The Wallace Collection
With a National Art Pass you get
Bequeathed to the nation in 1897, the Wallace Collection displays outstanding works from the 14th-19th century, collected by Sir Richard and Lady Wallace.
The Wallace Collection is a family collection in origin – but no ordinary family. The 4th Marquess, an almost obsessive collector of art, left it all to his illegitimate son and fellow enthusiast, Richard Wallace. Wallace's widow, in turn, left the entire extraordinary collection to the nation – one of the greatest ever bequests of art to the public.
What’s it like?
One of the most charming and approachable ways to enjoy an internationally renowned collection.
Shortly after Wallace brought his inheritance to London from Paris, he loaned every last piece to Bethnal Green Museum to make it available to the public – the sense that these exquisite works of art belong to us all is never lost in the sumptuous, aristocratic surroundings.
What should I see?
Nobody knows who he is, but everybody loves The Laughing Cavalier (1624) by Frans Hals. The flamboyant figure is neither laughing nor a cavalier (the title was invented in the late 19th century), but the twinkle in his eye and excellent moustache are almost guaranteed to put you in a good mood.
Don’t skip the astonishing collections of arms and armour, including the extremely rare and well-preserved equestrian armour from around 1480. An example of the German ‘Gothic’ style, the near-complete assembly evokes the elegance and power of the medieval knight.
Famous views of Venice by the 18th-century master Canaletto capture the colour and splendour of the city and were keenly sought after by British tourists on the Grand Tour. The 1st Marquess acquired two of the artist's finest paintings – different views of Venice’s inner harbour – probably as a souvenir from his own travels in Italy.
What’s nearby?
As The Wallace Collection is located right in the middle of London, a short ride on public transport will bring you to dozens more of the capital’s fantastic museums and galleries.
Tell me something I don’t know
The house itself was built by the Duke of Manchester in the 1700s because there was good duck shooting nearby. It was acquired in 1797 by the 2nd Marquess of Hertford, who was more interested in hosting amazing parties – including the Allied Sovereigns’ Ball after the defeat of Napoleon in 1814. The house has also been home to the French and Spanish embassies.
Why you should go
World-renowned collection of art and antiquities
See works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Fragonard
Housed in a 17th-century townhouse in Mayfair, London
Visitor information
Address
Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, Greater London, W1U 3BN
020 7563 9500
Opening times
Daily 10am – 5pm Closed 24 – 26 Dec.
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.