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.

It was established in 1897 from the private collection. The museum opened to the public in 1900 in Hertford House, Manchester Square, and remains there, housed in its entirety, to this day. A condition of the bequest was that no object ever leaves the collection, even for loan exhibitions.

It is probably best known for its paintings by artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, Hals (The Laughing Cavalier) and Velázquez and for its superb collections of eighteenth-century French paintings, porcelain, furniture and gold boxes, probably the best to be found anywhere outside France.

But there are also splendid medieval and Renaissance objects, including Limoges enamels, maiolica, glass and bronzes, as well as the finest array of princely arms and armour in Britain, featuring both European and Oriental objects.

The Wallace Collection is a spectacular venue for entertaining. The Collection contains over 25 galleries filled with a magnificent art collection dating back to the 16th Century. The galleries cater for a variety of evening events, from small dinners to receptions for up to 400 guests. The elegant Courtyard complements the galleries and is a wonderful space for hosting both receptions and dinners.

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The Wallace Collection is open to the public 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm and on Public Holidays except 24-26 December. Free Admission including temporary exhibitions.

Contact details for The Wallace Collection tel: +44 (0)207 563 9500, fax +44 (0) 207 224 2155, email enquiries@wallacecollection.org

It is possible to see a particular work of art that is not on display by contacting the Curatorial Department at [email protected] or +44 (0)207 563 9515 to arrange an appointment.

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