Things to see and do at Apsley House
There’s plenty to see and do on a visit to Apsley House. As well as current exhibitions, there's the stunning interior of Apsley House itself to enjoy, plus the chance to enjoy a special tour of the collection.
Admire a stunning art collection
Find out more about the 1st Duke of Wellington's famous paintings and magnificent art collection.
Most of his paintings come from the Spanish Royal Collection, rescued from a fleeing Joseph Bonaparte after the Battle of Vitoria in northern Spain. The paintings were later officially given to Wellington by King Ferdinand of Spain. Two hundred were recovered; today 83 still hang at Apsley House. They range in date from Juan de Flandes’s Last Supper of 1504 to Anton Raphael Mengs’s Holy Family, completed in 1765.
The Duke’s collection also contains important pieces of Meissen and Sèvres porcelain and a large assortment of silver.
Enjoy our guide
Delve into the art and history of Apsley House with our multimedia guide, learn about Regency society and much more, as you tour the house.
Venture down to the basement gallery to see items rarely seen before and discover a wealth of fascinating memorabilia including medals and shields.
Learn about the Iron Duke
Find out more about the man behind the myth. The 'Iron Duke' lived at Apsley House after defeating Napoleon, and the house remains a residence of the Dukes of Wellington today.
By the time of his death in 1852 the Iron Duke was a national hero, and his house stands as a national shrine to the victor of Waterloo.
Away from his military career, the Duke reputedly had a way with words and many admirers.
Admire glittering interiors
Be awed by the palatial wonder of the gilded, glittering interiors and stunning artwork on display at Apsley House. You can read more about the history of Apsley House before you visit.
Admire the gifts from emperors, tsars, and kings to the Iron Duke. There are many fine paintings, sculptures and works of art in silver and porcelain, given to Britain's greatest military hero.
Explore our exhibitions
For an additional year, five of Wellington’s military dress uniforms will be on display in the opulent setting of the Striped Drawing Room.
In recognition of his military victories in the Napoleonic Wars, Wellington was awarded the highest military rank of Field Marshal, or its equivalent, in several nations’ armies. For each of these appointments, Wellington had a dress uniform for formal occasions and an undress uniform for everyday wear.
In battle, Wellington was renowned for wearing civilian clothing – pale breeches, a dark coloured frock coat, a cloak and a cocked hat. Nevertheless, he understood the uniforms' importance and symbolism, which the Apsley House display evocatively demonstrates.