London ✦ The Wizard's Labyrinth – No Shilling Required 🧙

Sir John Soane's Museum The smallest yet most "quirky" national museum in London✨ I absolutely love this place and often pop in just to soak up the atmosphere when I'm in the city center. 🌕 📚 Backstory This was the home of Sir John Soane, the British neoclassical architectural mastermind behind iconic buildings like the Bank of England. It's also his "private treasure trove"! Starting in 1792, Soane bought three townhouses (numbers 12, 13, and 14) in Lincoln's Inn Fields and transformed them into his residence and "private exhibition hall." To house over 6,000 artifacts and 30,000 architectural drawings, he even knocked down walls, turning the kitchen into an exhibit space! In a twist, Soane had a falling out with his son in his later years and, in a huff, donated the house to the nation, stipulating that "everything must remain as is." Thus, it became a national museum in 1837, still brimming with the essence of his presence. 🏠 🏛️ Architectural Highlights A "Spatial Game" by the Master of Light and Shadow Soane himself designed the space, turning neoclassicism into pure magic! Using skylights, mirrors, and multi-level structures, he filled the cramped rooms with dramatic light and shadow. For example, the basement "tomb gallery" houses Roman urns and mysterious sarcophagi, lit by dim lights that transport you to an ancient civilization. The kitchen still features a Georgian stove, with brick seams meticulously restored to their original state – a delight for detail enthusiasts! 🔨 🏺 Treasure Trove From Egyptian Pharaohs to Art Masters – The "Best of the Best" in Compact Form 🌟 Sarcophagus of Seti I In 1824, Soane spent a whopping £2,000 (a fortune!) on this ancient Egyptian pharaoh's coffin, which remains the museum's crown jewel. 🏺 🌟 Hogarth's Serial Paintings For example, "The Rake's Progress," a satirical take on 18th-century British society with a plot more dramatic than any soap opera. 🎭 🌟 Canaletto's Venice The Grand Canal shimmers in these paintings, instantly transporting you to the romantic city of canals. 🎨 🌟 30,000 Architectural Drawings + 10,000 Books A "holy land" for architecture fans, featuring Soane's sketches and models. 📚 🎫 Visiting Guide Free! Free! Free! No reservation needed - Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00-17:00. Entry closes 45 minutes before closing time. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays – don't miss out! - Guided Tours: Highly recommend the Highlight Tour, where the curator shares Soane's dramatic life stories, such as his marriage to a wealthy lady and how his rebellious son drove him mad – more exciting than watching TV! 🎬 - Candlelit Nights: Every Tuesday evening, experience the museum by candlelight (reservation required) for an atmospheric visit. 🕯️ #WeekendPlans #LondonLife #LondonMuseum #FreeExhibitions #Architect #Collector #Antiquities #UKTravel #Exhibitions #LondonWeekend