Question of the week: Do you have a favourite London museum? "You can stop by this little museum to take an art class, to attend an architectural workshop, or just to see how an eccentric rich guy spent his money in the early nineteenth century. Whatever your motivation, do stop by the Sir John Soane Museum - and instantly understand why an Act of Parliament was passed in Soane’s own lifetime to preserve his house as a museum.
His collection of architectural drawings (approximately 30,000 of them!), the paintings on his wall, and the sculptures decorating every surface area of the building would seem reason enough to visit Soane’s house. But descending into what he called The Crypt, you will find the sarcophagus of Pharaoh Seti I, which was passed up by the British Museum in 1824 as too expensive to purchase.
If visiting The Crypt and hearing the story behind Soane’s disinherited sons as well as his imaginary monk friend doesn’t seem adventurous enough, try it by candlelight! The wait can be well over an hour for this special once-a-month occasion, but an extremely eerie atmosphere is set for your visit. That being said, I had to go back by daylight to fully appreciate all of the obscured candlelit shadows – so whatever time you can make it out, Sir John Soane’s museum is worth a look around.
Sir John Soane's Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10-5pm when admission is free. There is a Museum tour each Saturday at 11.00am; tickets are on sale from 10.30am and cost £5."- Catherine
* Photo by Philip John Jones, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.
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