Waddesdon Manor

At the heart of the Foundation is Waddesdon Manor, built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1885 to display his outstanding collection of arts and to entertain the fashionable world. Opened to the public in 1959, Waddesdon Manor is managed by the Rothschild Foundation on behalf of the National Trust, who took over ownership in 1957.

Waddesdon’s collection of French 18th-century decorative arts and 17th- and 18th-century paintings is world famous. Its wine cellars, aviary and annual programme of events welcome thousands of visitors each year. 

For the Foundation, Waddesdon is the ‘golden thread’ that connects all our work and we strive to use its spaces, places and expertise for the greatest benefit.

Waddesdon is the ‘golden thread’ that connects all our work and we strive to use its spaces, places and expertise for the greatest benefit.