Photo credit: © 9 Hertford Street
One of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring museums in London is Sir John Soane’s Museum. Located at the Lincoln’s Inn Fields house where the architect lived, Soane’s incredible abode has been a museum since his death in 1837. Showcasing his extensive collection of artefacts, and housing a Research Library which includes over 9,000 of eminent fellow architect Robert Adam’s drawings, it remains as it was when Soane lived there (he stipulated that it be kept “as nearly as possible to the state in which I shall leave it”). It is a particularly special place for us at 9 Hertford Street as the library contains Adam’s interior designs for our neighbours at no. 10, giving us such a fabulous insight into how the interiors of our street were fashioned in days gone by.
Do limit what you take when you visit as the museum is literally packed to the rafters with beautiful sculptures, architectural examples, paintings and even a sarcophagus. Entry is free and it’s open every Wednesday to Sunday.
It’s also worth looking out for their family artistic workshops and occasional Soane Lates nights, where the museum can be toured by candlelight.