Sir John Soane's Museum Reviews Summary

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "The people working there are very knowledgeable of the art in the museum and will gladly tell you more about it or answer any questions you might have."
• "Some of the staff are extremely knowledgeable and happy to share their knowledge."
• "The staff is super friendly and helpful and will answer any kinds of questions you have."
• "The staff were friendly and obviously knowledgeable and passionate about the collection."
• "The staff is nice and helpful."
• "The staff are super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable!"
• "Staff are extremely knowledgeable and full of fascinating background information."

Cons:

• "Staff working were a blend of helpful and officious."
• "Great exhibition I guess, and a more than annoying young female playing the curator of the museum, although she is not more than a security guard."
• "Disappointed- the museum guide was more focussed on finger wagging & informing me what is permitted to do with a mobile phone than inspiring me with the contents of the museum or offering any guidance."
• "The only thing ruined my experience a little bit was that first of all everyone had to put their bags into plastic bags which is okay. But the way it was communicated was a little weird."

Collection and Exhibits

Pros:

• "Very immersive museum as the house, its architecture and contents form a complete experience."
• "This place is a bewildering array of artifacts and art on three levels."
• "Collection of intriguing artifacts."
• "The house is fully packed with sculptures paintings and other artefacts it is wonderful."
• "Everything inside is original and collected by John Soane himself."
• "It was a labyrinth of amazing artefacts and history."
• "A vast range of artefacts, from Egyptian, through Roman and more modern."

Cons:

• "It was very hot and stuffy inside and the rooms all rather small."
• "Very few exhibits have plaques which means you have interesting conversations with the friendly and knowledgeable staff!"
• "Still interesting but a bit of a maze and some bits not at all well lit so between the lack of lighting and general lack of space between objects its both overwhelming and confusing."
• "Sadly there are no labels to anything as it was in the days of Mr Soane. But that adds to the charm and the feeling you’re just enjoying the private treasures of a genuine aficionado."
• "I was expecting to know more about Sir John Soane which wasn't possible as this place doesn't give you much insight on that."
• "As others have said, no context or information for any of the exhibits on show."
• "It could have benefited from information about the exhibits."

Accessibility and Facilities

Pros:

• "Has toilets in basement and shop at the exit."
• "Entrance is free."
• "You simply turn up and don’t need tickets, which is great."
• "Free, easy to get to."
• "Entry is free, no pre purchased tickets required. Less than three minutes walk from Holborn tube."
• "They have a cloakroom to put your things in, that is quite useful."
• "The entrance is free."

Cons:

• "Be mindful of the small and often cramped spaces as this is a former residence and that water & large bags are not allowed inside as well as a strict guest count."
• "Warning, it is quite cramped inside so I hope you are not claustrophobic."
• "Due to the small volume of the building you may have to queue outside."
• "You need to put your bag in a plastic bag provided by the museum to avoid knocking things over."
• "The museum isn't favourable towards those with mobility issues, but I can't see how that can be fixed due to the narrow hallways and stairs that barely accommodate one person."
• "Not accessible friendly as you will need to use stairs to go up and down levels (no lifts in Soane's day), and walkways between exhibits are quite tight."
• "They allow only a limited number of people at any point in the house, so be prepared to wait in the queue outside."

Experience and Atmosphere

Pros:

• "It was quite late in the afternoon when I visited so it was pretty dim inside but this just added to the experience - I'd turn a corner and be inches away from another piece of art."
• "WOW!!!! Exquisite! So interesting and quirky. Fantastic place and wonderful staff who very kindly gave us lots of information."
• "Definitely worth it if you like architecture, seeing how rich Victorians lived, have an interest in interior design."
• "I overall enjoyed my experience here."
• "The architect and collector’s home on Lincoln’s Inn Fields is packed to the rafters with hundreds of interesting and impressive artworks and artifacts."
• "Great curators in the museum, so knowledgeable about Piranesi."
• "Amazing! A must visit for any architect or art enthusiast!"

Cons:

• "I felt bad about the donation thing."
• "The museum was overcrowded with tours and school groups, which meant that we didn’t get to see everything."
• "Maybe not so great to visit during a heatwave."
• "Waaay too crowded - we went in the summer holidays so expected it to be busy but it seemed like there was no crowd control or one in/one out policy."
• "Arrived at 16:29 and we were refused entrance because after 16:30 they deny access and that is the last entry."
• "Underwhelming dark, dusty and dingy rooms with the lighting so low you can barely see any detail."
• "The place was quite warm inside and tight so don’t go if you’re extremely claustrophobic."