Step into the extraordinary world of Sir John Soane’s Museum, a captivating time capsule nestled in the heart of London. This unique museum, the former home of renowned architect Sir John Soane, houses an astounding collection of art, sculptures, and antiquities within remarkable historic interiors. Entry is free, inviting everyone to explore this architectural masterpiece. Here’s everything you need to plan your visit to Sir John Museum and delve into the fascinating world Soane meticulously curated.
Plan Your Visit: Sir John Museum Opening Times and Entry
Sir John Soane’s Museum welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, offering ample opportunity to explore its treasures. The doors are open from 10 am to 5 pm, with the last admission at 4:30 pm, allowing you a full day to immerse yourself in the exhibits. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but remains open on bank holidays, ensuring accessibility for weekend and holiday visits.
One of the most appealing aspects of Sir John Museum is that entry is completely free. You don’t need to worry about pre-booking tickets; simply walk in and begin your exploration. However, due to its popularity and intimate setting, entry might be slightly delayed during peak times.
For group visits of eight or more, it’s advisable to get in touch with the museum beforehand to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
The Picture Room, a highlight for many visitors, has specific viewing times for its rotating panels:
- 2pm: Witness the unfolding of A Rake’s Progress on the north wall.
- 11am, 3pm, and 4pm: Explore the Picture Room Recess on the south wall.
Sir John Soane’s Museum is not just a collection; it’s an experience, offering a glimpse into the mind and passions of a celebrated architect. To enhance your visit and ensure guaranteed entry at a specific time, consider booking a ticketed Highlights Tour, available at 12pm daily from Wednesday to Sunday, with an additional 11am tour on weekends.
Explore the Depths of Sir John Museum: Guided Tours and Digital Access
To truly appreciate the richness of Sir John Museum, consider participating in one of the guided tours offered, each providing a unique perspective on this extraordinary place.
Highlights Tour: Unveiling the Museum’s Treasures
The classic Highlights Tour is your gateway to Regency London, transporting you back to the era of Sir John Soane himself. This tour guides you through the most significant areas of Soane’s home, preserved exactly as it was upon his death in 1837. Venture into the Museum’s main highlights and gain exclusive access to the Private Apartments, offering an intimate glimpse into Soane’s life and collections.
Private Apartments Tour: Stepping into Soane’s Family Life
For a more personal experience, the free Private Apartments tour, available on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, is a must. Located on the second floor, these rooms were once the heart of Soane’s family life with his wife Eliza. Lovingly restored to reflect their appearance during Soane’s time, these apartments offer a unique perspective on the museum as a family home.
These tours, led by knowledgeable volunteers, commence at 2pm from the South Drawing Room on the first floor and last approximately 30 minutes. Spaces are limited to a maximum of eight people on a first-come, first-served basis. To join, simply register your name with the Visitor Assistant in the South Drawing Room.
Drawing Office Tour: Discovering Architectural History
New to Sir John Museum is the free Drawing Office tour, offering a rare opportunity to explore the oldest surviving Drawing Office of its kind. Opened to the public in May 2023 after 200 years, this tour provides insights into the practical workings of Soane’s architectural practice.
Tours take place on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:30pm, lasting around 20 minutes, and depart from the Library-Dining Room. Similar to the Private Apartments tour, spaces are limited to six people, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register your interest with the Visitor Assistant in the Library-Dining Room on the ground floor.
Please note that the availability of Private Apartments and Drawing Office tours depends on staff availability. It’s always best to check with the Museum team upon arrival to confirm if the tours are running on the day of your visit.
Exclusive and Group Explorations
For a more tailored experience, Sir John Museum offers private tour options outside of regular opening hours. These provide an exclusive and in-depth exploration of the museum.
Group visits for 8 to 20 people are also welcomed on specific days but must be booked in advance. Planning ahead ensures a seamless visit for larger groups.
Bloomberg Connects: Your Digital Companion
Enhance your museum experience with the Bloomberg Connects app, your free digital guide to Sir John Museum. This app offers multimedia guides, expert commentary, and virtual activities, providing deeper insights into the exhibitions and collections. Use headphones when using the app inside the museum to respect other visitors.
