PIN Sir John Soane`s Museum

Best Home Museum in the World

Sir John Soane (Master of Space and Light) is responsible for designing amongst several others, the `Old Lady` (the original Bank of England) and Dulwich Picture Gallery. He was one of the most prolific and gifted of English architects. After studying in Italy, he established a successful private practice and was responsible for designing several government buildings in addition to being a prolific collector of art and antiquities.

Tucked away behind the unremarkable façade of No 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields lies a treasure trove of unique objects, each with a fascinating story of its own. The former home of Sir John Soane houses his extensive collection of paintings, sculptures and antiquities. While the collection may seem like an eclectic and cluttered mix of gothic and classical, every single item is arranged exactly as Sir John directed; in fact this was stipulated in an Act of Parliament where he negotiated to keep the museum open and free forever: for `amateurs and students` to find their inspiration. To have the vision and foresight to preserve this unique collection for prosperity over 180 years ago was truly remarkable.

The Artefacts

Tucked away behind the unremarkable façade of No 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields lies a treasure trove of unique objects, each with a fascinating story of its own. The former home of Sir John Soane houses his extensive collection of paintings, sculptures and antiquities. While the collection may seem like an eclectic and cluttered mix of gothic and classical, every single item is arranged exactly as Sir John directed; in fact this was stipulated in an Act of Parliament where he negotiated to keep the museum open and free forever: for 'amateurs and students' to find their inspiration. To have the vision and foresight to preserve this unique collection for prosperity over 180 years ago was truly remarkable.

The South Drawing room is preserved as when used by Sir John and his wife as their drawing room. Downstairs, in the neo-Gothic lounge, Sir John would sit with eminent academics around a table with a skull in the middle and get inspired from the extensive gothic adornments. The highlights of this quirky museum include the sarcophagus of Ancient Egyptian pharaoh Seti (around 3,300 years old,) who was a great warrior king and father of Ramses the Great; Sir John held a three day party to celebrate its acquisition.

The Picture Room is one of the most intense collection of masterpieces in the world and includes Canalettos and Hogarths. However, Sir John did not shirk away from more controversial items of the time displaying a pair of slave shackles. It is hard to imagine that slavery was abolished a few years before his death (1837) in 1833 across the British Empire.

Opening Hours

The Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday (10 am to 5 pm; last entry 4.30 pm). On the first Tuesday of the month, the Museum is open from 6 pm to 9 pm by candlelight, which is a truly unique experience. Literally, a two minute walk from Holborn tube station (central line).

Owner

Lucy TripTide

Lucy is a TripTide stalwart and has been with the company since inception. She is a font of knowledge of all things in our metropolis but she has a special penchant for London's historical past. She says:"London is a multi-layered confection of hi...