The Top 10 Must Visit Art Galleries in London

Looking to visit one of Londons many Art Galleries? There are over 1,500 Galleries in London so a lot to choose from.

Look no further. Our team has pulled together an extensive list just for you.

 

london skyline 

Let's dive right in!

 1

The National Gallery

(Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN) Tickets can be booked (Free of charge) at www.nationalgallery.org.uk

About

Founded in 1824 the National Gallery houses an extensive collection of over 2300 + iconic paintings.

The National Gallery has been referred to as one of the leading global art collections, with work from iconic artists such as Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Michaelangelo on show. 

Location

Located in the middle of Trafalgar square it really is an ideal location which is hard to miss. Do book tickets early to avoid missing out. (Can be seen in the image below). The nearest tube station is Charing Cross.


The National Gallery London

2

Tate Britain

(Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG) Tickets can be booked, free of charge at www.tate.org.uk. 

About

Tate Britain was founded in 1897 is part of the network of ‘Tate’ galleries in Britain. 

Tate Britain is home to hundreds of iconic pieces of British art history. One of Britain's most prolific painters, J.M.W Turner (1775–1851) famously left a large portion of his paintings to Tate Britain for public viewing. 

Location

Tate Britain (Image below) can be found on Millbank on the river Thames. The nearest tube station is Pimlico, but is easily accessible from central London areas.

 Tate britain museum front

3

Victoria & Albert Museum

(Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL) Tickets can be booked (Free of charge) at www.vam.ac.uk 

About

Founded in 1852, and named after Queen Victoria & Prince Albert, the Victoria & Albert Museum (Known as V&A Museum) is the largest museum of applied arts in the world with over 2.3million objects. This one really is a MUST SEE!

Location

Located in the borough of Kensington & Chelsea, this museum is a stone's throw away from South Kensington tube station.

 Victoria and albert museum london

4

The Wallace Collection

(Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN) Open daily from 10am- 5pm and tickets do not need purchasing prior. See www.wallacecollection.org for more information.

About

Founded back in 1897 this museum is named after British art collector and philanthropist Sir Richard Wallace. Iconic works are featured from the likes of Francesco Guardi & Bartolome Eseban Murillo (The largest collection of his works).

Location

The Wallace Collection is located in an 18th century mansion in the centre of London, walking distance from Oxford Street with the nearest tube station being Bond Street.

wallace collection london art museum

5

The National Portrait Gallery

(St. Martin's Pl, London WC2H 0HE) More information can be found on www.npg.org.uk

About

Founded way back in 1856, The National Portrait Gallery is home to a fantastic collection of iconic portraits of both historical figures, and famous British People. 

Location

Located in St Martins Place it is a stone's throw from Charing Cross tube station so easily accessible from across London via tube/train/bus/walking.

National portrait gallery

6

Royal Academy of Arts

(Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD) Tickets can be purchased online here https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/

About

Founded back in 1768, the Royal Academy Of Arts is one of the longest standing museums in the whole of the UK. In 2018 on the Academy's 250th Birthday, a £56 million refurbishment was revealed to bring a modern look to such a historic building.

Location

Located in Piccadilly in the heart of London, this is an easily accessible museum via any public transport. The nearest tube stations being Piccadilly and Green Park.


royal academy of arts

7

Serpentine Gallery

(Kensington Gardens, London, W2 3XA) This is free to enter for all and tickets do not need to be purchased,  more information can be seen here https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/

About

Established in 1970, The Serpentine Gallery(s) consists of 2 smaller galleries located a short walking distance away from each other, on either side of the Serpentine bridge.

Location

For transport via tube, both Lancaster Gate & South Kensington are located a short walking distance away.

 

serpentine gallery london art

8

Saatchi Gallery

(Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd, London SW3 4RY). Tickets can be purchased online here https://www.saatchigallery.com/whats-on.

About

Founded in 1985 by Charles Saatchi, this gallery is home to some world renowned artists' work such as Andy Worhol & Lucian Freud.

Location

Located in the iconic Duke of Yorks HQ on Kings Road, via tube, this museum is a short walking distance from Sloane Square station.


Saatchi gallery london art

9

Dulwich Picture Gallery

(Gallery Rd, London SE21 7AD). Although currently closed due to covid, more information can be found here https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/ with regards to reopening.

About

Founded back in 1817, the Dulwich Picture Gallery holds a significant collection of 17th & 18th century European artwork, with a vast array of British art from Tudor times.

Location

Located centrally in the heart of Dulwich, by tube it is easily accessible from both North & West Dulwich tube stations.

Dulwich picture gallery

10

The Courtauld Gallery

(Somerset House, London WC2R 0RN) Tickets can be booked online at https://courtauld.ac.uk/

About

Founded in 1932, The Courtauld Gallery is home to one of the leading UK Art collections. Housing fantastic historic pieces of art, in a refurbished and modern gallery.

Location

Located in Somerset House, the location is central, and accessible by many forms of public transport. By tube, the closest station would be Temple, a short walking distance away.

 

Courtauld gallery london art

Conclusion

We hope you got some use out of our guide. Please do let us know in the comments if you visit any of these galleries, and let us know how it goes!

Feeling inspired? Why not check out our fantastic range of Art.

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1 comment

Fantastic article. Will be sure to visit some of these when in London.

John J December 21, 2021

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