Top 10 Museums & Galleries in London + Upcoming Exhibitions

Upcoming Exhibitions:

• Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers: (14 September 2024 – 19 January 2025) A spectacular display of Van Gogh’s paintings from across the globe, some of which are rarely seen in public. They will be paired together with his extraordinary drawings.
• Parmigianino: The Vision of Saint Jerome: (5 December 2024 – 9 March 2025) This exhibition explores the creation of Parmigianino’s ‘The Madonna and Child with Saints’, also known as ‘The Vision of Saint Jerome’.
• Discover Constable & The Hay Wain: (17 October 2024 – 2 February 2025) This exhibition brings together works by artists Constable himself admired and images made by artists in response to his painting.
• Discover Degas & Miss La La: (6 June – 1 September 2024) Degas’s ‘Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando’ takes centre stage in this exhibition that sheds light on this work with newly discovered information about the painting and its sitter.

2. Natural History Museum

If you are interested in science, stories, and geography of nature, the Natural History Museum is a must-visit destination in London. Thanks to its stunning building, which has Romanesque architecture similar to many religious buildings, the Natural History Museum has gained the nickname “A Cathedral to Science.”  

Located in South Kensington, the museum is home to a vast collection of specimens from various branches of natural sciences. Its ever-expanding collection currently includes more than 70 million botanical items, 55 million animal exhibits, nine million archaeological relics, and 500,000 rocks and minerals.

One of the most popular exhibits at the National History Museum is the Darwin Centre, which houses over 22 million specimens, including rare and extinct species.

You can also witness scientists at work in the Attenborough Studio, where they conduct research and share their findings with the public.

The museum has free admission every day from 10 am to 5 pm, but it’s best to book a free ticket in advance for guaranteed entry. You might also have to pay a small fee for special exhibitions.

Upcoming Exhibitions:

• John James Audubon and his Birds of America: (Ongoing – August 2024) Display of engravings from John James Audubon’s The Birds of America reaffirms why it continues to inspire artists, bird experts and conservationists alike.
• Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre: (24 May 2024 – 5 January 2025) Unravel the epic story of birds, discover the secrets to their success, and learn some of their surprising and often shocking tactics for survival.
• Wildlife Photographer of the Year: (13 October 2023 – 30 June 2024) Explore the planet’s habitats, from sprawling urban metropolises to the deep polar seas, and meet the creatures that rely on these places.

3. British Museum

Opened in 1759, the British Museum in London is the world’s oldest national public museum. Its collection is so vast that it’s impossible to see everything in one visit.

However, some of the most notable artifacts include the Rosetta Stone, which helped scholars decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs, and the Elgin Marbles, a collection of classical Greek sculptures that were controversially removed from the Parthenon in Athens.

Other highlights include the Lewis Chessmen, a set of elaborately carved chess pieces from the 12th century, and the Sutton Hoo treasure, a collection of Anglo-Saxon artifacts that includes a helmet, sword, and shield.

While the British Museum is primarily known for its collection of historical artifacts, it also houses some remarkable works of art. The museum’s collection of prints and drawings is particularly impressive, with works by artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rembrandt. The museum also has a vast collection of coins and medals, including the largest collection of Roman coins in the world.

You can visit the museum any day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm. Given its popularity, it’s best to book a timed slot in advance to guarantee entry and help the management control the number of individuals who can visit.

Upcoming Exhibitions:

• Feminine power: the divine to the demonic: (10 Dec 2022 – 10 August 2025) This exhibition celebrates the power and diversity of the divine female in world culture and belief, from the ancient world to today.
• An Introduction to the British Museum: (15 Mar 2024 – 14 Dec 2024) Explore the oldest room in the Museum in this special guided tour before the galleries open to the public
• Admonitions of the instructress to the court ladies (8 Jul 2024 – 18 Aug 2024) This masterpiece,  considered a milestone in Chinese painting history is only displayed for six weeks a year.

4. Science Museum

If you’re a lover of science, then the Science Museum in London is a must-visit destination. 

The Science Museum was founded in 1857 as part of the South Kensington Museum, which is now the Victoria and Albert Museum. It became an independent institution in 1909 and moved to its current location in 1913. The museum is packed full of impressive displays of human ingenuity, from steam engines to supercomputers, rockets, cars, and more.

Some of the notable items in its collection include:

• Stephenson’s Rocket: a steam locomotive built in 1829 and is one of the most famous locomotives in history.
• Babbage’s Difference Engine: This mechanical calculator was designed by Charles Babbage in the early 19th century.
• The Apollo 10 Command Module: This spacecraft was used in the Apollo 10 mission in 1969, which was a rehearsal for the Apollo 11 moon landing.

The museum has also held temporary exhibitions on typewriters, noise reduction, 3D Printing to Psychology, a giant 27ft horn loudspeaker, and even an exhibition about rubbish.

If you want to visit, the Science Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10.00–18.00, and every day during the school holidays. 

Book a free ticket and experience the wonders of science and technology first-hand with the displays of more than 15,000 objects.

