Overview
Planning Your Trip
Beyond Tourism
Practical Information
Accommodations
Food
Sights And Activities
Museums
Entertainment
Shopping
Nightlife
Daytrips
Chelsea is more of a fresh, avant-garde neighborhood than a historic museum destination. That being said, there is one museum in Chelsea with an intriguing collection: those interested in the military may not initially think to visit Chelsea, but the National Army Museum is worth checking out.
National Army Museum. With weapons pointing at visitors around every turn, the museum has five floors of militaristic mayhem. Starting with the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 and ending with “The Modern Army,” the chronological displays feature life-size recreations, videos, and memorabilia of combat through the ages. The wax figures occasionally border on the ridiculous, but engaging interactive opportunities abound; you can feel the weight of a cannonball or hopscotch through the progression of a battle. Naturally, there’s also a permanent Waterloo display, complete with the skeleton of Napoleon’s favorite horse, Marengo. (Royal Hospital Rd. Sloane Sq., then Bus #137 or 360. ☎ 7881 2455; www.national-army-museum.ac.uk. Open daily 10am-5:30pm. Wheelchair-accessible. Free.)
Saatchi Gallery. London’s leading gallery for contemporary art moved to a new location in November 2007. Along with its renowned collection and always-fresh exhibits, the new building includes a bookshop and a cafe. (Sloane Sq. www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk. Check website for hours and information.)
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