London, the sprawling capital of Great Britain, is also a capital of art. From its world-famous museums and galleries to the abandoned bridges and tunnels that are canvases for world-famous graffiti art, there are endless reasons to visit. For any art lover, this city is like nowhere else on earth. No matter how long you spend here, you’re bound to see astonishing pieces ranging from the classic to the contemporary. Here are must-see destinations for art lovers in London. From museums to artistic neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone.
1. Check Out London’s Famous Victoria and Albert Museum
Many of London’s museums are free*, and the city is easy to get around via its famous metro and bus system. Start your tour off in the city’s famous museums. Then, check out its galleries and private collections. Along the way, don’t miss searching for its hidden street art and legendary original Banksy murals scattered throughout the city.
Start your art journey near London’s world-famous Imperial College. This section of the city is where you’ll find the city’s Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and one of the grandest art museums in the world, the Victoria and Albert Museum. This titan of the art world has over 100 galleries displaying priceless pieces spanning centuries of diverse art forms. Inside the massive space, located in the affluent neighborhood of Knightsbridge, are modern masterpieces and influential pieces ranging from fashion to sculpture.
The museum is free to enter, much like other major London art museums. After exploring the space, you can enjoy its popular cafe and bookshop, where you can buy souvenirs or art books that feature some artists and collections featured in the museum.
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*A donation is recommended. Although the entrance may be free, the museums are financed by taxpayers. Donations allow everyone to enjoy the right to visit the museum.
2. Head to Trafalgar Square’s National Gallery
If you want to experience one of the world’s greatest collections of European paintings and art, head to London’s National Gallery, just a short walk from Trafalgar Square. Like many of London’s famous art museums, it’s free to get in and located in a stunning location.
Inside, you’ll see paintings by many of Europe’s greatest painters. Some highlights include Bathers at La Grenouillère by Claude Monet, Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh, and Rembrandt’s Self Portrait at the Age of 34. There are over 2,300 priceless works of art that are displayed in the spacious open halls.
The National Gallery has been around since 1824 when it was located in the townhouse of its founder, the influential banker, John Julius Angerstein. When it opened, the only paintings decorating its walls were 38 of Angerstein’s private pieces. Thanks to his initial collection’s success, the museum grew and needed a new location. In 1838, the current Trafalgar Square building was chosen as the museum’s new and much grander home.
3. Spend the Afternoon at the Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is one of the world’s standout art museums and arguably London’s most revered. Located inside a former power plant on the edge of the River Thames, its large collection of modern masterpieces has earned it the reputation of London’s premier space for modern art. Inside, you can find masterpieces from artists such as Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Pablo Picasso, plus hundreds of other British and international names. Some of the highlights include Pollock’s 1952 masterpiece Yellow Islands and Andy Warhol’s iconic Marilyn Diptych from 1962.
The museum rotates its exhibits frequently, so each visit will differ from the last. Like in the other Tate Museum, admission is free, and the collections are superb. After you’re done enjoying the art space, make your way up to the viewing platform to see some of the best views of the London skyline and take a walk across the river on the popular Millennium Bridge.
4. The Graffiti Tunnel of Leake Street
Head down to Waterloo Station to enjoy one of London’s most popular spaces for graffiti. Located beneath one of the city’s busiest train stations, the Leake Street Arches attract graffiti artists from around the world who come to tag the walls of this underground art space.
In 2008, the once-abandoned tunnels were transformed by a team of street artists led by the world-famous enigmatic artist Banksy. The organizers called this weekend-long art event the Cans Festival.
When you arrive, you’ll see endless murals and graffiti art covering the tunnel’s walls. Take your time to appreciate work by some of the city’s most celebrated street artists and others who want to leave their mark.
The space also hosts concerts and events, including the immersive shows at the Auris space. You’ll also find several restaurants and a board game cafe. You’ll probably need a few hours to really enjoy this epic hub of street art.
