Sir John Soane's Museum

About

A free, eccentric house museum packed with treasures, preserved just as the architect left it.

Why go

• Feels less like a traditional museum and more like stepping inside someone’s incredibly eccentric collection
• A maximalist’s dream
• A treasure trove of art, antiquities, and curiosities

Must try

• Sarcophagus of the Egyptian pharaoh Seti I
• Picture room with moving walls revealing hidden paintings
• Works by Hogarth
• Works by Turner
• Works by Canaletto

Pro tips

• Leave big bags at home
• Arrive near opening
• Holborn station is a 3 min walk
• Try for the free 2pm Private Apartments tour on wednesday, friday or sunday
• Visit midweek at 10 am to avoid crowds

Good to know

• Handbags go into a carrier bag provided
• Don't be afraid to peer into dark corners
• Take care of your elbows so you don't accidentally knock something over

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Rating

4.7 / 5 (5081 reviews)

Opening Hours