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Art Museums in London

THE 10 BEST London Art Museums

Art Museums in London

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What travellers are saying

  • Jania Crush
    London, UK5 contributions
    A fascinating journey through history
    The British Museum is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the fascinating history of the world. With world-renowned exhibits and educational programs, it is an incredible experience for all ages. From the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon sculptures, there is something for everyone. The museum also offers a range of activities, from lectures to guided tours, to help visitors learn more about the past. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, The British Museum is a must-see!
    Review of: The British Museum
    Written 6 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • revolutionfrommybed
    West Midlands, UK315 contributions
    I'm in awe
    I have always wanted to see a van Gogh painting so during a solo trip to London I decided to visit the National Gallery. I wasn't sure what time I would be able to make it so didn't book in advance and was slightly taken aback by the long queue. It moved really quickly though, staff were working efficiently and despite the long queue I only waited for 20 minutes to get in.

    It was amazing. So many beautiful paintings. I spent an hour looking at van Gogh's and Monet's paintings alone. It was the highlight of my trip and to think I didn't even have to pay to see all these paintings.

    What a treasure to have this place in our country.
    Review of: National Gallery
    Written 3 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • L_K1509
    London, UK1,309 contributions
    Should charge an entry fee
    I was surprised at how much there is to see in the V&A, having not been since I was a kid I sent several hours wandering around this vast museum.

    The old parts of the building are stunning and complimented by the modern parts. Ceramics and jewellery were nice to see, there are so many different areas. There used to be even a copy of Michelangelo David.

    The main cafe is in a stunning room, next time we will have to have tea and cake.

    They really should charge an entry fee!! All over Europe museums charge but all the museums here are free. Missed opportunity to raise funds for the museum.

    Plenty of benches and facilities around.
    Review of: V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum
    Written 6 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • VanHerstal
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands50 contributions
    Stunning!
    A world class collection in a stunning mansion. Go early. We went in the morning and it wasn't crowded. Beautiful collection of miniatures too.
    Review of: Wallace Collection
    Written 4 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Julia @Scrumptious Solent
    Southampton, UK2,319 contributions
    Great gallery for an hour or two
    Interested and eclectic collection of modern art and the building itself is fascinating.

    Do go to the terrace/cafe on the top floor for amazing views across the Thames.

    It’s not obvious how to navigate your way around the collections as some floors have only fee paying exhibitions, but the free ones are dotted about on other floors.

    The scale of the exhibits is great - huge ones in the turbine hall! And a mixture of different mediums used so there’s something for everyone (including a kids play area on the ground floor).
    Review of: Tate Modern
    Written 4 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michellechampers
    England, UK1,637 contributions
    I can spend hours here
    Free admission in central London, it’s an absolute must!
    This was my first visit after the major renovation, I missed visiting so much! I don’t have a famous portrait, because I see something new on ever visit.
    Review of: National Portrait Gallery
    Written 25 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bijoux123
    New York City, NY62 contributions
    British Art /Culture
    First time visiting Tate Britain and will not be the last. All mediums on view here! Easy to view all art in one visit!
    Review of: Tate Britain
    Written 31 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Graham M
    2 contributions
    Delightful
    My wife and I really enjoyed our visit to the Courtauld gallery. The impressionist collection in particular is well worth a visit with some major pieces by major artists (Degas, van Gogh, Cézanne, Manet, Monet, Morisot). It's also an ideal size, I think it took us maybe 2 hours to go around. The staff were friendly and helpful and the works are very accessible (not many are behind glass). There are free tours and the café is nice (if expensive). I would highly recommend a visit to this gallery. I would also mention that the shop have some lovely and thoughtful products to buy.
    Review of: The Courtauld Gallery
    Written 27 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • william d
    Coventry, UK10 contributions
    Compact but quirky collector's home
    This is a surprising, quirky and compact museum. The personal collection of one man who crammed his home with ancient artifacts and paintings by artists such as Canaletto, Turner and Hogarth. When Sir John Soane ran out of room he purchased the neighbouring terraced town houses and extended into them. Being an architect he ingeniously used skylights and mirrors to illuminate his collection, which he passed to the nation upon his demise.
    Entrance is free, but due to the confined space you will need to queue outside before gaining entry, which is strictly controlled so that the maximum permitted capacity is not exceeded. There are rules about what bags can be taken in (so best not to have one at all) and even the smallest bag has to be covered with the provided plastic bag. There is a toilet and a classy souvenir shop, but not much else by way of facilities. Items are unlabelled, but there's an excellent guide book at just £3.
    Review of: Sir John Soane's Museum
    Written 4 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dan K
    The Hague, The Netherlands7,331 contributions
    Used it as our base for day trip to London
    We used the Barbican Centre as our base for day trip to London. Parked our car in the garage below. Only £16 for a full day.

