Leighton House Museum
Leighton House is one of the most opulent museums in London, and its small scale makes it easy enough to explore thoroughly in an afternoon. Located on the edge of Holland Park, this opulent 19th-century home of Lord Leighton is decorated with domed ceilings, fountains, and plenty of marble. Golden mosaics, gilded walls, elaborate paintwork, domed ceilings, trickling fountains, cool marble and peacock blue tiles make Leighton House worth a visit. Built between 1864 and 1879 on the edge of Holland Park, the home of classical artist Lord Leighton also became home to his extensive collection of Victorian paintings, including works by his contemporaries John Everett Millais, Edward Burne-Jones and George Frederick Watts. One of the most stunning features of the house is the Arab Hall which forms the centrepiece to the house. Tiled with over 1,000 vibrant, peacock blue tiles from Iran and Syria, these provide an opulent theme that is carried out throughout the house. Its brick ziggurats running around the parapet wall were restored in 2008 - part of a £1.6 million programme of refurbishment and restoration due for completion in April 2010.
The former studio-house of the great Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton. Contains extraordinary period interiors including the Arab Hall. Also houses a permanent exhibition of Victorian paintings, drawings and sculpture, including works by Leighton, Burne-Jones, Millais, Stevens, Alma-Tadema and the Cecil French Bequest. The rooms are furnished in period style and the Arab Hall is the most unusual feature of the house. Also changing contemporary exhibitions. Donations welcome.
Best for:
Oriental opulence, Victorian art and architecture.
VISITORS INFORMATION
Opening Times
Daily 10am-5.30pm, Fri until 10pm.
Closed Tuesdays
Admission:
Adult £5 , Concession (over 60, 16 and under, full-time students) £1
Ticket includes free return entry within 12 months
Travel:
Underground Stations
Kensington (Olympia) Tube (7 minutes)
High Street Kensington Tube (13 minutes)
Railway Stations
Kensington Olympia Railway Station (7 minutes)
Shepherd's Bush Overground (19 minutes)
Car Parks
Olympia Hilton NCP (5 minutes)
Broadwood Terrace NCP (6 minutes)
Address:
12 Holland Park Road
London
W14 8LZ