . . . things. The Poussin (Dance to the Music of Time) is a must. read more

This museum which holds a supreme exhibit of 'French 18th century painting, furniture and porcelain with superb Old Master paintings and world class armoury.' (The Wallace Collection) However, what is most alluring about coming here is where it's set, in this beautiful London townhouse, in which you slowly take in as you meander through the galleries, in which each individual room has been designed in the most sumptuous manner. This is a wonderful place to visit , especially if you want to escape the heated crowds of Oxford Street just around the corner. Admission is free and it is open 7 days a week. read more

The Wallace Collection is a welcome curiosity, a jumble of French Classical painting, Old Masters, decorative work and weaponry. It almost defies reason. Its greatest virtue, aside from its eccentricity, is that it's entirely free and operates on regular hours, making it easy enough to pop in unexpectedly when you feel the need for a bit of the unexpected. Practical spittle in the eye of London's stolid, stodgy art institutions. read more

Posh restaurant, too. I don't like the French 18th century, but there are some gems here, too. read more

A very charming musuem in a very charming square a stone's throw from the very uncharming Oxford Street and its masses. What I especially like about the Wallace Collection is actually the cafe/restaurant towards the back. It's a lovely atrium (I have a thing for atriums) and is a superlatively charming place to enjoy a tea on a beautiful afternoon. read more

I first visited this gallery as an art student. It is a bit tucked away. Although probably best known for its magnificent eighteenth century French paintings, furniture and porcelain, the Wallace Collection also displays many other treasures such as paintings by Titian, Rembrandt and Frans Hals (The Laughing Cavalier). There is also the finest collection of princely armour and arms in Britain as well as opulent displays of gold boxes, miniatures, sculpture and medieval and Renaissance works of art. The Wallace Collection is both a national museum and the finest private collection of art ever assembled by one family. It was acquired between 1802 and 1875 by three generations of the Marquesses of Hertford and by the 4th Marquess' son, Sir Richard Wallace, whose widow bequeathed it to the nation in 1897. It is displayed against the opulent backdrop of Hertford House, which was once the family's main London residence. Exhibitions and special events run throughout the year. Admission free. read more

I love this place and first visited when on my lunch break as I work nearby. It's a private collection and is free to wander around. This weekend I took my mum out for afternoon tea to the restaurant in the courtyard at the centre of the property. It's a fabulously bright and airy space. I had booked ahead for the four of us and even so there was a bit of a confusion about where to seat us although they got there in the end. 2 of us went for the full afternoon tea which at £17.50 is probably at the lower end of the scale when it comes to London afternoon teas. We had finger sandwiches with egg and cress, or cucumber along with smoked salmon open sandwiches and crab on Melba toast. This was followed by a huge scone with a generous helping of clotted cream and a choice of strawberry or blackcurrant jam. Delicious. We also had a selection of cakes to finish off the meal but we couldn't manage those too, we had to share with my sisters who had gone for salad or soup. I couldn't fault the food or drink at all. Everything was delicious, almost perfect in fact and the fresh mint tea was the best I've had in ages. The only downside was the less than enthusiastic service. I felt that things were a bit slow, and it wasn't really 'with a smile'. I'd definitely recommend it though as a centrally located and reasonably-priced treat. read more

It's free people, and it's beautiful. Seriously, if you have not yet visited the Wallace Collection please explain. It is a stone's throw away from Selfridges *and* it now also houses a cafe/restaurant. No excuses. Either rush through it for an opulent pick me up or stroll through it and savour every piece or renaissance art, every cornice and every coin it has to offer. There is usually something unusual and ever changing going on downstairs as well. I'm not an art buff, and I'm not pretentious, but once in a while there is a time for a mansion house, luxurious fabric wall paper and gold gilt and in this regard the Wallace Collection will sort you out. Anyway, the real reason I am here is to write a review about the Cafe. I stopped by here for afternoon tea which is on offer from 2.30 to 5.30pm each day with two selections, standard english (that's with a giant scone, some sarnies and some cakes - as you can tell, this is the one I went for) or a more extensive version, whose name escapes me, which offers more substance of the salmon and sausage variety. Both come with a glass of champagne option if desired. The set up is great, the internal courtyard that houses the restaurant has a glass ceiling, making the space very light even on a cloudy day. The seats are extremely comfortable, service was good and staff were very professional, and plenty of tea to choose from of course. With orange juice instead of champagne it came to about £25 per head including service, which some may find pricey relative to other afternoon tea offerings such as the Wolseley or Sketch, but cheaper than others like the Mandarin Oriental or other big ticket hotels in the City. For other afternoon tea offerings in the neighbourhood, I hear that the Mandeville Hotel has launched a new afternoon tea menu (and I think it has one for men too?!) but I have not tried it yet. Enjoy. x read more

Daddy - I want a pony...and a room which looks like the Wallace Collection. There may be people in London whose homes look like this, but for us plebes, this is as close to the sumptuous life as we'll get. I could wander for hours amidst all the splendors, head to the divine atrium for a cup of tea on rose colored cushions, then meet the Knight of my dreams in the sword collection. A girl can dream. read more

