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The Wellington Arch, also known as the Constitution Arch or (originally) as the Green Park Arch, is a Grade I-listed triumphal arch by Decimus Burton that forms a centrepiece of Hyde Park Corner in central London, between the corner where Hyde Park meets Green Park.
Set in the heart of royal London, Wellington Arch was built as an original entrance to Buckingham Palace, later becoming a victory arch proclaiming Wellington's defeat of Napoleon.
Wellington Arch, one of London’s best-known landmarks, was built in 1825–7 and was originally intended as an outer entrance to Buckingham Palace. At first it stood facing the Hyde Park Screen, but it was moved to its present position in the 1880s.
The Wellington Arch faces east down Constitution Hill: this is now its principal visual relationship, though this was not the original site or intention. It now sits off-centre in the large, irregularly shaped island in the middle of the Hyde Park Corner roundabout.
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Set foot inside this imposing structure and scale the arch from inside to discover regularly changing contemporary art exhibitions on the top two floors of the arch, including the Duke of Wellington’s famous victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.
Once a police station, the arch today has four floors of galleries and temporary exhibition space as well as a permanent display about the history of the arch and a gift shop. The open-air balconies (accessible by lift) afford unforgettable views of Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and the Mall.
Wellington Arch is one of London’s two triumphal arches, built in the period following the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815, and is one of London’s most distinctive monuments.
Description of Wellington Arch. The Arch we see today is not in its original setting, nor in its original form. First built in 1825–7, it was moved to this position in the 1880s, and the sculpture now on top of it was only placed there in 1912.
Wellington Arch stands as a majestic testament to the military achievements and enduring legacy of the Duke of Wellington. With its magnificent architecture, captivating Quadriga sculpture, and immersive exhibition, the arch offers visitors a captivating journey through history.
Set in the heart of royal London, Wellington Arch was built as an original entrance to Buckingham Palace, later becoming a victory arch proclaiming Wellington's defeat of Napoleon. Crowned by the largest bronze sculpture in Europe, it depicts the Angel of Peace descending on the 'Quadriga' - or four-horsed chariot - of War.
