Apsley House
What Visitors Say
A marvel in the middle of London! I went today to visit with my husband, and what a joy ✨️ an elegant house full of beautiful art. One of the very few remaining aristocratic homes in London. Must See ArtworksAntonio Canova's colossal nude statue of Napoleon (as Mars the Peacemaker)a 3.45m tall marble sculpture at the foot of the grand staircase originally commissioned by Napoleon himself, but captured and given to Wellington. It's one of the most striking and iconic pieces in the house. The "Spanish Gift" paintings .Around 83 Spanish royal collection works (originally looted by Joseph Bonaparte and recovered by Wellington), including masterpieces by Diego Velázquez ( The Waterseller of Seville, Portrait of a Gentleman) Francisco Goya Titian, Rubens, Correggio, Murillo, Brueghel, and others These hang throughout the state rooms and are a major draw for art lovers. The Waterloo Shield! magnificent silver gilt presentation shield honoring Wellington's victory.Porcelains (like the Deccan dinner service), silverware, busts (including Canova works), military orders, swords, and gifts from emperors, tsars, and kings. My favourite was Yellow Drawing Room (or Yellow Room)one of the most elegant and beautiful. Original Adam fireplace, Wyatt interiors, delicate ornamentation, pier glasses, and artworks (including a Canova bust). I'm so happy that I went. I couldn't have left London without seeing this beautiful home. Every room is more beautiful than the last, with so much to see. If you are in London, do not miss this gem . It's near the Hilton hotel and easy to get to by bus or underground.
This museum houses the Duke of Wellington's magnificent collection, including a large collection of paintings, other works of art, and memorabilia associated with the family. It may be the only surviving example of an English aristocratic townhouse from that period. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
Some great artists on view, Thomas Lawrence, Reynolds, etc, and a few nice Golden Age dutch paintings (Photos attached). However the display and information about the paintings is old fashioned and not user friendly. (Except for the special exhibition). Helpful and friendly staff, but he house itself is unexeptional.
Former home of the Duke of Wellington. Downstairs is a display about the Duke's life including interesting artefacts such as the Duke's death mask and a handwritten letter to his wife. On the main and upper floor, you can listen to an audio description or find out more from display books for each room. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Toilets are located on the ground floor. Small selection of items to buy in the reception area. Photography is allowed - without a flash.
Well worth a visit if you’re a member of English 🏴 Heritage, ground floor tells you the story of Duke of Wellington and some interesting artefacts . The upper floors are stunning with massive chandeliers in every room, the dining area has a huge table that goes from one end of the room to the other along with the silver centre table piece
Highlights
Waterloo Gallery
Feasts, politics and memoryHere the Duke hosted the yearly Waterloo Banquet—dining as commemoration.
State floor
Spanish ‘Royal Gift’ Paintings
Masterpieces with a diplomatic backstorySpanish monarchs rewarded Wellington with works by Velázquez and peers after Napoleonic defeat.
Picture galleries
Canova’s Napoleon
A colossal rival, captured in marbleAntonio Canova sculpted Napoleon as ‘Mars the Peacemaker’; its presence here reframes victory.
Stair hall
SIlver & Ceremonial Gifts
Trophies that travelled empiresOrders, swords and splendid services chart how military success became soft power.
Cases off the state rooms
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Apsley House’s address became a London in-joke: mile-zero of aristocratic town life, hence the nickname ‘Number One, London’.
The annual Waterloo Banquet ran for decades after 1815, turning dinner into remembrance and elite networking in the same room you walk through.
Benjamin Dean Wyatt remodelled the house for the first Duke—much of the restrained exterior hides surprisingly lavish interiors.
