Discover London’s Best Galleries, Museums, and Art Installations

Why London is a city for art lovers

Over the years, many of the world’s greatest artists, creatives and thinkers have flocked to London to share their work and ideas. Today, the city’s mesmerising mix of historical institutions and cutting-edge galleries is testament to this – and they’re all there for the taking when you plan an escape in the Big Smoke.

No matter if you want to delve into the secrets of human culture or feast your eyes on contemporary marvels, there’s bound to be a museum or gallery to suit your tastes. And the best thing? Most offer free permanent exhibitions – perfect if you want to tick off more than one of the city’s top art venues without stretching your budget.

Top art destinations: traditional galleries and world-renowned museums

Some of the world’s very best art galleries and museums are scattered across the UK capital – and there really is something to suit everyone’s tastes and interests. Let’s dive into a few top London attractions for art and knowledge seekers:

National Gallery

This prestigious gallery sits on Trafalgar Square and features a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures and more by renowned European artists. The National Gallery first opened in 1824 and currently hosts over 2000 paintings in its grand halls, including works by Vincent Van Gogh, Hans Holbein and Titian.

British Museum

The British Museum is best known for its exhibitions on human history, culture and experience – and this includes plenty of artistic displays. You’ll find the museum not far from Oxford Street, and its eight million-item collection includes countless paintings, ceramics, textiles and sculptures. In 2026, the museum is even set to temporarily host the Bayeux Tapestry during a special exhibition.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Also known as the V&A, this much-loved London gallery and museum has always had a big focus on art and design. It was founded in 1852 by Queen Victoria and her husband, Albert, and now houses nearly three million exquisite objects – from priceless historic furnishings to one-of-a-kind fashion items from throughout the centuries.

Imperial War Museum

While not strictly an art museum, the Imperial War Museum near Elephant & Castle hosts some of the world’s most important wartime propaganda art. As you browse displays relating to various wars from WW1 to the present day, you’ll glimpse posters, paintings and more which offer great insight into what life was like during wartime.

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Contemporary art and modern art installations

If more modern art is where your interests lie, London has plenty of that too. Here are a few must-see galleries and art installations that lean into the city’s more contemporary cultural scene:

Tate Modern London

The Tate Modern’s striking home in a huge former power station on London’s Southbank really sets the scene for what awaits visitors inside. The gallery is perhaps one of the best on the planet for contemporary art, with its displaysranging from surrealist Dali sculptures to innovative performance art.

Saatchi Gallery

The Saatchi Gallery is known across the globe for its incredible real-world installations and disruptive displays. It has long championed emerging artists, with regular showcases and one-off events hosted at the gallery on King’s Road in the lovely Chelsea area.

Serpentine Galleries

Tucked away in the Kensington Gardens area of London Hyde Park, this small but impactful gallery regularly hosts a rotating range of temporary free exhibitions. The Serpentine Galleries’ main exhibition space is split across two buildings: the Pavillion (the original gallery) and the Magazine (a former gunpowder store just across the Serpentine Bridge).

Street Art in Shoreditch

London has its fair share of excellent street art too! Head to the trendy East London district of Shoreditch where you’ll spot buildings adorned with some truly outstanding examples – including works by Banksy and the Three Monkeys. Top streets to visit include Rivington Street and King John Court.

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London Design Museum: celebrating design innovation

For anyone more interested in the intricacies of design over classical art, the London Design Museum in Kensington is a must-visit. It’s the leading museum for design-related exhibitions, with displays dedicated to every kind of medium – from product design and industry to fashion and architecture.

The museum’s free permanent collection is titled Designer Maker User and it’s jam-packed with over 2000 objects dedicated to design over the past 150 years. You’ll also find various other ticketed exhibits advertised throughout the year, with past shows focusing on individual designers, prestigious design awards and specific design themes.

Making the most of your cultural holiday

Remember most permanent exhibitions are free – unlike many cities around the world, the majority of London’s museums and galleries are free to visit apart from a few temporary exhibitions.
Book temporary exhibitions tickets in advance – some of London’s temporary exhibits can become very popular (especially on weekends), so it’s a good idea to pre-book your tickets online.
Consider getting a London Pass – this affordable pass gives you access to hundreds of top London attractions, from icons like the London Eye to ticketed museums like Madame Tussauds and the London Transport Museum. Prices start at £89 per adult for one full day of access.
Always check opening times – most London museums and galleries are open every day, although opening times can vary.
Use the London Underground to get around – the easiest way to hop between London’s best artistic institutions is on the London Underground. It has a vast network that stretches across the city and you’re bound to find a station within easy walking distance of your chosen gallery.
Group your galleries by area – if you’re short on time or only in the city for a day or two, try to choose museums and galleries in the same area. For example, you could venture to Kensington where you’ll find the V&A Museum, the Serpentine Gallery and the London Design Museum all within a short walk of each other.

Experience all of London’s landmarks with Heathrow Express

Maximising your time browsing London’s top galleries and museums couldn’t be easier if you choose the Heathrow Express. Our fast and premium airport transfer gets you from Heathrow to Paddington Station in just 15 minutes, allowing you extra time to wander through exhibitions and really soak up the city’s artistic heritage.