London's Hidden Museum Treasures
Explore the Unexplored Museums
Discover hidden treasures at the Unexplored Museums, where every exhibit tells a story waiting to be uncovered.
Sir John Soane's Museum
The museum occupies the former home of Sir John Soane, who designed it to showcase his vast collection of art, antiquities, and curiosities. This museum is filled with Soane’s treasures, giving you an inside look at this visionary architect. Each nook and cranny is curated to evoke wonder and curiosity, while showcasing the museum’s eclectic collections in atmospheric interiors.
- Closest Tube Station: 5 minutes walk from Holborn Station.
- Located next to Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
- Collection includes a treasure trove of wonders, from classical sculptures and ancient artifacts to Old Master paintings and architectural models.
- Highlights:
- Picture Room, adorned with paintings by renowned artists such as Hogarth and Canaletto.
- Model Room, showcasing Soane’s architectural masterpieces in miniature.
- Crypt, an underground chamber filled with ancient sarcophagi and eerie sculptures.
- Library, where Soane’s vast collection of books and manuscripts is preserved.
- Free entry to the museum.
- Guided tours and educational programs are provided.
Wallace Collection
This hidden gem houses one of the world’s finest collections of decorative and fine arts in an 18th-century townhouse. Wallace Collection stands as a testament to art and opulence. It’s named after Sir Richard Wallace, who built an extensive collection with the Marquesses of Hertford in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Wallace Collection is located in Manchester Square, this museum is housed in the former townhouse of the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford.
- Closest Tube Station: Bond Street Station.
- Collection includes dazzling array of masterpieces, ranging from Old Master paintings and sculptures to exquisite furniture, porcelain, and armor.
- Highlights:
- Iconic works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Titian, Velázquez, and Fragonard, each meticulously curated to showcase the collection’s breadth and beauty.
- From the ornate drawing rooms to the opulent dining halls, every corner of this historic townhouse radiates elegance, offering visitors a glimpse into aristocratic lifestyles.
- Sumptuously decorated rooms, each meticulously restored to reflect the grandeur of a bygone era.
- Free entry to the museum.
- Hosts a vibrant program of temporary exhibitions, lectures, and events throughout the year.
Orleans House Gallery
Orleans House was a Palladian villa built by the architect John James in 1710 near the Thames at Twickenham, England, for the politician and diplomat James Johnston. The gallery now showcases a diverse range of contemporary and historical artworks, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
- Closest Tube Station: Richmond Station (approximately 15-20 minutes walk along the Thames riverside or catch a bus to reach the gallery).
- Set amidst landscaped gardens and scenic riverside views, providing a peaceful retreat for visitors.
- Highlights:
- Showcases a diverse range of contemporary and historical artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning various periods and styles.
- Features an extensive collection of works by the renowned British artist Sir Joshua Reynolds, offering insights into the lives of the era of Georgian England.
- Free entry to the gallery.
- Hosts a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, events, and workshops throughout the year.
Freud Museum
Unveil the Legacy of Sigmund Freud by experiencing a Journey through the Freud Museum.
Find out what psychoanalysis is all about at the Freud Museum, located in Hampstead. It’s housed in the old house where Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, and his family lived. Visiting the Freud Museum is like stepping into Sigmund Freud’s world and exploring his very working and living space.
- Closest Tube Station: Finchley Road Station.
- Highlights:
- Offers an intimate glimpse into the daily life of the pioneering psychoanalyst.
- Freud’s psychoanalytic couch, where he conducted countless therapy sessions with his patients. A reminder of Freud’s groundbreaking work in the field of psychology.
- Entry Fee to the museum:
- £9 for adults,
- £7 for concessions (including seniors, students, and unwaged individuals), and
- £4 for children aged 12-16
- Free for children under 12.
- Hosts a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, lectures, and events exploring various aspects of psychoanalysis and its impact on contemporary culture.