Best Galleries in London You Must Visit
Last Updated on February 17, 2025 by Amitylux
London is home to over 1,500 galleries, making it one of the greatest art cities in the world. That’s a lot of art. You could spend an entire year visiting a new gallery every single day and still not see everything. (Talk about decision fatigue.)
But don’t worry—I’ve done the hard work for you. Whether you’re hunting down the boldest contemporary pieces, classic masterpieces, or those hidden gems only the locals whisper about, this guide has you covered.
From the National Gallery’s timeless da Vincis to the edgy installations at Whitechapel Gallery, we’re diving deep into the best spots across the city. We’ll also highlight free galleries, themed art routes, and even an interactive map to make your gallery-hopping effortless.
By the end of this guide, you won’t just know where to go. You’ll know why each spot is worth your time. And let’s be real—some are more worth it than others. Ready to curate your own perfect art tour? Let’s go.
Must-Visit Art Galleries in London
London is an art lover’s paradise, offering everything from Renaissance masterpieces to avant-garde installations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned gallery-goer, these are the must-visit art spaces in the city. Each one offers something unique—so whether you’re into classic paintings, contemporary works, or experimental art, there’s a gallery for you.
The National Gallery
Situated in the heart of London, at Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery is home to an extensive collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The Gallery features over 2,300 works, including masterpieces by iconic artists such as Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Turner. Key highlights include Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” Turner’s “The Fighting Temeraire,” and Da Vinci’s “The Virgin of the Rocks.” Admission is free, making this cultural treasure accessible to all. If you can’t make it to London yet, don’t fret. The National Gallery of London also holds virtual tours of the gallery. Visit the Gallery’s website and take one of the virtual tours on your computer or phone.
The National Gallery, in celebration of its 200th birthday, created a magnificent, colorful light show projecting paintings from its collections and using its facade as a canvas.
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
Best for: Design, decorative arts, and fashion
The V&A is where art meets craftsmanship. It’s the world’s largest museum of applied and decorative arts, with a collection spanning 5,000 years. If you love fashion, textiles, ceramics, and jewelry, this is a must-visit. The museum’s galleries are beautifully designed, and the Fashion Gallery is a standout, featuring everything from 17th-century gownsto modern haute couture.
Don’t Miss:
• The Cast Courts, where you’ll find a massive, full-scale replica of Michelangelo’s David.
• The Jewelry Gallery, showcasing 3,500 dazzling pieces, from ancient Roman rings to modern Cartier designs.
• The Photography Centre, a stunning collection of historic and contemporary photographs.
Entry: Free (some temporary exhibitions require tickets).
The Courtauld Gallery
Located in Somerset House, the Courtauld Gallery boasts an exceptional collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Highlights include works by Manet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne. The gallery is known for its collection of Impressionist paintings, featuring iconic pieces like Manet’s “A Bar at the Folies-Bergère” and Van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear.” Recently renovated, The Courtauld offers virtual tours of Peter Doig, Edvard Munch, Van Gogh, Manet, and Claudette Johnson. Whether online, or on location, the gallery offers a serene and beautifully designed space to appreciate its world-class collection.
Vincent Van Gogh: Peach Trees In Blossom, The Courtauld Gallery online. Van Gogh admired Japanese prints and hoped his paintings of blossoming fruit trees would sell well during spring, aiming to emulate their aesthetics. He only painted a frail tree sampling, but the use of Japanese woodcuts resulted in the creation of majestic landscapes.
The Photographers’ Gallery
Best for: Photography, from historic to contemporary
If you love photography, this Soho-based gallery is a must. It’s the UK’s first public gallery dedicated solely to photography and showcases work from legendary names like Cindy Sherman, Sebastião Salgado, and Richard Avedon.
The gallery also highlights new talent, making it a great place to discover photographers before they become household names.
Don’t Miss:
• The Deutsche Börse Photography Prize, awarded to the year’s best photographer.
• The Camera Obscura, offering a live, old-school view of Soho.
Entry: Free before 12pm daily, ticketed afterward.
Camden Art Centre
Best for: Emerging contemporary artists
A champion of new and emerging artists, Camden Art Centre is a quiet but powerful space in North London. It’s not a commercial gallery, meaning it doesn’t sell art, but instead focuses on giving artists room to experiment.
Exhibitions here are often thought-provoking and intellectually engaging, and the gallery also hosts free talks, performances, and workshops.
Don’t Miss:
• The artist residency program—each season features fresh work from up-and-coming talent.
Entry: Free.
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries
Situated within the iconic Westminster Abbey, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries offer a unique blend of art and history. Opened in 2018 to celebrate the Queen’s 60th anniversary on the throne, these galleries are located in the medieval triforium, offering stunning views of the abbey. The exhibits include rare manuscripts, royal artifacts, and exquisite medieval stained glass. This gallery provides a fascinating insight into the rich history and heritage of Westminster Abbey and the British monarchy.