Upcoming Exhibitions:

• Turn It Up: The Power of Music (19 October 2023 – 6 May 2024). Explore the science and secrets around the impact music has on us with unique interactive exhibits.
• ZiMINGZHONG 凝时聚珍: Clockwork Treasures from China’s Forbidden City: (Ongoing –  2 June 2024) This exhibition invites you to discover the outward beauty and inner workings of these centuries-old timepieces, and their historic role in early cultural exchanges between Britain and China.
• Energy Hall (Ongoing): Trace the remarkable story of steam and how it shaped the world we live in today.

5. Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum, also known as the V&A, is one of the world’s leading museums of art and design. Located in South Kensington, London, V&A was founded as the Museum of Manufactures in 1852, with the aim of improving the quality of British products by educating manufacturers, designers, and the public about good design.

Over time, the museum’s collection expanded to include not only decorative arts, but also fine arts, textiles, fashion, and photography. It received its current name, the Victoria and Albert Museum, in 1899.

Today, the V&A is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums of art and design in the world.

Its collection includes everything from ancient Chinese ceramics to contemporary fashion and everything in between. Some of the highlights of the collection include:

• The British Galleries: A collection of over 3,000 objects that showcase the best of British design and decorative arts from 1500 to 1900.
• The Fashion Gallery: A collection of over 14,000 garments and accessories that span the history of fashion from the 17th century to the present day.
• The Cast Courts: A collection of plaster casts of some of the world’s most famous sculptures, including Michelangelo’s David and Trajan’s Column.
• The Jewellery Gallery: A collection of over 3,000 pieces of jewellery from ancient times to the present day.

The V&A is home to many notable works of art and design, including:

• Tipu’s Tiger: A life-size automaton of a tiger attacking a European soldier, made in India in the late 18th century.
• The Three Graces: A marble sculpture by Antonio Canova, depicting the three daughters of Zeus.
• The Raphael Cartoons: A series of seven large-scale designs for tapestries by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael.
• The Chihuly Chandelier: A stunning glass sculpture by American artist Dale Chihuly, located in the museum’s main entrance.

On your next trip to London, schedule some time between Wednesday to Sunday (10:00 – 17:00) to explore its beautiful collections. Make sure to spare some time to see the famous reproductions of famous effigies!

Upcoming Exhibitions:

• Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto (16 September 2023 to TBD)The first UK exhibition dedicated to the work of French couturière, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, charting the establishment of the House of CHANEL and the evolution of her iconic design style which continues to influence the way women dress today.
• Energy: Sparks from the Collection (Ongoing – 18 May 2025) This display shines a light on the diverse kinds of energy in photography, from the hidden processes intrinsic to creating a picture to the subjects in front of the camera.
• Patric Prince: Digital Art Visionary (Ongoing – 15 September 2024) The 14 works on display provide a snapshot of digital art practices from the 1960s to early 2000s.

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6. Tate (Tate Modern)

Tate Modern is London’s center for modern and contemporary art from 1900 to the present day. From Picasso’s “The Three Dancers,” Dali’s “Autumnal Canibbalism,” to Rothko’s “The Seagram Murals,” Tate Modern is a one-stop shop for modern art lovers.

Some of the most notable works at Tate Modern include Andy Warhol’s “Marilyn Diptych,” a series of portraits of Marilyn Monroe that have become an icon of pop art.\

Other notable works include Pablo Picasso’s “Weeping Woman” and Mark Rothko’s “Seagram Murals.”  The museum also features works by many lesser-known artists from all over the world.

A crucial point to note about Tate Modern is its preferred way of displaying its contemporary art collection. Instead of following a chronological order, the artwork is displayed by theme.

This means 21st Century art can be found right next to works from the early 20th century as long as they share a similar theme. The themes are regularly altered, so expect a frequent change of displays as well.

Tate Modern also has an online store where you can shop books, prints, jewelry, and homeware created by their extensive team of artists. 

Tate Modern is located in the former Bankside Power Station. The building itself is an iconic example of industrial architecture, and the museum’s conversion of the space has been praised as a brilliant example of adaptive reuse.

Tate Modern offers a wide variety of events and exhibitions:

• Free displays
• Films
• Tours
• Talks
• Workshops
• Private views
• Courses
• Festivals

Just make sure to book your preferred event in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment.

7. Museum of London

Open from 10 am-5 pm, Wednesday-Sunday, the Museum of London sets the history of London at your feet. It is dedicated to telling the story of the city, from its earliest days as a Roman settlement to the present day.

You’ll learn about the people who have lived in London throughout the centuries, and how the city has changed over time

The Museum of London interactive displays allow visitors to travel through time and witness London’s evolution from prehistoric times, through the Middle Ages and the Victorian era, up to the present day.

For example, one of the most famous artifacts is the Lord Mayor’s Coach, which dates back to the early 18th century. This ornate coach was used to transport the Lord Mayor of London to various events throughout the city and is a symbol of the city’s history and tradition.

The Museum itself is actually comprised of three separate museums. The first is the main museum at the Barbican complex.

The second is the Docklands Museum, which focuses on the history of the docks and how they influenced transport and trade.

