London has some of the best Museums and Art Galleries in the world. As well as these fantastic collections, most of the museums have free entry. We take a look at three of our favourite museums and galleries in London. From the big to the small volunteer-run museums.
London doesn’t have to be an expensive city to visit and it is great that so many of these museums remain free to visitors. As well as the exhibits themselves many of them are located in some of London’s most iconic buildings.
The Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is housed in the impressive former Bankside Power Station on the south bank of the River Thames. The power station generated electricity for London for nearly a hundred years, it was finally decommissioned in 1981.
The Tate Modern opened in 2000 and it still retains many aspects of its industrial past including the huge main turbine hall. Today, it is one of the largest modern and contemporary art galleries in the world.
The Tate Modern does have a helpful route map from where you can visit all or some of the galleries depending on your time. Along the route, you will see work by artists including Henri Matisse, Dia al-Azzawi and the Guerrilla Girls.
Find out more: Tate Modern
Sir John Soane’s Museum
If you are not familiar with Sir John Soane, he was one of Britain’s most famous neoclassical architects. During his lifetime, he amassed an eclectic collection which he ensured was left to the nation following his death. The museum is housed where he once lived, number 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Following his instructions, the property is maintained as it was left at the time of his death in 1837.
The Soanes’s collection contains over 20,000 drawings and models, antiquities and paintings by Hogarth, Turner and Canaletto.
Due to the size of the museum, you have to book a timeslot to visit and larger bags and backpacks are not allowed.
Find out more: Sir John Soane’s Museum
The Museum of London
Just under 10 minutes walk north from St Pauls’ Cathedral you’ll find the Museum of London. The museum focuses on the history of London and the Thames Valley from long before the city was built right up until the present day.
The galleries include exhibits from Roman London, the plague and the fire of London. During the 1800s London became the wealthiest & most powerful city in the world. The final gallery takes you through the 50s and the swinging 60s up to the present day. They have the cauldron from the 2012 London Olympic games as well as a pair of Tom Daley’s speedos!
Find out more: Museum of London
Although, all of these London museums have free entry due to the current situation many have timed tickets that need to be booked online. Check the links above for the current entry policies.
