THE COLLECTION
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.
Learn more about the collection
Digital Waddesdon
Bloomberg
Discover the history of Waddesdon on Bloomberg Connects. Explore exhibitions and find out about our famous collection which includes 18th-century French decorative arts and Dutch Old Master paintings.
Waddesdon on Film
Watch a variety of short films about Waddesdon, including comedian Josie Long exploring the house with some of the team, films showing specific objects in the collection and much more.
Online itinerary for art lovers
Waddesdon is an art lover’s paradise. Step into Waddesdon online and experience the most complete surviving example of le goût Rothschild with our online trails, virtual tours and blogs.
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).