Leighton House Miniature- Tour and Exclusive Viewing

In July 2026, Leighton House marks 100 years since it opened as a public museum in Kensington. As part of their celebratory anniversary programme, the museum will host, for one week only, an extraordinary one-twelfth scale miniature of the house and its richly decorated interiors, created by specialists Mulvany & Rogers. 

Measuring 2.5 metres wide when fully opened and over a metre high, the miniature meticulously recreates the Victorian artist-studio home’s most iconic spaces—from the Silk Room to the Narcissus Hall and the Arab Hall, complete with its golden dome, ceramic tiles, and water feature. Employing a variety of materials (wood, stone, glass) to painstakingly recreate the rich craftmanship found in the original interiors. With subtle internal lighting, the finished miniature evokes a similar sense of wonder to that of the visitor to the full-scale museum.

The former home and studio of Victorian artist and President of the Royal Academy Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830 – 1896), became a public museum in 1926. Safeguarded after Leighton’s death by his neighbour and biographer, Emilie Barrington, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea completed its acquisition in July 1926, opening it as a public museum. 

The Leighton House miniature model will be on display from 15 to 20 July only and tickets are now on sale for an exclusive experience offering a highlights tour of the museum, an introduction to the techniques and challenges involved in the making of the miniature and an exclusive close-up viewing. Capacity and availability is limited in consideration of the fragility of the piece.

Where: Leighton House, London, W14 8LZ

When: Wednesday 15th July - Monday 20th July, 11am and 2pm 

Tickets: £20

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