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Royal Hospital Chelsea and its collection

Royal Hospital Chelsea
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The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a retirement and nursing home for veterans of the British Army run by an independent charity. It dates back to 1682 when it was founded by King Charles II, who was inspired by Les Invalides in Paris. The site includes a chapel built by Sir Christopher Wren who also designed the Great Hall. The chapel is an example of Wren's architecture and it features a silver-gilt altar plate. The Royal Hospital's museum displays paintings, dioramas, uniforms and many other artifacts.

DENational Army Museum
ESNational Army Museum
FRNational Army Museum

Specialized & Alternative Specialized & Alternative History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Historic house Religion Person & Artist

#26 Free museums in London #40 History & Anthropology in London #40 Historic houses in London #30 Person & artist museums in London #7 Religion museums in London #177 Free museums in England #156 Person & artist museums in England #76 Religion museums in England #188 Person & artist museums in United Kingdom #95 Religion museums in United Kingdom

#26 Free museums in London #40 History & Anthropology in London #40 Historic houses in London #30 Person & artist museums in London #7 Religion museums in London #177 Free museums in England #156 Person & artist museums in England #76 Religion museums in England #188 Person & artist museums in United Kingdom #95 Religion museums in United Kingdom

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Royal Hospital Chelsea
Royal Hospital Road
SW3 4SR London

Images of Royal Hospital Chelsea

Visitor information Royal Hospital Chelsea

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
9:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
9:00 – 17:00
Thursday
9:00 – 17:00
Friday
9:00 – 17:00
Saturday
9:00 – 17:00
Sunday
9:00 – 17:00
More opening hours

Admission

0+Free
More ticket prices

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop

Location & Map

Royal Hospital Road, London

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Royal Hospital Chelsea have been found.

Royal Hospital Chelsea Reviews

Royal Hospital Chelsea has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, England, is a historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of British Army veterans. The hospital, founded in 1682 by King Charles II, is home to the famous Chelsea Pensioners, retired soldiers who are instantly recognizable in their scarlet coats.

    Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the beautiful architecture of Sir Christopher Wren's original building. The museum within the hospital provides informative exhibits on military history and the lives of the pensioners. Many reviewers find the guided tours, often led by the pensioners themselves, to be a highlight of their visit, offering personal insights and stories.

    The chapel and the Great Hall are noted for their impressive interiors and historical significance. The annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show held on the grounds is also a major draw for many visitors.

    Some visitors mention that the museum is relatively small and can be explored quickly. A few reviewers note that the entry fee might be considered a bit high for the size of the museum, but most feel it's worthwhile given the unique experience and the support it provides to the veterans.

    The staff and pensioners are consistently praised for their friendliness and willingness to engage with visitors. However, some visitors mention that accessibility could be improved in certain areas of the historic building.

    Overall, the Royal Hospital Chelsea offers a mix of history, architecture, and personal stories that many find engaging and educational. It's particularly appealing to those interested in military history or looking for a less crowded alternative to some of London's larger museums.

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