Up to an hour
Apsley House
Grand and historic Apsley House is the former home of the first Duke of Wellington, a palatial abode with dazzling interiors, rich in treasures and famous works of art.
What you'll do
Welcome to Apsley House, the London home of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, famed for defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. The grand house today serves as a museum dedicated to the man and his accomplishments, with the wonderfully maintained mansion showcasing his extensive collection of fine art, a wealth of memorabilia from his military campaigns and political career. The museum also displays objects belonging to the duke, including clothing, medals, and weapons, telling the story of the Duke of Wellington, one of the most celebrated military leaders and statesmen of the 19th Century.
Apsley House highlights
Nude statue of Napoleon
The colossal nude statue of Napoleon by Canova dominates the Stairwell at the centre of the house and had to be reinforced to bear its formidable weight. Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker - bizarrely, the Duke of Wellington had a colossal nude statue of his great foe Napoleon in his house, presenting Napoleon in the form of Roman god Mars.
Napoleon's background
Discover more about his victories, private life, tastes and legacy as you take a self-guided, multimedia-enriched tour of his London home.
Art collection
Take in the grand home’s fabulous art collection, including works by Rubens, Goya, Titian and Velazquez, many gifted to the Duke of Wellington by King Ferdinand of Spain.
Iron Duke Gallery
The Basement Gallery, filled with memorabilia relating to the Iron Duke, includes a wealth of medals, shields and weaponry.
Interiors of Apsley House
Admire the dazzling interiors of Apsley House, with furniture, statues, trinkets and rugs gifted to the military man by a whole range of emperors, tsars and monarchs from across the globe.
Duke of Wellington
The equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington that faces Apsley House from the centre of the roundabout at Hyde Park Corner.
Facts
Wellington is considered one of the greatest ever British military heroes but was in fact born in Dublin, Ireland.
There are over 90 pubs named after the Duke of Wellington in the UK.
Wellington Boots gain their names from the Duke of Wellington. He wore multipurpose, customised footwear during military campaigns, which had a lower heel and more of a lining. They started being manufactured from rubber rather than leather in 1852, but the name stuck.
What's included
With us, there are no entry fees on the day – all you've got to do is show your pass.
View the stunning art collection belonging to the first Duke of Wellington, with many pieces gifted to him by famous European rulers.
Take in the striking interiors of the aristocratic mansion, including the State Dining Room and the grand Waterloo Gallery.
Where you'll be
149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London, GBHow to get there
Hyde Park Corner - Piccadilly Line
Operating hours
Closings & holidays
From December 21 to January 1
Find out more
For more information, visit the Apsley House website.
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