Great place for a weekend brunch in the glass ceilinged atrium. Book in advance. Must do for a Londoner. Great eggs Benedict. Also, check out the Art - its a gallery after all! read more

This is one of my favorite museum/art galleries. It is free (optional donation) and small enough to while away a couple of hours without being too exhausting. It is worth a visit for the crowd free opportunity to view one of the world's greatest masterpieces, The Laughing Cavalier. You can get up close and not have to worry about being moved on. The rest of the exhibits are an eclectic mix that you only ever really get with a private collection. It ranges from snuff boxes to suits of armour. I have not eaten at the internal plaza style restaurant but the setting looks wonderful. Situated behind Selfridges, it is a great way to combine shopping and culture. read more

I visited The Wallace Collection today, not to see what was exhibited, but to try the cafe, which had been recommended to me as a good place for a meeting. And so it was. In fact, the cafe/restaurant in the atrium is an exquisitely refined venue in which to talk away your afternoon. The wifi is free, the staff are polite but quite happy to leave you alone and the food is very French and really rather dainty. I enjoyed quiche lorraine with salad and a superior relish and shared some pomme frites with my guest. I did not try any booze, but the wine list looked good. It's not cheap, so go there with someone who is worth it. And don't expect to be sitting amongst members of London's hot and hip crowd. This place is more the preserve of WI members, polite gentlemen in blazers and sloanes with their mummies. Not sure how they let me in. Final thing to say is that the coffee was good. read more

The green room (ballroom) is mine. Sorry guys, I am moving in. In the hundreds of times I have been to the Wallace, I can't help going back to MY room. Yes it's mine. I just love the Wallace and if I could I would live there; because I can't, I go there almost every week, gasping at the beauty of the artefacts. read more

The Wallace displays a varied and eclectic (French and Dutch paintings, bronzes, weapons and furniture) collection in a richly appointed setting. It's a jewel... And free. Unbelievable. Thank you Lady Wallace read more

One of the best personal collections I've ever seen in my life! Free to visit and worth an entire day in!! read more

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I'd never been here before....what a lot of wasted opportunities to escape from the crush of Oxford street! I loved the relaxed feeling of wandering through a grand house, admiring the gilt and excess. We spotted a few well known paintings do felt good about being educated! However, as for many art lovers, we reserved our greatest enthusiasm for the coffee and cake in the wonderful glass atrium. It was a fine interlude to our culture-rich sightseeing. read more

The Wallace Collection - Carrot cake - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

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Stayed at a nearby hotel and happened to see it on Google maps. Although I've been to numerous art museums all over I'm not an expect by any stretch. The collection is excellent and the armor collection is first rate as well. The staff is very friendly and eager to answer questions for people like me. I only spent an hour there, could easily have spent all day, plus there's a restaurant in the Courtyard. read more

To start, this museum is supposedly free, but the man basically pressures you to buy their guidebook for 4.9 pounds before you are allowed in. You know how it feels when a rude waiter is staring at you as you write the 'tip amount'? That's how it felt, so a rating of 1 for employees here. This museum is different from the other bigger name museums in that you walk through a large 'house'. Thus the setting is more intimate and there are seats (some of which you could sit on and enjoy). Why the 3 stars? It's a matter of taste. Many of the paintings are more feminine in nature and I prefer to see a greater variety. These are portraits of mostly women, there is one room of Venice sceneries, some skating scenes by the Dutch. More masculine are the armors. Large collection of Indian swords and scabbards. If you want to see some post impressionist paintings, it's not here. There is a nice cafe and restaurant. read more

Baroque - if you are into the Dutch Masters including Rembrandt or an amazing collection of armoire this is your place. Lots of great places to drink nearby. read more

This is a true hidden gem of London. Having lived in London, I felt ashamed I didn't know this place existed until recently! They have an unusual selection of things here - the collection of swords and armoury is pretty impressive and I'm not usually into that kind of thing! They also have replica armour you can try on which is pretty fun. The galleries are pretty good, some of which are a bit 'crowded' with paintings, but I'd rather that than missing out on seeing some of the pictures because they are in storage! It was a particular treat to see 'The Laughing Cavalier'. The house itself is absolutely beautiful, and it is obviously conserved very well by the people that work here. When I was there they were offering drawing workshops which the children were enjoying. There is a friendly vibe about the place and I really enjoyed my visit. read more

The Wallace Collection contains works of art collected in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess. It was bequeathed to the British nation by Sir Richard's widow, Lady Wallace, in 1897. These folks collected a LOT of stuff over 5 generations - all pristine, prime quality. Dozens of paintings hang on the walls - so overcrowded your eye doesn't know where to go. Overwhelming. Yet...if you sit for awhile and focus on one or two paintings or works of art, a calm descends and you can tune everything else out. There is just so much beauty to choose from. I particularly like museums that were once residences, admiring the architecture, the furniture and the refurbishment to its former glory. You can't separate one from the other...and it adds up to a whole lot of wow. Five stars! read more