Download the app to enrich your visit.
Explore Soane Virtually: A Digital Journey
For those unable to visit in person, Explore Soane offers a captivating virtual tour of several key spaces within the museum. Digitally explore replicas of the Model Room, Sepulchral Chamber, Picture Room, and the Drawing Office, created with advanced photogrammetry scanning technology.
Take a virtual tour and experience Sir John Museum from anywhere in the world.
Visiting Sir John Museum Safely and Respectfully
To ensure a pleasant and safe environment for all visitors and to protect the delicate collection, Sir John Museum requests adherence to the following guidelines:
- Bag Policy: To navigate the narrow spaces and protect fragile objects, visitors are asked not to bring luggage or large bags, including large rucksacks, suitcases, and bikes. A clear plastic bag will be provided for small personal items.
- No Touching: Please refrain from touching doors or surfaces within the museum to preserve the historic interiors.
- Visitor Numbers: Visitor numbers are limited to prevent overcrowding and ensure the safety of both visitors and the collection.
Photography is welcomed within the museum, but flash photography, filming, tripods, selfie sticks, large cameras, and phone calls are not permitted to maintain the tranquil atmosphere and protect the artifacts.
Entry to Sir John Museum is through the original front door at No. 13. Be prepared for potential waits to enter certain rooms, and some areas may be viewable from behind stanchions to protect the exhibits.
Getting to Sir John Museum: Location and Transport
Sir John Soane’s Museum is located at 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP, easily accessible by various modes of transport.
- By Tube: Holborn station (Central and Piccadilly lines) is a short 5-minute walk, while Temple station (Circle and District lines) is about 15 minutes away.
- By Bus: Numerous bus routes serve the area, including buses 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, 171, 188, 243, 521, and X68 stopping on Kingsway, and buses 8, 25, and 242 stopping on High Holborn.
- By Bike: Santander Cycles docking stations are available at Sardinia Street and Portugal Street. Alternatively, bike parking is available at Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
- By Car: The museum is within the London congestion charge zone. Limited pay-and-display parking and green-badge bays are available in Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
Accessibility at Sir John Museum: Welcoming All Visitors
Sir John Museum is committed to welcoming visitors with disabilities. To ensure your needs are met, it is recommended to contact the museum in advance at 020 7405 2107 or email admin@soane.org.uk.
Read more about access at the Museum or watch a video guide to assist in planning your visit.
Cloakroom and Luggage Facilities
Due to space constraints and the fragility of the exhibits, cloakroom facilities at Sir John Museum are limited. Visitors are strongly encouraged to avoid bringing luggage. A small, free cloakroom is available for smaller rucksacks and bags, but liability for loss or damage is not accepted.
For luggage storage, consider using nearby stasher locations for paid luggage storage.
Prams can be left outside the museum gates, while baby slings or on-person carriers are permitted inside.
Photography and Sketching Guidelines
Capture your memories at Sir John Museum through photography, while respecting the collection and museum environment. Remember that flash photography, filming, photo shoots, tripods, selfie sticks, large cameras and lenses, and phone calls are not allowed. Museum staff may restrict photography in congested areas to ensure smooth visitor flow.
Share your photos on Instagram or X by tagging @SoaneMuseum or using #PhototheSoane for a chance to be featured on their feed.
Unfortunately, sketching is not currently permitted within the museum.
The Sir John Museum Shop: Take a Piece of History Home
The Sir John Museum Shop offers a delightful range of gifts for all ages and budgets. From unique jewelry and beautiful books to exclusive items inspired by the museum’s collection, you’ll find the perfect memento of your visit. Shop during museum hours or explore the online store. Every purchase directly supports the museum’s preservation and activities.
Browse our shop online and find your piece of Sir John Museum.
Stay Connected with Sir John Museum
Keep up-to-date with the latest exhibitions, programs, family activities, and shop offers by subscribing to the Sir John Museum email newsletter.
Sign up today > and be the first to know what’s happening at Sir John Soane’s Museum.
Sir John Soane’s Museum offers an unparalleled experience, inviting you to explore a world of architectural brilliance and artistic passion. Plan your visit today and discover the magic of this extraordinary London gem.
