Waddesdon was built between 1874 and 1889 by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. He wanted a French Renaissance-style château, typical of the Loire valley, but with 18th-century interiors to house his collections: magnificent English 18th-century portraits by artists like Gainsborough and Reynolds, as well as French 18th-century boiseries, Savonnerie carpets, tapestries, furniture, Sèvres ceramics, books, Dutch Old Master paintings and Renaissance treasures. Subsequent members of the family added noted collections of paintings, Limoges enamel, arms and armour, maiolica, manuscripts, prints and drawings.
Today, Waddesdon’s collection is internationally famous and rivals that of many of the world’s great museums and art galleries. You can find out more about the collection on our dedicated page.
Ten must see items in the Waddesdon collection
Click the image to explore our gallery showcasing ten items in our collection that are not to be missed, from a musical elephant to a George III dinner service.
If you’d like to find out more about these objects you can visit our dedicated blog post.
Virtual Tours
Explore Waddesdon up close from wherever you are with our virtual tours. Some rooms aren’t always open to the public, or due to their fragility can only be viewed from the doorway, now’s your chance to see them up close.
Digital Waddesdon
Visit the collection
Visit Waddesdon to explore the world-class collection for yourself.
The house is open during the main season Wed-Sun & Bank Holidays, 11am-4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm).