Sir John Soane's Museum

This lovely home/museum was left by its owner as long as it remained largely intact. That is the true charm and delight of Sir John Soane's Museum. The venue is quite small, so patrons cue outside before being admitted by a guide. We didn't wait long, however, and once inside it was all worth it, free admission as well.

Soane, the architect for Bank of England, was also a professor of the subject who collected everything, especially with the view to teaching his students from his own collection. The gems of my visit were Hogarth's "The Rake's Progress" (series of 8), as well as his "Election" series of 4 scathing indictments of politics.

The rooms refurbished & designed by Soane are quirky. I found myself smiling with fascination much of the visit. Don't miss this place!

this is a fantastic museum. so funny to call it "cluttered" as another reviewer said. he was trying to fit a massive collection of research into a tiny space. and he did some clever things to manage it.

ask about the picture room, they do a demonstration every once in a while.

the best part about the museum are the enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides. ask questions, don't be shy. they have so much information which may not be obvious.

this place is rich with stories for the curious and a peek into a very creative mind.

There are many large wonderful museums to visit in London but I found my most memorable visit was to a home near the Holburn tube stop, Sir John Soane's Museum. This gentleman created a living museum with a beautiful collection of architectural delights and a wonderful collection of paintings. The Painting Room has some special hidden features that must be admired. The staff was so helpful - one gentleman could have been a character of Dickens' - his love of the collections was so evident. There is also a special display - this time it was the poetry of Sir John Betjeman. I did not know much of this talented man before but I left with a wonderful sense of his love of architecture and community. There was a display of his letters and visual clips of his programs and poetry reading with music.

This place is very special and well worth seeking out when visiting London.