More blogs
In London, you're truly spoiled with unique art galleries ranging from modern, sculpture, contemporary, portrait, photography to classic. Once you're done snapping up a storm at all the usual London sights like Big Ben and the London Eye, you can't go wrong with paying a visit to some of London's most creative art spaces (especially when the inevitable rain hits). Here are our picks of the best art galleries in London that you can't miss when visiting the city.
An Insight Into London's Art Galleries
How many art galleries are there in London?
London boasts over 800 art galleries, ranging from large, world-renowned institutions like the Tate Modern and the National Gallery to smaller, independent spaces and pop-up exhibitions. Each art gallery in London offers its own unique perspective, showcasing everything from classic masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works.
Are any London art galleries free?
Yes, many of London's top art galleries are free to enter, making art accessible to everyone. Iconic galleries like the Tate Modern, the National Gallery, and the British Museum offer free entry to their permanent collections. Some temporary exhibitions might require a paid ticket, but generally, there's no shortage of incredible art you can enjoy without spending a penny.
Do London art galleries offer student discounts?
Absolutely! Most art galleries in London offer student discounts for special exhibitions. You usually need to show a valid student ID to benefit from reduced ticket prices. Institutions like the Tate Modern, the V&A, and the Barbican often have discounted rates for students, making it easier for young minds to explore the arts.
What's the most famous London art gallery?
The Tate Modern likely holds the title of London's most famous art gallery. Known for its striking location in a converted power station on the banks of the Thames, Tate Modern is home to art from some of the world's most celebrated artists.
Which art galleries in London show black art?
Several art galleries in London are dedicated to showcasing black art and artists, reflecting the city's diverse cultural fabric. The Gallery of African Art focuses specifically on contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The South London Gallery and the Autograph ABP in Shoreditch also regularly feature exhibitions highlighting black artists and exploring themes relevant to black communities both in the UK and internationally.
The 15 Must-Visit Art Galleries in London
1. The Barbican Art Gallery
Address: Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS
Nearest underground: Barbican
Ticket price: Varies depending on the exhibition
Type of art: Contemporary art, architecture, and photography exhibitions
The Barbican is one of the most iconic and unique art galleries in London. Its infamous architecture is unassuming and maze-like but once you get inside it's well worth the visit. Aside from the cinema, shop, restaurant, bar, music venue and countless other spaces inside, it also hosts frequent art exhibitions and a mixture of free and ticketed events. Even if you're not a huge art fan, when in London it's well worth taking a wander down to the Barbican to see the architecture in person and have a picnic by the pond outside (weather permitting of course).
2. Guildhall Art Gallery
Address: Guildhall Yard, London EC2V 5AE
Nearest underground: St Paul's or Bank
Ticket price: Free entry to permanent collection; charges apply for special exhibitions (typically £10-£12)
Type of art: Victorian paintings, Pre-Raphaelite works, and the Roman Amphitheatre remains
Known for its impressive collection of Victorian paintings and notable Pre-Raphaelite works, the Guildhall Art Gallery offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Beyond the paintings, visitors can also explore the remains of a Roman amphitheatre hidden beneath the gallery floor.
3. National Gallery, London
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Nearest underground: Charing Cross or Leicester Square
Ticket price: Free entry to permanent collection; ticketed exhibitions vary, usually around £15-£20
Type of art: Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries
The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square is one of the easiest to reach in London. It's free to enter the permanent exhibition which makes for a nice escape from the weather if it suddenly goes South. When inside, you can take in classical paintings spanning centuries.
4. Tate Modern
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Nearest underground: Blackfriars or Southwark
Ticket price: Free for the permanent collection; special exhibitions typically £13-£25
Type of art: Modern and contemporary art, including large-scale installations
The Tate Modern is housed in the striking Bankside Power Station on the River Thames, just a short stroll from St Paul's Cathedral. With its cavernous Turbine Hall, this London modern art gallery exhibits art works by heavyweights like:
The building itself is a marvel, blending industrial architecture with modern design, and offers fantastic views across the city from its rooftop terrace. Whether you're a fan of surrealism, abstract art, or large-scale installations, Tate Modern is a must-visit, offering a constantly changing programme of exhibitions and events keeping things fresh and exciting.
