Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
The Wallace Collection
Museum & collection
Place photograph
7.6
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free for the permanent collection
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.6A national museum in Hertford House brings together paintings, sculpture, furniture, porcelain, arms and armour. The collection began as a private family collection and was bequeathed to the nation by Lady Wallace in 1897.
A memorable change of pace in central London: a substantial collection of European art and decorative objects displayed inside the former Hertford House mansion. The free permanent collection makes it especially rewarding to visit without rushing.
Atmospheric · Grand
Find your way
Open mapHertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
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The experience
Explore the permanent collection at your own pace, pairing a few celebrated paintings with the decorative arts and arms and armour. The museum is in Hertford House in Marylebone; its permanent collection is free to visit.
Things to do
See The Laughing Cavalier
Seek out Frans Hals’s celebrated portrait, one of the collection’s best-known paintings.
Allow time to view the painting; check before visiting.
Find Fragonard’s The Swing
Look for Fragonard’s Rococo painting among the collection’s celebrated works.
Allow time to view the painting; check before visiting.
Explore the decorative arts
Make time for the collection’s furniture, porcelain and sculpture as well as its paintings.
Check before visiting.
Visit the arms and armour collection
Include the arms and armour galleries in your museum visit; they form part of the museum’s stated collection.
Check before visiting.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours; suggested duration, check before visiting.
Quick Escape: meet the collection’s famous faces
- 01
Start with the paintings: seek out The Laughing Cavalier and Fragonard’s The Swing.
- 02
Continue into the decorative arts rooms for furniture, porcelain and sculpture.
- 03
Finish with the arms and armour collection if time allows.
Verified history
The Wallace Collection is a national museum housed at Hertford House. The collection was assembled by members of the aristocratic family and bequeathed to the nation by Lady Wallace in 1897. Context Travel describes Hertford House as having housed the Spanish and French embassies before its conversion to an art gallery by Richard Wallace in 1900.
Hidden details
Notice the house around the collection — Context Travel describes silk-lined walls, elegant mahogany doors and sprung floors at Hertford House. Look for the building’s domestic character as you move between the galleries.
When to go
· The museum’s supplied official information lists opening from 10.00 to 17.00 daily. Check current opening details before visiting.
The collection is indoors, making it a useful year-round cultural visit; no seasonal viewing advantage is established by the supplied sources.
An indoor museum visit is a practical option in poor weather. Check current opening and gallery information before travelling.
What to look for
Look for Frans Hals’s The Laughing Cavalier, Fragonard’s The Swing, and the collection’s furniture, porcelain, sculpture and arms and armour. Context Travel also highlights silk-lined walls, mahogany doors and sprung floors in Hertford House.
The story
A private aristocratic collection bequeathed to the nation; European painting and decorative arts.
Best time to go
Year-round; an indoor visit suits wet or cold weather.
The official site lists daily opening from 10.00 to 17.00. Check for temporary gallery closures before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours; allow longer to explore more of the galleries.
Perfect for
History lovers · Art lovers · Solo · Couples
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-5pm
- Tuesday: 10am-5pm
- Wednesday: 10am-5pm
- Thursday: 10am-5pm
- Friday: 10am-5pm
- Saturday: 10am-5pm
- Sunday: 10am-5pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The permanent collection is free to visit. The museum is open daily, 10.00–17.00; check the official website for current visitor information and closures.
Check before visiting
Parking
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Toilets
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible toilet; check current visitor information.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The museum lists a restaurant and café serving hot and cold snacks.
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating and toilet. Check the official access information for current details and any requirements.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free for the permanent collection
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around The Wallace Collection
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
