Long a go-to destination for members of London’s architectural community looking for a bit of historical inspiration, Sir John Soane’s Museum—housed in the 19th-century neoclassical architect’s former home and office—celebrates both his work and that of other great British architects. Next week, after a lengthy restoration, Soane’s private apartments and the celebrated Model Room, previously inaccessible to the public, will welcome visitors for the first time in their 160-year history.
Built in 1834, the Model Room housed Soane’s impressive collection of miniature cork models that recast Greek and Roman ruins as well as some of his own projects. Based on drawings, sketches, and watercolors depicting the original space, the Model Room and the rest of the second floor living quarters have been restored to their near-original condition by London-based Julian Harrap Architects.
“We are delighted to be able to reveal Soane’s private apartments and Model Room after many years of restoration,” says museum director Abraham Thomas. “It has been thrilling to witness these spaces reemerge so that they can be enjoyed by the public for generations to come, just as Soane intended.”
In conjunction with the reopening of the Model Room, the museum will also introduce “Inspired by Soane: I found this and thought of you . . . ,” a new exhibit that features original postcard artworks by the likes of Manolo Blahnik, Antony Gormley, and Zaha Hadid, who were asked to draw inspiration from Soane’s work.
The Model Room and private apartments open May 19 at Sir John Soane’s Museum, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London; soanerg
