In many ways the Royal Hospital Chelsea itself is a living museum, but we also have a dedicated museum with some of our more unusual items on display. The entrance hall is dedicated to the Duke of Wellington and features items such as George Jones' panorama of the Battle of Waterloo (1820). It also features a contemporary painting of Queen Elizabeth II by Andrew Festing (1998). The large diorama in the centre of the entrance hall depicts the Royal Hospital as it looked in 1742. The museum itself includes a reconstruction of a typical berth, the uniform of a veteran soldier, and many other artefacts.

Museum Opening Times
The museum is open Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) from 10am to 4pm.

Entry is free for groups under ten as part of the guided tour. Individual visits are not available at this time.

Christmas & New Year Opening Times
The Museum will be closed from 25th to 28th December 2023 and 1st January 2024.

Location

The closest entrance to the Museum is at the London Gate. You can locate this on our map by clicking here.

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News

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Chelsea Pensioner in scarlets and shako looks at the camera
Ferrets, Saladins and Radio Operations – Meet Chelsea Pensioner Roger Hall

Joining the British Army at 15 years old, Chelsea Pensioner, Roger, has had a varied military career. Initially, he joined the Junior Leaders Regimental Royal Armoured Corps and later served with The Life Guards, Royal Logistic Corps as well as the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Roger shares more on his time in the Army.

Two Chelsea Pensioners opening the gate to the Soane Stable Yard
Royal Hospital Chelsea joins the Chelsea Heritage Quarter and Chelsea History Festival this September with special previews of the Soane Stable Yard

We are delighted to announce that the Royal Hospital Chelsea will be part of the Chelsea History Festival once again this year, from Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 September 2024 and part of the new Chelsea Heritage Quarter – London’s new heritage destination.