5. Whitechapel Gallery
Address: 77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX
Nearest underground: Aldgate East
Ticket price: Free entry to most exhibitions; some events and special exhibitions may have a fee (typically £5-£15)
Type of art: Contemporary art, featuring both emerging and established artists
The Whitechapel Art Gallery is a public art gallery in London that opened all the way back in 1901 to enrich East London with art and culture. Nowadays, you can view eclectic art from around the world and the gallery proudly supports local artists and communities particularly those who have migrated to the area from abroad.
6. The Gallery of African Art
Address: 45 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4JL
Nearest underground: Green Park
Ticket price: Free entry
Type of art: Contemporary African art, showcasing artists from across the African continent
Right in the heart of Mayfair, The Gallery of African Art specialises in contemporary African art making this gallery a must-visit for anyone interested in the dynamic and diverse art scenes across the African continent. The space is filled with everything from paintings to sculptures, each piece telling a story that blends traditional African influences with modern styles. Best of all, entry is free, so you can wander in and soak up the atmosphere without spending a penny!
7. The Royal Art Gallery London
Address: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD
Nearest underground: Piccadilly Circus or Green Park
Ticket price: Exhibition ticket prices vary, typically £15-£22; discounts for students and seniors
Type of art: Historic and contemporary art; known for the annual Summer Exhibition
The Royal Academy of Arts is as impressive on the outside as it is inside. This place is a treasure trove for art lovers, boasting an impressive collection that spans centuries. From historic masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary pieces, there’s always something to catch your eye. The RA’s annual Summer Exhibition is a highlight, showcasing a diverse mix of works by both established artists and fresh new talent.
8. South Bank Art Gallery London
Address: Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Nearest underground: Waterloo
Ticket price: Varies by exhibition; some free exhibitions, while others may have a fee (typically £10-£25)
Type of art: Contemporary art, multimedia exhibitions, and performance art
Right on the Thames, the Southbank Centre is one of London’s best-loved art galleries. It’s not just an art gallery that's so much more than just an art gallery. This thriving centre hosts contemporary art exhibitions, live performances, festivals, and loads of free events that bring people together. There's always something happening, whether it’s a big-name artist in the Royal Festival Hall or an experimental installation in the Hayward Gallery.
9. Sotheby's Art Gallery London
Address: 34-35 New Bond St, Mayfair, London W1A 2AA
Nearest underground: Bond Street
Ticket price: Free entry
Type of art: Fine art and contemporary pieces; exhibitions linked to auctions
You might think of Sotheby’s as just a fancy auction house, but it's also a great place to view art in London – and you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy it. Located on the famous New Bond Street, Sotheby’s regularly hosts public exhibitions showcasing a dazzling array of artworks, from classic Old Masters to contemporary pieces. These exhibitions are open to the public for free, offering a sneak peek at what could soon be changing hands for millions.
10. Aboriginal Art Gallery London
Address: 28 Cork Street, Mayfair, London W1S 3NG
Nearest underground: Green Park
Ticket price: Free entry
Type of art: Aboriginal art from Australia, including traditional and contemporary pieces
Just a stone’s throw from the bustling streets of central London, the Aboriginal Art Gallery on Cork Street offers a tranquil escape into the rich artistic traditions of Australia’s Indigenous peoples. The gallery showcases both traditional and contemporary works, including intricate dot paintings and striking sculptures that tell stories rooted in ancient culture. This is the place to explore the deep connection between art and nature that characterises Aboriginal art, all within the comfort of a gallery space in the heart of Mayfair. Entry is free, making it easy to pop in and experience something truly unique.
