Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Downstairs is a hokey but gory haunted-house exhibit called “Scream!” where you'll
walk through a dark hallway while actors jump out and grab at you (a lame mini-version
of the also-lame London Dungeon). A small exhibit explains the history of Madame Tus-
saud and her waxy army, along with the process for casting a person in wax. Then you'll
board a Disney-type people-mover and cruise through a kid-pleasing “Spirit of London”
time trip, with a fun, once-over-lightly history of this city. The finale is the Marvel Super
Heroes section, which ends with a silly, crowd-pleasing nine-minute “4-D” show—a 3-D
movie heightened by wind, “back ticklers,” and other special effects (not worth a long
wait in line).
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Sir John Soane's Museum
Architects love this quirky place, as do fans of interior decor, eclectic knickknacks, and
Back Door sights. Tour this furnished home on a bird-chirping square and see 19th-century
chairs, lamps, wood-paneled nooks and crannies, sculptures, and stained-glass skylights.
(Some sections may be closed for restoration through 2015, but the main part of the house
will be open.) As professor of architecture at the Royal Academy, Soane created his home
to be a place of learning, cramming it floor to ceiling with ancient relics, curios, and fam-
ous paintings, including several excellent Canalettos and Hogarth's series on
The Rake's
Progress
(which is hidden behind a panel in the Picture Room and opened randomly at the
museum's discretion, usually twice an hour). In 1833, just before his death, Soane estab-
lished his house as a museum, stipulating that it be kept as nearly as possible in the state
he left it. If he visited today, he'd be entirely satisfied by the diligence with which the staff
safeguards his treasures. You'll leave wishing you'd known the man.
