Attention art lovers, this one is for you.
A trip to London would not be complete without visiting one of the city’s many outstanding art galleries.
Whether you are a first time visitor to London or simply interested in exploring the art scene of the city further there is a London gallery that is perfect for you.
Here are 11 of the best galleries in London as well as tips for making the most of each venue and local area.
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The 3 must see famous London galleries
The National Gallery
Britain’s national collection of western European art from the 13th to 19th centuries is housed in The National Gallery.
Here you will find masterpieces by some of the most important and well-known artists from the Renaissance to Impressionist eras.
With over 2,300 works on display it is a huge collection and can be overwhelming but it does mean there is something for all visitors to enjoy.
The National Gallery is a great back up if you planned to explore Trafalgar Square, Soho or Covent Garden on a wintery day in London.
Local tip – If you are short on time take a self guided tour of your favourite artist or era provided by the gallery
Best for: First time visitors to London looking for an international masters art fix
Featured artists: Picasso, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Renoir, Monet
Where: Trafalgar Square
Cost: Free for permanent exhibitions
Open: Daily 10am – 6pm (9pm on Fridays) except 24-26 December and 1st January
More information: The National Gallery
National Portrait Gallery
Right next door to the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery displays the portraits of famous and historically important Britons.
My favourite section is the portraits of the Tudor dynasty including some magnificent portraits of Elizabeth I. You can also see a well known portrait said to be of Shakespeare though some historians doubt that it is the playwright.
Local tip – Take a break at Portrait the gallery’s top floor restaurant with sweeping views of London’s skyline towards Big Ben
Best for: Portraits of famous and historically important Britons
Featured artists and sitters: Elizabeth I, William Shakespeare (or is it?), Hans Holbein
Where: St Martin’s Place, behind the National Gallery. Closest tube: Charing Cross, Leicester Square
Cost: Free for permanent exhibitions
Open: Daily 10am – 6pm (9pm on Thursday, Fridays) except 24-26 December and 1st January
More information: National Portrait Gallery
Tate Modern
International modern art is on show at one of the world’s best modern art galleries – the Tate Modern.
Housed in an old power station the gallery opened in 2000 and recently expanded to include more gallery space.
The Tate Modern has a large permanent collection but also presents temporary exhibitions by well-known artists such as Henri Matisse, Cy Twombly and Georgia O’Keefe.
The impressive Turbine Hall entrance often shows large scale installations and trade fairs that are worth a visit in themselves.
Tip – For an iconic view across the Thames and Millennium Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral visit the Kitchen and Bar on level 6
Best for: International modern art (from 1900 onwards) and kids – bring a small car to chase down the ramp of the Turbine Hall. Lots of interactive spaces to enjoy too.
Featured artists: Kandinsky, Matisse, Louise Bourgeois
Where: Bankside. Closest tube – Blackfriars, Southwark
Cost: Free for permanent exhibitions
Open: Daily 10am – 6pm (10pm on Fridays, Saturdays)
More information: Tate Modern website
London art galleries for your next visit
Royal Academy of Arts
Known as as the gallery for and by artists, the Royal Academy of Arts supports the practice as well as appreciation of art. The ‘RA’ holds blockbuster exhibitions by major contemporary artists, its annual Summer Exhibition and also showcases emerging artists.
Tip – Don’t miss the annual Summer Exhibition. This open entry exhibition has been held annually for almost 250 years and is hugely popular with Londoners
Best for: Exhibitions by living artists
Recent exhibitions: Ai Wei Wei, Abstract Impressionism
Where: Southbank. Closest tube – Green Park, Piccadilly Circus
Cost: Check website for current exhibitions and prices
Open: Daily 10am – 6pm (10pm on Fridays) except 25-26 December
More information: Royal Academy of Arts website
Somerset House
A former palace, Somerset House is now an arts and culture centre with many activities, shows and exhibitions taking place throughout the year.
The central courtyard is a focal point and features sculpture, a film festival, ice skating in winters and in summertime playful water fountains.
In summertime, children play in the fountains. It’s a great way to release some energy after exploring the galleries. Find more tips on exploring London’s art museums with kids here.
Tip – Visit smart Somerset House bar Pennethorne’s for a top notch coffee or cocktail
Best for: Diverse cultural and art experiences exploring different mediums
Recent exhibitions: Stanley Kubrick, Björk Digital, The Jam
Where: Southbank. Closest tube – Temple, Covent Garden
Cost: Check website for current exhibitions and prices
Open: Saturday – Tuesday 10am – 6pm, Wednesday – Friday 11am – 8pm except 25 December
More information: Somerset House website
Tate Britain
Walk along the Thames from the Houses of Parliament for 10 minutes and you will reach the Tate Britain. Celebrating British artists from the 16th century to the present day, the gallery is also home to the prestigious Turner Prize awarded annually. Past winners include Damien Hirst and Grayson Perry.
