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Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Vanbrugh 300 is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to develop a nationwide project that aims to broaden the awareness of Vanbrugh through special displays, free education programmes and lectures, throughout his tercentenary year in 2026.
Sir John Soane's Museum
Join us after dark for this Soane Late as we celebrate the drama of architecture by delving deeper into the stories and design of this unique Museum and the newly opened Vanbrugh: The Drama of Architecture exhibition.
Enjoy a complimentary drink in the elegant Library-Dining Room, whilst listening to a special introduction to the Vanbrugh: The Drama of Architecture exhibition, delivered by Curator of Drawings and Books at Sir John Soane’s Museum, Frances Sands.
Then explore the basement, ground floor, first floor, and exhibition galleries at your leisure. Wander corridors lined by Sir John Soane’s vast collection and encounter actors delivering dramatic readings of specially chosen excerpts from Vanbrugh’s plays.
About the Exhibition
Vanbrugh: The Drama of Architecture will introduce new audiences to the work of the English Baroque architect, adventurer, playwright and spy 300 years after his death, by showcasing never-before-exhibited drawings, including many in Vanbrugh’s own hand. Guests will have the opportunity to see a selection of Vanbrugh’s drawings for major projects like Castle Howard and more experimental plans for schemes, such as the housing estate he envisaged at Greenwich.
• We encourage photography at these events and if you are sharing your images on social media, tag us @soanemuseum on Instagram and X or use the hashtag #PhototheSoane, and we'll share your shots to our Stories.
• Admission includes a glass of prosecco, white wine, or sparkling elderflower in the Library Dining Room where Sir John Soane would have entertained the great and the good of Regency society.
• Tickets are available for arrival at either 6pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, or 8pm. The event finishes at 9:15pm.
• Your confirmation email serves as your ticket
Vanbrugh: The Drama of Architecture at Sir John Soane’s Museum.
Photos: Gareth Gardner and John Stead