11. Graffik London
Address: 284 Portobello Road, London W10 5TE
Nearest underground: Ladbroke Grove
Ticket price: Free entry
Type of art: Street art and graffiti; works by prominent urban artists, including Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Stik
Graffik London is a small contemporary gallery that's a must-visit for street art lovers. Aside from just viewing the art, you can also buy certain pieces for fairly affordable prices. And if you want to get even more hands-on, sign up to the graffiti workshops and choose from public classes or private sessions where they'll teach you how to graffiti like a pro.
12. The Cartoon Museum
Address: 13 Beauchamp Place, London SW3 1NQ
Nearest underground: Knightsbridge
Ticket price: Free entry
Type of art: Animation cells, limited edition prints, and original artworks from animated films and TV shows
Only London would even have an animation art gallery! The Cartoon Museum is perfect for families with kids or adults who have a love for comics and cartoons. This animation art gallery in London frequently hosts fun events and workshops that give people the space to unleash their inner artists and create their very own comics.
13. The Serpentine Gallery
Address: Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
Nearest underground: Lancaster Gate or South Kensington
Ticket price: Free entry
Type of art: Contemporary art exhibitions featuring both international and UK-based artists
The Serpentine Gallery is a hidden gem in the lush Kensington Gardens, split into two unique art spaces—Serpentine South and Serpentine North—separated only by the picturesque Serpentine Bridge. Each site brings a fresh experience, with about three exhibitions per year that span contemporary art, design, architecture, performance, and community projects. A standout feature is the annual Pavilion Commission, where a different architect designs a unique Pavilion every summer.
14. Camden Art Centre
Address: Arkwright Rd, London NW3 6DG
Nearest underground: Finchley Road
Ticket price: Free entry; some events and workshops may have fees
Type of art: Contemporary visual art, often focusing on emerging artists and educational programmes
Right in the heart of bustling Camden, the Camden Art Centre is a contemporary art gallery that hosts exhibitions, events and even art courses. The works they show are interestingly broad ranging from installations, film and video, light-sensitive drawings and sculptures making it one of the UK's most respected art galleries.
15. The Crypt Gallery
Address: St Pancras Church, Euston Rd, London NW1 2BA
Nearest underground: Euston
Ticket price: Varies by exhibition; often around £5-£10
Type of art: Contemporary and experimental art in a unique historic crypt setting
The Crypt Gallery is set beneath the St Pancras Church and is a quirky gallery that hosts contemporary and experimental art exhibitions in an atmospheric, centuries-old setting. The vaulted ceilings and stone walls create a unique backdrop for the ever-changing exhibitions. Won't be visiting London anytime soon? Why not take a 3D tour of the gallery from your own home (yes, really).
Will You Seek Inspiration At These London Art Galleries?
That wraps up our list of the best London art galleries. We've provided a whole range of art galleries spanning classical to modern and even cartoon art galleries, as well as free and ticketed exhibitions so that anyone visiting London and looking to enrich themself artistically can find something for them.
Gift an Experience Gift Card for the Best Trip to London
If you're an art lover, you'll appreciate that experiences can have such an impact on your life and happiness. So why not gift this feeling to the people you love the most with a gift card from Experiencegift. We offer gift cards for activities, flights and hotels all over the world that empower your loved ones to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new surroundings and make unforgettable new memories. What's more is that our experience gift cards can be personalised by adding your own photo and message and sent in three convenient ways:
- In the post with free worldwide delivery
- Via email as an animated e gift card
- In person by printing out a PDF experience gift card
And as our experience gift vouchers give the power to recipient to book the flight, hotel or activity that suits them, they're perfect for every occasion. Whether you're shopping for a:
- Retirement gift
- Graduation gift
- Birthday gift
- Wedding gift
- Anniversary gift
- Engagement gift
- Thank you gift
- With sympathy gift
Our experience gifts are flexible, fun and one-of-a-kind making them the best gifts for travel lovers.
