Wellington Museum

The Wellington Museum is found at the Duke of Wellington’s London residence – Apsley House. He bought it from the Baron Apsley in 1817, and lived there until his death in 1852.

Despite rising to the position of Prime Minister, he is best known for defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. A statue outside shows him sitting on Copenhagen, the trusty horse which rode him into battle.

Duke of Wellington’s memorabilia

The Wellington Museum covers his entire military and political career, and shows off his fine collection of paintings, porcelain, medals and memorabilia – including, somewhat grimly, his own death mask.

The Waterloo Gallery contains works by Goya, Rubens, Velázquez and Murillo. There is also a three metre statue of Napoleon naked, chiselled out by Antonio Canova.

The most intriguing piece is undoubtedly that of the Duke himself, whose face has recently been discovered to cover that of Napoleon’s brother. Apparently the artist was so counting on a French victory, that he had to hastily cover it up when the news of the Duke’s came through!

• Information
• Historical pictures

Facts and information

Address:

Wellington Museum, Apsley House, 149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner,
London W1J 7NT
England

Telephone:

Work +44 (0) 207 499 5676

Bus route:

2 8 9 10 14 16 19 22 36 38 52 73 74 82 137 148 414 436

Train station:

Hyde Park Corner PC

Opening times:

11–5 (Wed–Sun, Apr–Oct); 11–4 (Wed–Sun, Nov–Mar)

Cost:

Adults £5.50; Children £2.80 (5–16); Infants free (under-5)

^{Apsley House, London}

^{The Waterloo Gallery, c.1852}

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Wellington Museum – Related articles…

Apsley House
Apsley House used to belong to the Duke of Wellington, and incorporates the Wellington Museum.