London’s 6 Must-Visit Art Galleries

London is home to some fantastic art galleries.

Art is a massive part of the city’s culture scene, and you can see it almost everywhere you look. There are around 1,500 exhibition spaces dotted around London, housing everything from classic masterpieces to sculptures and photography.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the best art galleries in central London. Some of the must-visit galleries include: 

• Royal Academy of Arts
• National Gallery
• Royal Observatory Greenwich
• Barbican Art Gallery
• The Wallace Collection
• Guildhall Art Gallery

Read on to find out everything you need to know about art in the capital city.  

Royal Academy of Arts

Nearest tube stations: Regent’s Park and Baker Street.

Opening times: 10:00 to 18:00 Tuesday to Sunday.

Situated in the heart of London, the Royal Academy of Arts is one of the best places to witness major art exhibitions. Set inside Burlington House, Piccadilly, this gallery is 250 years old and is an independent charity. Its purpose is to promote the enjoyment and understanding of art through exhibitions and education.

One of the gallery’s most notable exhibitions is the annual Summer Exhibition, which allows any artist to submit a piece of work for display. Dating back to 1769, it’s famous for being the world’s longest-held contemporary art exhibition.

The Royal Academy of Arts is home to an ever-changing programme of exhibitions, and it also provides lectures, workshops and tours. Admission is totally free, although some exhibitions may require an entry fee. There are a number of virtual exhibitions available to view online.

National Gallery

Nearest tube station: Leicester Square.

Opening times: open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, and until 21:00 on Fridays.

The National Gallery is one of the world’s most famous art galleries. Located in Trafalgar Square, it contains a huge collection of works by iconic artists such as Rubens, Van Gogh, and Da Vinci. Plus, the gallery’s building is a work of art itself! Designed by William Wilkins in 1832, it remains almost entirely unchanged from the time it was constructed. 

The gallery hosts a range of exciting exhibitions which change frequently. You can also attend special events here, including creative sessions, courses and talks. If you want to see some seriously cool art in London, head to the National Gallery.

Best of all, it’s completely free to visit (although some exhibitions may require an entry fee). Book tickets here.

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Directions: take the Jubilee Line (tube) to Canary Wharf Station and change to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), alighting at Greenwich DLR Station.

Opening times: open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Home to the Prime Meridian Line and Greenwich Mean Time, the Royal Observatory is an incredibly important scientific site.

Head here to see amazing artwork related to all things time and space. These concepts are explored through different objects such as clocks, paintings and other astronomical items. You can also see great shows such as Starstruck and The Sky Tonight, hosted at the Planetarium. 

Find out about ticket prices and book tickets here.

Barbican Art Gallery

Nearest tube station: Barbican.

Opening times: 10:00 to 18:00 Sunday to Wednesday (last entry is 17:00). 10:00 to 20:00 Thursday to Saturday (last entry is 19:00).  

If you’re a fan of photography, you need to visit the Barbican Art Gallery. Part of the Barbican Centre, the gallery was opened in 1982 and showcases different art, photography and film pieces.  

Step inside this exhibition space and discover art through the years, such as works from Britain in 1945. See wonderful photography captured by talented artists, as well as collages, sculptures and other art forms.

If you’re into architecture, the gallery’s building may also interest to you. Designed in a late 20^th-century Brutalist style, it has a striking appearance.

The Barbican is free to visit.

The Wallace Collection

Nearest tube stations: Bond Street and Baker Street.

Opening times: open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

The Wallace Collection is a free museum in Manchester Square, home to an internationally renowned art collection. Stroll through the museum’s 28 rooms and witness outstanding paintings and sculptures, as well as furniture, porcelain and other treasures.

Interestingly, the collection was acquired by the marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. One of The Wallace Collection’s highlights is The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals, a portrait that’s sure to brighten your mood.

And that’s not all. The museum is also home to a delightful courtyard restaurant, where you can stop for a bite to eat and admire the beautiful surroundings.

Guildhall Art Gallery

Nearest tube station: St Paul’s.

Opening times: open daily from 10:30 to 16:00.

Established in 1886, Guildhall Art Gallery is the place to see fantastic works from 1670 to the present day. Learn about London’s interesting history portrayed through oil paintings, Pre-Raphaelite works, and other masterpieces.

The Guildhall complex was constructed on the site of a Roman amphitheatre, and some of its remains are actually displayed in the basement of the art gallery today. So if you have a keen interest in Roman history, it’s definitely worth visiting Guildhall Art Gallery.

Book your free tickets here.

Luxury boutique hotels in London

Looking for cool hotels in London? Whether you’re checking out the city’s art galleries or visiting other attractions, our NYX Hotel London Holborn promises a luxury stay. Stylish and modern, it features 213 spacious rooms, a fabulous restaurant and rooftop bar, and excellent leisure facilities, so you can expect a great night’s sleep and plenty of entertainment. If you’re searching for somewhere to relax after a busy day, discover our NYX Hotel.