Wellington Arch

Home in the 1950s to London's smallest police station, the Arch has had a fascinating history of both attention and neglect, praise and ridicule.

A statue of the Duke of Wellington was the first to crown it, but its sheer proportion caused such controversy that it was later replaced by Captain Adrian Jones' spectacular Quadriga, depicting the Angel of Peace descending on the chariot of war. Learn about the Arch's chequered past, enjoy exhibitions on London's best known statues and memorials or simply spend time gazing over spectacular views of London skyline and surrounding Royal Parks.

From 28 February to 31 December 2003 a temporary exhibition, entitled Lived in London: Celebration of Blue Plaques, will be on display at Wellington Arch. The exhibition will look at history of blue plaques from 1866 to the present day, with a view to helping visitors understand how the scheme works and in which direction it is likely to go in the future.