Have you heard about the Wallace Collection?
When I told a friend I visited here, he asked if this was a retail store? (yes laughhsss)
Well Wallace Collection is a museum and a beautiful one, which apparently does not figure in the list of the big boys museums of London. Tucked in a quiet leafy square just a stone’s throw from Selfridges on Oxford Street. This museum is named after Sir Richard Wallace and is a display of his elaborate, priceless and detailed collection of art.
A grade II listed building called Hertford house in central London which houses art collections of generations of this noble family of Hertford. Opened to public in 1900s.
How to reach Wallace Collection?
If you are using the London Tube, you can alight at Bond Street, that’s the station on Jubliee and Central Line. Take the Oxford street exit, once you are out cross the road and walk towards left till you come to Dr Martens. Just between Dr Martens and Selfridges (you cant miss it) is Duke street. Take that street and walk straight, you will land in Manchester square.
You can also walk from Baker street station, almost same distance. You can also walk from Marylebone station if you take an overground. A little longer than Baker and Bond street station but its very easy to find.
Why should you visit Wallace Collection?
If you are an admirer of art, specially Renaissance art, rare collection of pottery, armoury, jewels and family treasures, you would love this exquisite museum.
There is a vast collection of paintings from French, Dutch, English artists. I particularly liked the ones from Ary Scheffer. The first floor has several named rooms like The Smoking Room and galleries where these collections are displayed. The tapestries are gorgeous making the rooms look really royal.
Armoury
In the ground floor next to the cafe is the Armoury section which in my view was absolutely stellar. Swords, guns, knives from all over the world, the war armoury of soldiers during different centuries, it was enlightening to study and learn about it.
Wallace Collection can take you from few hours to half a day depending on how much time you spend admiring the lovely art. There are also exhibitions which will be on from time to time. Tickets for these have to be purchased separately. Otherwise the entry to the museum is Free. There is a cafe in the ground floor where you can have a nice brunch or a coffee and cake. Its a large open dining area very well spaced out.
Further from here?
Options are abundant as you are in Central London. You can walk to Oxford street for retail therapy, head to St Christopher’s Place to one of its boutique brunch spots, or if you are in a mood to enjoy green spaces, walk to Hyde Park or Regent Park, both are almost same distance.
