Wellington Arch is located on Hyde Park Corner and Green Park, and it is a Grade I listed archway that was created by Decimus Burton in 1830. The arch was originally located nearby but moved in 1882/3. Originally, the arch had a large statue of the 1st Duke of Wellington on top, which is how it got its name. Since 1912, the statue on top is a bronze chariot. The archway Wellington Arch and Marble Arch (on the other side of Hyde Park) commemorate British victories in the Napoleonic wars.
The arch is hollow inside and was a police headquarters until 1999, when it was opened to the public with a small museum. The main exhibit related to the Napoleonic wars and Wellington, and there's smaller exhibitions on the moving of the arch, the statue that used to sit atop the arch, and the wars. However, most people probably go to visit the arch for the views over the surrounding area, including Apsley House and down Constitution Hill. Some of the famous London landmarks can also be glimpsed, including Big Ben (currently behind scaffolding), London Eye, and the Shard. I took some photographs of the view so you can see what to expect.
The Wellington Arch is managed by English Heritage and is open from 10:00 to 4:00 during the day at this time of the year but closed on some days. Longer hours and opening days depend on the season, so check ahead.
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