The Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection is a national museum which displays the wonderful 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. Displayed at Hertford House, one of the family’s London properties, the Wallace Collection presents its outstanding collections in a sumptuous but approachable manner.

Our visit will begin with coffee and a pastry in the sky lit central atrium of the Wallace Restaurant from 11 am before commencing our guided tour at 11:30 am. The collection of artworks on display is fixed and is never loaned elsewhere. When the collection was left to the nation, the bequest stipulated that the collection could not be mixed, loaned, added to or sold. Therefore a visit to the Museum is the only way to see the objects on display. Our tour is a wonderful way to experience this unique collection. Amongst the countless treasures on display, you will find paintings by many old masters including Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian and, we mustn’t forget, Frans Hals iconic “The Laughing Cavalier”. The beauty of the items on display here cannot be emphasised enough.

The basement houses The Wallace Collection Armoury and offers an experience unlike any other in London, if not the world. The armoury is a diverse collection of British, European, Indian, Ottoman and Japanese arms, and when assembled under one roof the items are an overwhelmingly breath-taking sight. Items such as cannons and suits of armour for both man and horse are perfectly preserved and displayed; many are in such good condition that it is hard to contemplate their true age.

On completion of the tour you may wish to stay for lunch in the restaurant. For more information about the Wallace Collection and its restaurant, visit www.wallacecollection.org. 

NOTE: All public areas in the museum are wheelchair accessible and there is a lift to all floors.

Event Booking

Please note that all bookings are subject to our Event Booking Rules.  The printable event information and booking sheet is available here: More info and booking.