Kedleston Hall is a spectacular neo-classical mansion, lavishly designed by Robert Adam for Sir Nathaniel Curzon (1726–1804), 5th Bt and 1st Baron Scarsdale. It is a monument to his fascination with ancient and classical art and myth, particularly the god, Apollo. Sir Nathaniel also bought seventeenth-century Italian paintings through his dealer William Kent, such as Luca Giordano's huge 'The Triumph of Bacchus with Ariadne'. Also among these are two works on biblical themes by Benedetto Luti, and the imposing 'Orlando Delivering Olympia from the Sea Monster' by Ludovico Carracci, Orazio Riminaldi’s 'Cupid Asleep Approached by Venus in Her Chariot', as well as the remarkable 'Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar' by Salomon Koninck.
Many of the paintings are integral to the decorative scheme, like the simulated reliefs in the Marble Hall, or are fixed in place in overmantels. George Nathaniel Curzon (1859–1925), who gave Bodiam and Tattershall Castles to the National Trust, had been Viceroy of India from 1889 to 1905 and brought an Eastern flavour to the house. An Indian museum remains, along with the fine sculpture and furniture, all of which Francis Curzon (1924–2000), 3rd Viscount Scarsdale, gave to the National Trust, with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund, in 1987.