The Westminster Abbey, the coronation church for the British Monarchy since 1066, hosts the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries on 13th-century triforium. Hidden from the public for 700 years, the Galleries are now displaying treasures from British history such as ‘The Litlyngton Missal ‘and ‘The Liber Regalis’.
Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
Best for: Italian modernism
This Islington-based gem is the only UK gallery dedicated to Italian modern art. If you’re into Futurism, Metaphysical Art, and Surrealism, this is the place to be.
It’s an intimate space, housed in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, and a perfect stop if you want to see Giorgio de Chirico, Umberto Boccioni, and Amedeo Modigliani.
Don’t Miss:
• The collection’s stunning Futurist paintings, which feel surprisingly modern.
Entry: Ticketed.
Science Gallery London
Best for: Art at the intersection of science and technology
Part of King’s College London, the Science Gallery is where art meets science. Expect exhibitions exploring themes like AI, medical advancements, and climate change, often featuring collaborations between scientists and artists.
It’s one of the most innovative spaces in London, constantly pushing boundaries in how art and science interact.
Don’t Miss:
• The latest immersive, interactive exhibitions.
Entry: Free.
London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE
This is where ancient Rome meets contemporary, metropolitan London. Located in the city’s heart, the London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE combines ancient history with modern art. The gallery is built around the reconstructed ruins of the Roman Temple of Mithras, discovered during excavations in the 1950s. Alongside the archaeological site, the gallery features a rotating series of contemporary art installations that engage with the themes of history and modernity. The Gallery offers an interactive, multisensory approach to classical history and modern art. This unique blend of past and present provides a distinctive and immersive cultural experience.
The London Mithraeum provides an innovative outlook on ancient artifacts the missing pieces on translucent resin while employing Latin chantings and interactive displays.
Whitechapel Gallery
Best for: Contemporary and avant-garde art
A powerhouse of experimental and boundary-pushing art, Whitechapel Gallery is where you go when you want to see what’s next. Located in East London, this gallery has been championing contemporary art since 1901, hosting the UK’s first major Picasso exhibition in 1938.
Expect exhibitions that challenge the norm—art that’s political, conceptual, and sometimes a bit weird (in the best way).
Don’t Miss:
• The Archive Gallery, showing key moments in Whitechapel’s history.
• Talks and events with leading artists and thinkers.
Entry: Free (some exhibitions may require tickets).
Hayward Gallery
Best for: Large-scale contemporary exhibitions
Part of the Southbank Centre, the Hayward Gallery is one of London’s best spaces for modern and contemporary art. It’s known for its huge, immersive exhibitions, often featuring the biggest names in contemporary art.
The gallery’s Brutalist architecture (all raw concrete and sharp angles) might not be to everyone’s taste, but inside, the ever-changing exhibitions are some of the most exciting in the UK.
Don’t Miss:
• The big seasonal exhibitions—past ones have included Yayoi Kusama and Diane Arbus.
• The Hayward’s outdoor sculptures, which often extend into the Southbank Centre’s public space.
Entry: Ticketed.
Frameless Gallery
For those who appreciate contemporary art, the Frameless Gallery in London’s West End cultural district is a hidden gem. This gallery specializes in modern and contemporary works, providing a platform for emerging and mid-career artists. The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated, offering a fresh and dynamic perspective on the contemporary art scene. It’s an intimate space where visitors can engage closely with the artworks and gain insight into the latest trends and ideas in the art world. Immerse yourself in extraordinary landscapes and alternate realities beyond the confines of frames.
Paul Cezanne, Avenue at Chantilly. Cezanne painted a symmetrical and spatially deep view of the park surrounding the chateau in Chantilly, 24 miles north of Paris. He focused on the avenue through the forest rather than the town’s castle. The landscape was organized as a mosaic of color patches, with warm ochre and reds contrasting cooler blues, greens, and greys.
Serpentine Galleries
Best for: Contemporary art and experimental installations
Tucked inside Hyde Park, the Serpentine Galleries (Serpentine South and Serpentine North) are two of London’s most exciting contemporary art spaces. They feature cutting-edge exhibitions from living artists, many of whom are shaping the future of the art world.
What makes the Serpentine unique is its annual Serpentine Pavilion, where a different world-class architect designs a temporary structure each summer. It’s always innovative and often turns into one of the most Instagrammed spots in London.
Don’t Miss:
• The latest immersive installations—they change regularly, so check the schedule.
• The Serpentine Pavilion, open every summer.
Entry: Free.
Barbican Art Gallery
Best for: Modern art, photography, and architecture
Located in the Barbican Centre, this gallery is a hidden gem that showcases everything from modern art to photography and architecture. The exhibitions are bold and often interdisciplinary, mixing art with music, theatre, and technology.
The Barbican’s iconic Brutalist architecture also makes it one of the most visually striking cultural venues in London.
Don’t Miss:
• The Curve Gallery, a unique space that commissions experimental installations.
• Their art-meets-tech exhibitions, which often incorporate VR and interactive elements.
Entry: Ticketed.
Graffik Gallery
Nestled in the vibrant area of Notting Hill, Graffik Gallery is a must-visit for street art enthusiasts. This contemporary gallery specializes in urban and street art, showcasing works by renowned artists such as Banksy, Stik, and Dotmaster. Graffik Gallery not only exhibits art but also offers graffiti workshops, allowing visitors to engage with street art culture firsthand. The dynamic and edgy atmosphere makes it a standout destination for those looking to explore the cutting edge of contemporary art.
”Crush” by richparkerart Acrylic on canvas Bespoke tray frame on display at the Graffik Gallery.
Newport Street Gallery
Best for: Damien Hirst’s personal art collection
Founded by Damien Hirst, Newport Street Gallery is his personal collection turned public museum. The exhibitions rotate, but they feature some of the biggest names in contemporary art, from Francis Bacon to Jeff Koons and Banksy.
The gallery itself is a masterpiece—a massive converted warehouse, with soaring ceilings and stunning natural light.
Don’t Miss:
• Hirst’s own works, which occasionally make an appearance.
• The onsite Pharmacy 2 restaurant, designed by Hirst himself.
Entry: Free.
5 Hidden Art Gems in London
London is full of lesser-known galleries that are just as impressive. Here are a few underground spots worth checking out.
• South London Gallery – Contemporary art in a beautifully restored Victorian building.
• Gasworks – A space supporting emerging artists with exhibitions and residencies.
• Pitzhanger Gallery – A small but stylish space housed in an 18th-century mansion.
• Parasol Unit – A non-profit foundation showcasing avant-garde contemporary artists.
Best Free Art Galleries in London
You don’t have to spend a penny to see world-class art in London. Here are some fantastic galleries with free entry.
• National Gallery – Home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, da Vinci, and Monet.
• Whitechapel Gallery – A contemporary art space that’s always free.
• Tate Britain – If you love classic British art, this is the place to be.
• The Photographers’ Gallery – Free entry before 12pm daily.
Conclusion
So there you have it—London’s best galleries, mapped out, analyzed, and served up for your next art-filled adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an occasional gallery-goer, or someone who just wants a good excuse to wander around with a coffee in hand, there’s a gallery in this city for you.
Art isn’t just about what’s hanging on the walls. It’s about the experience—the thrill of discovering a new favorite artist, the quiet awe of standing inches from a 500-year-old painting, or the absolute confusion of staring at a blank canvas and wondering if you “just don’t get it.”
Now it’s over to you. Which gallery are you visiting first?FAQ
Experience London with the Amitylux London small group walking tour or the London private walking tour.
London boasts numerous exceptional art galleries. The National Gallery offers a vast collection of Western European paintings. For contemporary art enthusiasts, the Tate Modern is a must-visit. If you’re interested in design and decorative arts, the Victoria and Albert Museum is unparalleled.
One of the most renowned artworks in the National Gallery is “The Arnolfini Portrait” by Jan van Eyck. This iconic painting is celebrated for its intricate detail and enigmatic subject matter.
Many of London’s top galleries offer free admission:
• National Gallery: Home to a vast collection of Western European paintings.
• Tate Modern: Showcases international modern and contemporary art.
• National Portrait Gallery: Features portraits of historically important British people.
• Wallace Collection: Houses an extensive collection of fine and decorative arts.
• Whitechapel Gallery: Known for contemporary art exhibitions.
These institutions provide access to world-class art without an entry fee.
As of February 2025, notable exhibitions include:
• “Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection” at the Courtauld Gallery: This exhibition features 25 significant paintings, including works by Géricault, Goya, Cézanne, Renoir, and Courbet.
• “Linder: Danger Came Smiling” at the Hayward Gallery: A retrospective of British collagist Linder Sterling, showcasing her radical and surreal feminist art.
• “Noah Davis” at the Barbican Art Gallery: Exploring the works of the American painter, highlighting his unique perspective on everyday life and historical events.
Please check the respective galleries’ official websites for the most current information and ticket availability.
The National Gallery in London is widely regarded as the UK’s most prestigious art gallery, housing an extensive collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
Yes, the Saatchi Gallery is worth visiting, especially for those interested in contemporary art. It showcases works by emerging artists and offers a platform for innovative and sometimes provocative exhibitions.
The Natural History Museum is often considered one of the coolest museums in London. Its impressive architecture, combined with exhibits like the dinosaur gallery and the life-sized blue whale model, make it a favorite among visitors.
