About us

The Chelsea Heritage Quarter is a collaboration between Chelsea Physic Garden, the National Army Museum, the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Cadogan.

Our story

First inhabited in Roman times, Chelsea is a village on the banks of the Thames which was home to Saint Thomas More and King Henry VIII and which in the 19th century, thanks to its uniquely picturesque character, became the centre of the capital’s artistic life. Its reputation as a creative hub grew when the King’s Road became the epicentre of London’s swinging 60s; and today Chelsea is one of London’s most stylish and characterful neighbourhoods, blending culture with fashion, food, art and design.

Two women enjoying plants at Chelsea Physic Garden
Fireworks in Duke of York Square, Chelsea

Founded in 1673, Chelsea Physic Garden is a four acre walled garden, a restorative haven of natural beauty that proudly continues a 350 year tradition of using plants to promote well-being. Since 1692, Christopher Wren’s magnificent Royal Hospital Chelsea has been home to the world famous Chelsea Pensioners, veterans of Britain’s Army. And between the Garden and the Hospital lies the National Army Museum, custodian of the historic collections of the British Army which tell the inspiring story of our soldiers from 1660 to the present day.

The Heritage Quarter is supported by Cadogan, itself a 300 year old Chelsea institution. One of London’s largest ‘great estates’, it owns and manages over 90 acres across Chelsea including shops, restaurants, hotels, cultural attractions, homes and gardens as well as public spaces such as Duke of York Square. As a family business it takes a long-term perspective of its stewardship of the neighbourhood and invests in initiatives to ensure a better quality of life for the community now, and for generations to come.

Drawing on this shared history, the Chelsea Heritage Quarter offers a unique visitor experience and warmly welcomes and inspires visitors, demonstrating the relevance of history to our lives today and in the future.

Our objectives

Actively encourage visitors to Chelsea to enjoy our spaces, heritage and collections.

Drive awareness and engagement of the Quarter’s pioneering work and unique heritage by sharing our work in meaningful ways and securing it for future generations.

Strengthen our roots in the community, making Chelsea a vibrant and creative place for those who visit, live and work here.

Our values

We are inclusive, welcoming, positive and collaborative.

We believe in the power and relevance of history in understanding and shaping our present and our future.

We value curiosity, learning and diversity.

For more information

For more information on the Chelsea Heritage Quarter please contact
info@chelseaheritagequarter.co.uk