Leighton House Museum
- Art lovers
- Architecture and design enthusiasts
- Families with children
What Visitors Say
Leighton House is one of the most delightfully eccentric places in London. (Just a recommendation: Before your visit, do read about the life of its owner. It's a truly fascinating biography and adds enormously to the experience.) I was given a wonderfully warm welcome by the kindly courteous staff. The house itself isn't particularly large, but discovering a residence so lavishly inspired by the Islamic and Middle Eastern world in the heart of London is a genuinely one-of-a-kind experience. The celebrated Arab Hall is, of course, the centrepiece, but the rest of the house is equally rewarding. The walls adorned with Qur'anic calligraphy, the magnificent İznik tiles, and the rich decorative interiors all make for a remarkable visit. I'd also recommend watching the short film shown upstairs: it's beautifully made and offers an excellent introduction to the Arab Hall and the vision behind it.
Leighton House is officially my new favourite place in London. I was absolutely delighted by the entire visit. The house is breathtakingly beautiful and unlike the other period houses I have visited in London: the jewel-like colours, intricate tiles and extraordinary Arab Hall make every room feel completely immersive. There is so much detail to take in that I kept discovering something new every time I looked around. The combination of architecture, art and decorative objects is genuinely spectacular, while the studio and more intimate rooms still give a wonderful sense of Leighton’s life and work. The staff and volunteers were also exceptionally warm and welcoming. In particular, a volunteer named David on the 1st floor was an absolute sweetheart, he was very friendly and generous with his time, super knowledgeable about all the artwork and the history of the house. His enthusiasm made an already wonderful visit feel even more special. Jenny and Yash at reception were also super friendly and professional. After a few disappointing experiences at other heritage properties, it was such a pleasure to visit somewhere where guests are treated with genuine kindness and encouraged to enjoy the space. I left completely enchanted and will absolutely return and I have recommended to my friends and family. A true London gem.
I'm in love with leighton house, I've been multiple times and today I went for a calligraphy workshop with Lucy khanam for kids. We got to visit the house included with the workshop tickets. It's always a pleasure to view historical islamic blue tiles in a house. It's a beautiful museum to visit.
Leighton House is an absolutely beautiful and unforgettable place. The house itself, especially the Islamic art rooms, is stunning and full of atmosphere. Everything is very well organized and, when I visited, it was pleasantly quiet, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I also loved the introduction and centenary videos, which really helped me understand the history and meaning of the house. A perfect place for anyone who loves art, beauty, culture and inspiring places. Highly recommended — a visit that will stay with you for a long time.
A hidden gem amongst the busy streets of Holland Park. We went to explore the Arab room which was painstakingly built over many many years by the owner and artist Frédéric Leighton. The collection is stunning and the museum was his actual home. Leighton opened up his home to visitors whilst he was alive and this still continues. There are lots to explore and a wonderful cafe and garden to sit and relax in. I would definitely recommend paying to see the Arab Room as its fabulous. You will feel as though you've been transported to Damascus or Turkey... the walls, the history and the entire room gleams with light and colour. Please do make sure you watch his story in the basement level to understand who Leighton was and learn a little of his history and childhood. We paid £14 to enter (maybe a tad pricey) and they do offer student discounts. A day well spent from roaming the Kyoto Gardens in Holland Park and then walking to Damascus in the Leighton house which is a 7min walk away. Highly recommend this museum.
Highlights
Arab Hall
A Victorian dream in Iznik blue and goldA domed, fountain-cooled room inspired by a palace in Palermo—tiles sourced from Damascus and beyond, set like stanzas.
Ground floor, west side
Leighton’s Studio
Where canvases met daylightA vast, uncluttered room with balcony and pulleys—production line for Academy-scale pictures.
First floor, north-light atelier
Staircase & Narcissus Hall
Processional drama between work and wonderMarble, mosaics and mirrors set up a slow reveal of colour and space.
Ground to first floor
Basement Gallery & Context
Leighton among the Holland Park CircleSketches, loans and films place the house within a network of artist-homes.
Lower level
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Leighton was granted a peerage in 1896—and died the very next day, making his title the shortest-lived in British history.
The Arab Hall’s design was inspired by the 12th-century palace La Zisa in Palermo; many of its tiles are genuine 16th–17th-century Iznik pieces.
Leighton lived as a bachelor; the ‘house of art’ prioritised studio and reception over bedrooms—an artist’s public life made domestic.
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