London is a mecca of art, design, history, culture and style. Filled to the brim with incredible galleries and museums, London is an art lover’s dream. Whether you love Old Masters or modern art, contemporary sculpture or Impressionist paintings, London has a gallery you will want to spend all day in. When it comes to picking what gallery to visit the truth is there is really no way to go wrong because every gallery in London houses its own unique and beautiful treasures. The following list covers some of the most famous galleries in London that you have to spend some visiting!
The crowning glory of Trafalgar Square, London’s National Gallery features Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Notable artists include Van Gogh, da Vinci, Botticelli, Constable, Renoir, Titian and Stubbs. The vast space also includes an espresso bar, tea room and dinning room for when you need a snack. Sketching is also encouraged and you can purchase supplies in the National Gallery gift shop.
The National Portrait Gallery is just steps from Trafalgar Square and is home to the world’s largest collection of portraits from Tudor times to present day. Featuring everything from royalty to icons of the 21st century this gallery inspires visitors with its diverse range of personalities captured through paint. Don’t miss the Portrait Restaurant & Bar located on the roof-top where you can enjoy stunning views of the city including Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.
If you’re a fan of impressionist and post impressionist art you need to visit the Courtald Gallery. This elegant collection of art is displayed in the beautiful setting of Somerset House, one of the city’s most dynamic cultural venues. The gallery features the works of Monet, Van Gogh and Gauguin and even has the largest collection of Cézannes in the UK.
The Wallace Collection is a historic London town house that features 25 decadent displays of French 18th-century painting, furniture, porcelain and interior design. Each room in the Wallace Collection is elegant, detailed, grand and majestic and even features some objects that belonged to Marie Antoinette when she lived at Versailles! Of course if you’re a fan of rococo artists such as Boucher, Fragonard and Watteau this gallery is your version of paradise.
Situated triumphantly on the banks of the Thames is Tate Modern, Britain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art. This art gallery showcases the works of artists from 1900s to the present and includes must-see pieces by Picasso, Braque, Warhol, Dalí and Rothko (to name just a few!) The gallery is grand and airy so you will definitely need a full day to see everything. Be sure to stop by the Café at Tate Modern to enjoy their fresh seasonal menu that prioritizes healthy and nutritious options. The gift shop is also amazing and will have you browsing for hours on end.
From Pre-Raphaelite paintings to landscapes by Turner, the Tate Britain is the home to the largest collection of British art in the world. Featuring works dating back to the 1500s this art gallery celebrates international modern and contemporary art. The Tate Britain was established 120 years ago and is one of the largest galleries in all of England.
You might recognize the The Saatchi Gallery from the internet as it is the number one most followed museum on social media. The focus of this gallery is contemporary art by new and lesser known intentional artists. If an artist has their work featured in this gallery their career could catapult so keep in mind every piece you see in this gallery is one to watch.
These galleries in London are all superb and will leave you in awe. Of course London has many, many more incredible galleries beyond the ones featured in this list, however these are classics and great spots for art aficionados and rookies alike to enjoy art and culture.