The Wallace Collection
London · United Kingdom · Founded 1900
Quick answer
The Wallace Collection in London, United Kingdom — bequeathed to the British public by Lady Wallace in 1897, the collection was built by four generations of the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace. Open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: free standard admission. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
The Wallace Collection at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free standard admission |
| Booking | Tickets usually available on the day |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings for the quietest galleries. |
| Getting there | Metro: Bond Street (Central or Jubilee) — 5-minute walk to Manchester Square |
| Address | Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, United Kingdom |
| Official website | wallacecollection.org |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is the Wallace Collection known for?
Bequeathed to the British public by Lady Wallace in 1897, the collection was built by four generations of the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace. It opened to the public in 1900.
By the terms of the bequest, no work may ever be lent or sold — the entire collection remains permanently on display in Hertford House on Manchester Square.
The Wallace Collection is one of London's great hidden gems — free admission, no crowds, and masterpieces by Fragonard, Hals, Velázquez, and Canaletto in aristocratic rooms.
The glass-roofed Wallace Restaurant in the courtyard is one of London's most elegant museum dining experiences.
Best for: Art Lovers · History Enthusiasts · Rainy-day visits
How long do you need at the Wallace Collection?
Allow 1.5–2 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at The Wallace Collection without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
The Laughing Cavalier
📍 Great Gallery
A swaggering portrait of a confident young man in elaborate lace — Hals's most famous work and one of the most reproduced portraits in art history.
- 2
The Swing
📍 Back State Room
A young woman on a swing kicked toward her lover while an older man pushes from below — Fragonard's masterpiece of Rococo flirtation and the Wallace's most celebrated painting.
- 3
The Lady with a Fan
📍 West Gallery II
Velázquez's portrait of a Spanish noblewoman — luminous flesh tones and psychological depth from the artist's English period as court painter.
- 4
Ritratto di Giovanni Arnolfini
📍 Oval Drawing Room
The Wallace holds major Northern Renaissance works alongside its French and Dutch collections — displayed in rooms preserved as the Hertford family arranged them.
What are the must-see works at the Wallace Collection?
4 highlights that define the collection: The Laughing Cavalier, The Swing, The Lady with a Fan and more.
The Laughing Cavalier
Frans Hals · 1624
📍 Great Gallery
A swaggering portrait of a confident young man in elaborate lace — Hals's most famous work and one of the most reproduced portraits in art history.
The Swing
Jean-Honoré Fragonard · 1767
📍 Back State Room
A young woman on a swing kicked toward her lover while an older man pushes from below — Fragonard's masterpiece of Rococo flirtation and the Wallace's most celebrated painting.
The Lady with a Fan
Diego Velázquez · c. 1638–1639
📍 West Gallery II
Velázquez's portrait of a Spanish noblewoman — luminous flesh tones and psychological depth from the artist's English period as court painter.
Ritratto di Giovanni Arnolfini
After Van Eyck · workshop copy
📍 Oval Drawing Room
The Wallace holds major Northern Renaissance works alongside its French and Dutch collections — displayed in rooms preserved as the Hertford family arranged them.
Collections and highlights
- • The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals
- • The Swing by Fragonard
- • French eighteenth-century decorative arts
- • European arms and armour — among the finest in Britain
- • Sèvres porcelain and gold boxes
- • Canaletto and Venetian view painting
Tips for visiting the Wallace Collection
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings for the quietest galleries. The restaurant is popular at lunch.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
One of London's least crowded major collections. Rarely queues.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
Free admission. No booking required. Donations welcome.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
The Wallace Restaurant in the courtyard — book ahead for lunch; cafés on Marylebone High Street.
- 5.
Accessibility
Lift to all floors. Ground floor fully accessible.
How do you get to the Wallace Collection?
- metro Bond Street (Central or Jubilee) — 5-minute walk to Manchester Square
- bus Bus 2, 10, 13, 30 along Oxford Street
- walk 10 minutes from Oxford Circus through Marylebone
Address: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, United Kingdom
The Wallace Collection: frequently asked questions
Can the collection ever travel?
By the terms of the bequest, no work may be lent or sold.
Is the courtyard restaurant open?
Yes, the glass-roofed Wallace Restaurant is open daily.
How long should I spend at The Wallace Collection?
Plan 1.5–2 hours for the highlights of the Wallace Collection. Our 4-stop route — The Laughing Cavalier, The Swing, The Lady with a Fan and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is The Wallace Collection best known for?
Bequeathed to the British public by Lady Wallace in 1897, the collection was built by four generations of the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace. It opened to the public in 1900. Key highlights include The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals, The Swing by Fragonard, European arms and armour.
How do I get tickets for The Wallace Collection?
Free standard admission. You can walk in without a ticket; paid exhibitions are booked separately. Official site: https://www.wallacecollection.org/
Why is it less well known than the National Gallery?
Its bequest conditions prevent loans to exhibitions, so the Wallace rarely appears in blockbuster shows. Visit in person — it is one of London's finest collections.
Is the Wallace Collection open on Mondays?
Yes — the Wallace Collection is open every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Check the official website for holiday hours.
What are the Wallace Collection's opening hours?
The Wallace Collection is open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is the Wallace Collection free to visit?
Yes — free standard admission.
