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London Sights

Sir John Soane's Museum

2 reviews | Write a review

  • Address
    • 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields WC2
  • Transport
    • Holborn
  • Website
  • Hours
    • 10am-5pm Tue-Sat, 6-9pm 1st Tue of month, [[t]]Holborn

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Lonely Planet review for Sir John Soane's Museum

Not all of this area's inhabitants were poor, as is aptly demonstrated by the remarkable home of celebrated architect and collector extraordinaire Sir John Soane (1753–1837). Now a fascinating museum, the house has been left largely as it was when Sir John was taken out in a box. Among his eclectic acquisitions are an Egyptian sarcophagus, dozens of Greek and Roman antiquities and the original Rake's Progress, William Hogarth's set of caricatures telling the story of a late 18th-century London cad. Soane was clearly a very clever chap – check out the ingenious folding walls in the picture gallery. Tours (£5) are given at 11am on Saturdays.

 

Traveller reviews for Sir John Soane's Museum (2)

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    One of my favorite museums

    julzetraveller recommends this,

    This is definitely one of my favorites. I have been here twice and will gladly go again anytime in London. The maze of connecting rooms, intriguing nooks, thousands of quirky and beautiful and bizarre objects never cease to amaze and fascinate. It's an inspiration. The collection is arranged cleverly but not contrived. There are always things to discover, and there is beauty alongside humor and horror. Over-the-top, but delightfully so.

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    A Quirky London Gem

    docbrown recommends this,

    The Soane Museum is admittedly not for everyone, but if you like architecture and quirky museums, it doesn't get much better than this. John Soane's house is crammed with interesting artifacts and artwork, and every room has been tinkered with by the master architect in most unusual ways: glass domes is small closets, gratings on the floor to allow light to pass to the basement, walls that swing open to reveal more art or the room below, etc.

    Because Soane was so innovative in his use of light and mirrors, the candlelight tour is in some ways less interesting the normal daytime hours. In addition, during the day you can actually read some of the information about each room and see more details about the artifacts, whereas at night it all blends together and some of the impact is lost.

    It is best to go on week days and early in the day to avoid long lines. Unfortunately no photography is allowed inside, so take your time to soak it all in.

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