5. Piccadilly’s Royal Academy of Arts
If you want to get the best of British art, all in one location, it’s hard to beat the Royal Academy in Piccadilly. The museum has been around since 1768. It was created by a team of artists and architects who wanted the space to not only be a world-renowned gallery but an art school as well. Today, the academy is one of Europe’s longest-running art schools.
When you enter the gorgeous building, you’ll see over two centuries of British art on display. From permanent galleries to rotating exhibitions, there’s so much to experience that it would be easy to spend hours here. Admission is free, making return visits easy and common among local art lovers. When you visit, expect to see masterpieces such as Claude Monet’s Cliffs at Etretat and Edgar Degas’ Two Dancers Resting. There are also dozens of pieces on display from the academy’s own artists and accepted open submissions.
6. Peruse Contemporary Art at Whitechapel Gallery
The popular Whitechapel Gallery has been around since 1901 in London’s East End. It’s continued to be one of the city’s most undeniably progressive centers for contemporary art and a must-see space for any art lover. The Whitechapel Gallery features nine expertly curated exhibition centers and studio spaces for local artists. As soon as you enter the beautiful stone building, you’ll see masterpieces by some of the world’s most renowned and forward-thinking artists. This tradition of highlighting groundbreakers such as Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, and Jackson Pollock has kept the Whitechapel at the helm of leading art museums in the city.
The museum’s exhibits change fast, so you’ll always find something new to enjoy. After your visit, don’t forget to walk around the neighborhood to see one of London’s most exciting and diverse areas.
7. Spend Time at the Wallace Collection
If you visit the bustling Manchester Square, don’t miss the beautiful Wallace Collection. This expansive collection of historical art and antiques was donated to the space in 1897 by Lady Wallace, the heir of a large collection by Sir Richard Wallace and the Marquesses of Hertford.
This popular museum is located inside a preserved 18th-century mansion. The museum’s collection features artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and weaponry dating from the 14th to 18th centuries.
A few highlights include Rembrandt’s Titus, the Artist’s Son, Canaletto’s Two Views of Venice, and Frans Hals’ The Laughing Cavalier. In addition to its paintings, the Wallace Collection has a remarkable amount of prized sculptures and armor such as King Louis XIV’s flint-locked pistols and several well-preserved armors.
8. Explore the Artistic Shoreditch Neighborhood
Head to Shoreditch, an eclectic and artsy neighborhood for an art-centric walk. Start at Old Street Station and enjoy the iconic roundabout and walk down Great Eastern Street. From there, you can walk north on Curtain Road and check out the Autograph, a beautiful public art gallery on Rivington Street. Just a short walk east from the Autograph is one of London’s premier street art walls. Here, you can see original Banksy pieces as well as incredible graffiti from the city’s top street artists. If you have time, head over to the nearby Brick Lane. This is another famous area for street art that features galleries such as Brick Lane Gallery and endless murals and tagged walls.
9. See the Design Museum
Make sure to set aside time to spend at the Design Museum. This hugely popular space was created by British designer Sir Terence Conran and has since taken off to become one of the city’s top museums. Inside are several levels of exhibits dedicated to the world of British and international design. You can explore everything from the design evolutions of skateboards to thought-provoking furniture and sculptures. After your visit, don’t miss the Design Museum shop. If you’re looking for artistic souvenirs, you’ll find everything from books to miniatures and other small knick-knacks.
10. Check Out London’s White Cube Gallery
In up-and-coming Bermondsey is the White Cube Gallery, one of London’s most groundbreaking and exciting art galleries. If you love contemporary art with a hyper-focus on breaking new ground, then this gallery is a must. The White Cube is located in a 1970s warehouse and features work by some of London’s most renowned new contemporary artists. You’ll see paintings, sculptures, and performance art that changes throughout the year. White Cube is also the largest commercial art space in Europe, so make sure you leave enough time for it.