    First, we visited the conservatory. Then we had a coffee in the cafe, before we took the bus further. When we came back, we warmed up a bit as it was raining cats and dogs outside.
    Review of: Barbican Centre
    Written 2 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Esther D
    28 contributions
    Great space for displaying art
    We've been to this gallery a few times and it hasn't disappointed us yet. The rooms are bright and airy which sets the artwork off really well, and the staff are generally pleasant and helpful.
    Review of: Saatchi Gallery
    Written 30 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Helen B
    London, UK698 contributions
    A hidden gem
    Beautiful place to see on a dismal December day. Easy walk from Kensington Olympia. We spent a very pleasant couple of hours looking at an amazing house. Had a lovely lunch with a great view of the garden. A pity that one of the special exhibitions was closed at short notice. Fascinating insight into a Victorian artist and sculptor.
    Review of: Leighton House
    Written 4 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rajesh Parmar
    High Wycombe, UK1,295 contributions
    Great Summer Exhibition buy a wine and walk around the show too.
    I came to see Summer Exhibition. I got off at Green Park underground station just few minutes walk. I did like it very much also There give me a mini book with number of the art and prices. Other room you can buy wine and walk around the room with wine in your hand. I did enjoyed the show very much.
    Review of: Royal Academy of Arts
    Written 2 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rosemary C
    United Kingdom25 contributions
    Excellent museum and its mainly free to visit
    This has been on my list of “place to visit” since just before the pandemic. I had chosen it because it sounded different from the normal museum
    We travelled to the museum by train (3 each way) and a walk from the station.

    We had a quick visit to the cafe for a hot drink and cakes. Excellent choice of cakes and they were lovely. Café was clean with a seating area outside. If it had been a sunny warm day it would have a lovely to sit outside.

    We had limited time there so only visited the natural history and world culture exhibitions and an exhibition (currently) on the history of tea. It was here that I found some information about its founder. Also there were activities which I did which related to tea.

    There were lots of children there as part of a school visit but they were well behaved and there was plenty of space

    I so enjoyed the world exhibition which is different as it had lots about the “lost history” of Africa. It was some recognition of the narrative white people created and set out to change this. I like that it tackled issues e.g. migration, slavery, etc
    The exhibits of different native clothes and artifacts from around the world were interesting.

    It was intriguing walking around the displays taxidermised animals (birds, fish, etc). We are so used to seeing them on TV in natural history programmes. It was quite quaint looking at them as innate objects.

    We then did a quick visit of the garden. Because of the time of year there was not a lot to see and some parts were closed off as work was being carried out. But I did enjoy walking around the outside animal enclosure with goats, alpacas and various other animals including the largest rabbit I had ever seen. We did have an amazing view of central London and because of the weather it looked a surreal grey/silver.

    I would visit again as I know I missed parts. Also assume that the museum hosts other exhibits sometimes.
    Review of: Horniman Museum and Gardens
    Written 13 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steph
    Toronto, Canada166 contributions
    Lovely place to spend an afternoon grabbing food and looking at art
    My walking tour ended here, so I decided to visit Somerset House. The Watchtower cafe was very busy but had great food and fair prices. The Courtauld Museum was amazing- it was exciting to see famous art including pieces by Van Gogh and Degas.
    Review of: Somerset House
    Written 6 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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