London’s Hidden Gem Museum – The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection, located in Hertford House, Marylebone, is a renowned art museum in London. Established in 1897, it is famous for its private collection of European artworks. 🎨 The Wallace Collection is celebrated for its rich array of art, spanning from the Medieval and Renaissance periods to the 18th century, with a particular focus on 18th-century French art. Highlights of the collection include masterpieces by Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt, Boucher, and Fragonard, as well as exquisite furniture, porcelain, glassware, and armor. 💎 Among them, Fragonard’s “The Swing” is one of the masterpieces of the Rococo style, and Boucher’s portrait of Louis XV’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour, is also a precious piece in the collection. 🏺 In a corner cabinet on the second floor, there is a pair of Chinese treasures, the Gold Cups of Eternal Stability. These Qianlong-era treasures were acquired by the Wallace at a Paris auction in 1972; only four exist in the world, with the other two located in Beijing and Taipei. 🌟 In addition to paintings, the Wallace Collection also boasts a vast array of exquisite European porcelain and glassware, especially French Sèvres porcelain. Moreover, the arms and armor section of the museum is also very impressive, showcasing European and Eastern weapons and armor. 🏛️ The building of the Wallace Collection itself is a work of art, with its interior decoration reflecting the 19th-century British perception of “French taste” – the Rococo style. Visitors can experience the luxury and refinement of the era here. 🖼️ The museum houses 25 galleries with about 5500 items, including some very precious European weapons and armor. These collections were mostly gathered by Sir Richard Wallace, who purchased armor that was richly decorated for parade and tournament use. 🎫 The Wallace Collection is free to the public, making it an invaluable treasure trove of art. #RecordTheMoment #DontWantToWork #UKTravel #London #HiddenTravelSpots #CulturalSights #OffTheBeatenPathTravel