The third location is the Museum of London Archaeology, an outreach of the museum that assists with archaeological explorations across the United Kingdom.

Upcoming Exhibitions 

To Be Updated Soon.

8.

The Imperial War Museum was established in 1917 during the First World War as a way to record the experiences of ordinary people during the war.

Since then, the museum has grown into a significant institution that collects and displays artifacts and documents related to all aspects of war and conflict. The museum’s collections include over 11 million photographs, 500,000 sound recordings, and 350,000 films.

One of the most notable works in the Imperial War Museum’s collection is the First World War trench experience. This immersive exhibit takes you back to the trenches of the Western Front, where you can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the battlefield.

The museum also has a collection of military vehicles, including tanks, planes, and artillery, that have been used in conflicts around the world.

The Imperial War Museum explores key moments of the 20th-century wars and presents its visitors with facts and context from both sides of the conflict. It’s free entry for everyone from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. 

Upcoming Exhibitions (free admission and paid):

• The Inside View: Avro Evolution (Ongoing) Private tour of the Avro Lancaster and Avro Vulcan, showcasing how bombers evolved from the Second World War to the Cold War.
• The Holocaust Galleries: (Ongoing) Private tour outside museum hours that give you exclusive access to the extensive Holocaust Galleries.
• Peace and Security: 1945 – 2014: The display reveals how conflicts have been fought and communities divided and re-joined in countries such as Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan from 1945 to the present day.
• Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes: Explore the concept of bravery and what motivates people to undertake acts of heroism.

9. Horniman Museum and Gardens

The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a true hidden gem! It first opened as the Surrey House Museum in 1890 in the Horniman family residence.

Frederick John Horniman was a Victorian tea trader and philanthropist who began collecting objects from around the world in the 1860s. He opened his collection to the public in 1890, and the Horniman Museum and Gardens has been open ever since.

The museum has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of the gardens in 1901 and the aquarium in 1927. It is now home to an enormous collection of 350,000 objects, including musical, anthropology, and natural history artifacts and even a gigantic walrus.

The museum hosts a variety of special exhibitions, festivals, shows, workshops, and activities every year. Entrance to the Museum and Gardens is free, but you’ll need to book your entry ticket to the museum in advance.

There is also a small charge for visiting the Aquarium, Butterfly House, and some events.

Horniman’s management is environmentally conscious and reuses 187,000 liters of wastewater from the Aquarium’s water filters each year to water the 16 acres of Gardens.

Ongoing Exhibitions:

Butterfly House: (Daily) Get up close to hundreds of beautiful butterflies in the tropical indoor garden.

10. National  Maritime Museum

If you’re interested in maritime history, the National Maritime Museum is a fascinating destination that is well worth a visit. With its extensive collection of artifacts, it offers a unique glimpse into the history of seafaring and the role it has played in shaping the world we live in today.

The National Maritime Museum is part of “Royal Museums Greenwich,” which also includes the historic sailing ship Cutty Sark, the Queen’s House, and the Royal Observatory (home of the Prime Meridian).

The collections of the National Maritime Museum are diverse and extensive. On your visit, expect to see ancient maps, nautical instruments, and cartography records. 

And don’t fail to check out the iconic coat Nelson wore the day of the Battle of Trafalgar when he faced off against the combined French and Spanish fleet off the southwest coast of Spain.

Other notable works include paintings by William Hodges, who accompanied Captain James Cook on his second voyage to the Pacific, and a collection of ship models that span several centuries of maritime history.

Ongoing Exhibitions:

• Astronomy Photographer of the Year (Open Daily). Visit the museum to see this annual exhibition showcasing the world’s 100 most extraordinary space photographs.
• Exposure: Lives at Sea (ongoing). This is a photography exhibition that showcases the lives of different people who spent a lot of time working at sea.
• Women of the RNLI ( 2 March – 1 December 2024) Life savers, fundraisers, trailblazers: discover the vital roles that women play in saving lives at sea.
• Earth From Space (Open Daily) See the world through a satellite’s lens, and explore our changing planet at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

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Planning a Trip to London

Travel Hack: Do Londoners Give Tips?

London does not have a huge gratuity or tipping culture.

Sometimes a discretionary service charge will be added to your restaurant bill, so do read the receipt carefully. You can ask for it to be taken off if the service you received wasn’t good.

If your bill doesn’t include a service charge and you were pleased with the food and the service, you may leave a 10-15% tip.

You may tip taxis, porters, housekeepers, concierges & door staff at your discretion. Typically, Londoners do not tip in pubs, for fast food, self-service or takeout meals.

Did you find that travel tip helpful?  Then you’ll want to download my Ultimate Guide to London. I’ve crafted this gorgeously stylish resource to spark your imagination and inspire your next adventure. 

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Plan Your Next Trip Stress-Free

Planning a trip, even a local one can be hectic. It gets 10x more complicated when it’s international travel. That’s why working with a travel advisor, can make all the difference and ensure you have the peace of mind to actually enjoy your vacation or getaway. Consult a personal travel advisor about your next trip.