Sir John Soane's Museum

Overview

Sir John Soane’s Museum is arguably the most eccentric, wonderfully chaotic, and deeply fascinating small museum in London. Left exactly untouched since his death in 1837, it is the deeply atmospheric historic house of the brilliant neoclassical architect.

Highlights

• The Sarcophagus: Deep in the shadowy, crypt-like basement lies the massive, intricately carved glowing alabaster sarcophagus of the Egyptian Pharaoh Seti I.
• The Picture Room: A tiny room where the heavy walls are ingeniously constructed specifically of massive, folding wooden hinged panels that dramatically open to reveal hundreds of hidden masterworks.
• The Dome Area: The breathtakingly complex light-filled central atrium overflowing decidedly with hundreds of salvaged ancient Roman marble fragments and statues.

History

Soane furiously negotiated a highly specific private Act of Parliament strictly demanding that upon his death, his intensely packed house be preserved completely perfectly exactly as he left it, completely free of charge to any curious amateur or student.

Visitor Tips

• The Picture Room Unlocking: The museum staff only ceremoniously open the heavy, folded moving walls of the Picture Room precisely at strictly designated times (usually the hour and half hour); do not miss this.
• Candlelight Tours: Try decidedly to book the incredibly rare, breathtaking monthly evening tours where the entire incredibly silent house is lit completely solely by flickering candles.
• Duration: 90 minutes.