Apsley House, at Hyde Park Corner opposite Wellington Arch, was the London home of the Duke of Wellington and is now a museum displaying his art and personal collection. Look for Antonio Canova’s marble statue of Napoleon, the Waterloo Shield and paintings by Spanish masters including Velázquez and Goya. The rooms include the elegant Yellow Drawing Room, with its original Adam fireplace. A free audio tour helps put the house and its objects in context; allow time to explore both floors.
The Duke of Wellington’s London home
Apsley House stands at Hyde Park Corner, opposite Wellington Arch and beside the entrance to Hyde Park. It became the London residence of Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, after his victory over Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. Its position by the former western tollgate gave it the old address “Number 1, London”: it was the first house encountered by people entering the city from the west.
The house was built in the 1770s and later altered. Wellington lived here and entertained European heads of state and nobility. Today, the rooms open to the public display objects connected with his life alongside the art he collected. The house gives a sense of both his public career and his domestic surroundings.
Art and objects in the collection
The paintings are a major part of a visit. The Spanish royal collection includes works by Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya, Titian, Rubens, Murillo and Brueghel. These paintings hang among the state rooms, where silverware, porcelain, busts, military orders, swords and gifts from rulers and dignitaries add other layers to the collection.
At the foot of the grand staircase is Antonio Canova’s marble statue of Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker. Napoleon commissioned the sculpture; Wellington later acquired it. The Waterloo Shield commemorates Wellington’s victory at the battle. In the basement gallery, memorabilia includes the Duke’s death mask. Personal possessions and furniture also appear throughout the house, so the displays extend beyond paintings and battlefield objects.
Rooms to look out for
The Yellow Drawing Room is among the house’s notable interiors. Its original Adam fireplace, delicate ornament and artworks, including a Canova bust, make it a useful stop between galleries. The ballroom and dining room are also open to the public, along with other rooms across two floors.
A free audio tour provides information as you move through the house. Give yourself enough time to look closely at the paintings and the smaller personal objects; the rooms hold more than the main works on display. A small gift shop is available at the end of the visit.
FAQ
What can you see at Apsley House?
The house displays Wellington’s art collection, military memorabilia, personal possessions and historic interiors. Highlights include Canova’s statue of Napoleon, the Waterloo Shield and the Yellow Drawing Room.
How long should you spend at Apsley House?
Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the rooms and collection across both floors.
Is there an audio guide at Apsley House?
Yes. A free audio tour provides information about the house and its collection.