Best for: British art from 1500 to present
Recent exhibitions: Gainsborough, Hogarth, J. W. Turner,
Where: Millbank SW1P 4RG. Closest tube – Pimlico
Cost: Free for permanent exhibitions
Open: Monday – Sunday 10am – 6pm except 25 December
More information: Tate Britain website
Locals’ favourite London galleries
Courtauld Gallery
One of my favourite galleries in London, The Courtauld Gallery guides you through European art history room by room. Famous for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, the gallery also has masterpieces from the Renaissance through to Kandinsky. The Courtauld’s small size means this art journey is easy to appreciate in a single visit.
Local tip – Dine at Australian chef Skye Gyngell’s beeautiful Spring restaurant in the nearby New Wing of Somerset House
Best for: An art history lesson
Featured artisits: Rubens, Degas, Monet, van Gogh
Where: Somerset House. Closest tube – Temple, Covent Garden
Cost: From £7 for adults – discounts for concessions, children under 18 free
Open: Monday – Sunday 10am – 6pm except 25-26 December
More information: Courtauld Gallery website
Barbican Art Gallery
Housed in the famous Brutalist post war building in central London’s, the Barbican Art Gallery forms part of a performing arts complex that is one of biggest in Europe. There are two galleries in the centre that also features interesting installations. Visit for photographic
Local tip – The Barbican is a semi-secret place to recharge your phone, do some email or get organised – free wifi and relatively easy access to power
Best for: Major exhibitions of contemporary international art
Recent exhibitions: Omer Arbel’s bespoke light installation,
Where: Barbican Centre. Closest tube – Barbican, Moorgate
Cost: Both free and paid exhibitions. Check the website for what’s on
Open: Saturday – Wednesday 10am – 6pm, Thursday & Friday 10am – 9pm
More information: Barbican Art Gallery website
Saatchi Gallery
If you are interested in undiscovered contemporary art go to The Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. You will always find new and challenging art here and it is free to enter. The gallery recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with an exhibition showcasing all female artists.
Local tip – Stock up on supplies at Partridges gourmet food market opposite the gallery – there is also a weekly market held on Saturdays
Best for: Discovering up and coming artists
Recent exhibitions: Champagne Life – all female artist exhibition
Where: Duke of York Square, King’s Road, London SW3 4RY Closest tube – Sloane Square
Cost: Free
Open: 7 days 10am – 6pm
More information: Saatchi Gallery website
Newport Street Gallery
Artist Damien Hirst created this space to showcase his personal art collection. The gallery opened in 2015 and has seen exhibitions by Jeff Koons and John Hoyland presented in its award winning building.
Local tip – The gallery is also home to restaurant – Pharmacy – Damien Hirst’s collaboration with chef Mark Hix
Best for: Contemporary art in an amazing custom designed space
Recent exhibitions: Jeff Koons: Now, John Hoyland: Power Stations
Where: Newport Street, London, SE11 6AJ Closest tube – Vauxhall
Cost: Free
Open: Tuesday – Friday & Sunday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 10pm
More information: Newport Street Gallery website
White Cube Bermondsey
Since opening in 2011 White Cube Bermondsey has been a popular gallery for those interested in contemporary art. The minimalist design of the gallery aims to ensure that the viewer can appreciate the art displayed in its purest form. The gallery attracts some of today’s leading artists and is well worth a detour.
Local tip – Grab a coffee from cute as a button The Watch House on your way down Bermondsey Street – great coffee and food with a focus on organic ingredients
Best for: Appreciating contemporary art in a minimalist setting
Recent exhibitions: Gilbert and George, Anthony Gormley
Where: 144 – 152 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ Closest tube – Vauxhall
Cost: Free
Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 12pm – 6pm
More information: White Cube website
Explore London’s art scene further…
Whitechapel Gallery – an important gallery for art worldwide. The gallery has shown collections by Frida Kahlo, Mark Rothko and Pablo Picasso.
Wallace Collection – a museum and gallery combined, the Wallace Collection has many famous paintings by Old Masters displayed alongside an armory, furniture and porcelain.
Street Art – take a street art tour of East London and discover another world of creativity
Do you have a favourite art gallery in London?
I’d like to discover some more London galleries to visit so am keen for recommendations too.
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The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels, Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.
Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy