The sculpture collection contains almost 500 works in differing materials from each of the main European schools, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The most important aspect is the French sculpture including Germain Pilon's bronze portrait bust of King Charles IX created around 1570. Additionally there are two marble busts by 18th century sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon and a stunning exhibition of 18th and early 19th century bronzes, which includes mythological groups, portraits and miniature copies of renowned contemporary sculptures.

The collection of Old Masters have all of the characteristics of some of the finest works of art in the world, created by some of the art world’s leading names. The collection is also strong in Dutch and Flemish paintings founded in the seventeenth century, though there are also works by English, Italian and Spanish artists. Works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck, Canaletto, and Gainsborough feature prominently. The inventory of pictures, watercolours and drawings includes all of the major European schools.

There are excellent examples of porcelain by the greatest of makers, including Meissen and Sevres. The Sevres collection is one of the most unique of its kind with 137 vases, 67 useful wares, 80 tea wares, 3 biscuit figures and 130 plaques mostly found on furniture. This collection was acquired by Sir Richard Wallace and the Marquises of Hertford between 1802 and 1875. The Italian Renaissance majolica is also impressive as are the Iznik fritware, the Chinese Celadon porcelain, German stoneware, Spanish medieval pottery, Italian and French lead-glazed earthenware, which including Palissy ware.

The Armoury Collection contains pieces of almost 2,500 objects of European and Oriental Armoury and makes up the largest sector of the Wallace Collection. The fascinating displays of Oriental arms and armour were selected for their superior craftsmanship, opulence and striking beauty. They were attained mostly from Paris by the Fourth Marques of Hertford in the 1860’s. Many of the weapons belong to the Indian, Persian and Turkish genre and range from the 15th to the 19th century. The armour is largely Indo-Persian from the 18th and 19th-century.PAGE_BREAK There are more than five hundred pieces of French furniture mainly from the 18th century, but with some significant pieces from the 19th century, as well as interesting Italian furniture, some English, and German pieces. The best part of the collection is the substantial collection made by cabinetmaker extraordinaire, Andre- Charles Boulle. It contains items such as cabinet furniture, made of and covered with brass and turtle shell marquetry, more commonly known as Boulle Marquetry, barometers and clocks, gilt- bronze items including mounted porcelain and hard stones, mirrors, mantelpieces, boxes and pedestals. The oldest painting, which can be found in the museum is the 'Rainbow Landscape' by Rubens, this painting was painted in 1567 and was placed in the Wallace collection in 1898.

The museum is relatively small making it possible to see the entire collection in one day. There are daily group tours, which are free of charge. Private tours are also available at GBP 5 per person, but advance booking and a deposit is required. Groups of more than 10 must book in advance to gain admission together.