Wellington Arch
A triumphal arch with a life story: built in the 1820s as a royal gateway, rebranded for the Iron Duke, moved whole in the 1880s to ease traffic, then crowned in 1912 with Europe’s largest bronze quadriga. Today you can ride a lift up through its stone core to small galleries and twin balconies over Hyde Park Corner—close-up views of the Angel of Peace landing her chariot and the Household Cavalry on parade routes below. Budget 25–40 minutes; pair with Apsley House across the road.
Opening Hours
What's not to miss inside?
Quadriga Close-Up
Largest bronze quadriga in Europe, at eye levelAdrian Jones’s 1912 chariot—Peace taming War—was cast to read from the street; from here you see tool-marks the traffic never will.
📍 Top balconies
Moved Monument
London once shifted an arch like furnitureIn 1882–83 the whole structure was dismantled and rebuilt a short distance away to unclog Hyde Park Corner—Victorian urbanism with nerve.
📍 Intro gallery
From Duke to Angel
Two very different toppersThe first crown was a gigantic equestrian statue of Wellington—loathed by many—removed in the 1880s and sent to Aldershot before the current quadriga arrived.
📍 History panels, mid-level
Parade Watchpoint
Guards and motorcades pass right belowOn Changing-of-the-Guard days, you’re above the route as soldiers, bands and horses thread the arch like a living frieze.
📍 South balcony, towards Constitution Hill
Pocket Museum
A monument with rooms insideEnglish Heritage carved compact galleries into the piers—bite-size shows on the arch, the area and temporary art.
📍 All levels (lift available)
Inspire your Friends
- Before 1912, a colossal bronze of the Duke of Wellington sat on top; it was unpopular, then removed and sent to Aldershot when the arch was moved.
- From 1960 to 1992 the interior housed the Hyde Park Corner police station—a triumphal arch with a front desk and a kettle.
- The current sculpture shows Peace restraining War in a four-horse chariot; sculptor Adrian Jones based details on real cavalry horses from the nearby barracks.
- The arch was physically relocated in 1882–83 to improve traffic flow—dismantled stone by stone and rebuilt a short distance away.
- On ceremonial days, the Household Cavalry and state processions use the arch like a stage prop—millions see it on TV without realising you can go inside.
