We have spent time in various parts of London including seeing the renowned London Eye, but there’s a sense of charm associated with London’s art museums.
The historical purpose of these art museums in London cannot be stated enough. You can feel it as soon as you enter these museums due to their art pieces, exhibits, and seminars. You get to learn a lot as you walk around.
We are history buffs and love learning about these things.
Even those who don’t are going to like checking out the best art museums in London.
Since there are so many options to choose from, we know you are going to be looking for the top art museums in London to go to.
Here are our favorite art museums in London and what makes them special.
Best London Art Museums
Barbican Art Gallery
The charm and modernity of the Barbican Art Gallery is going to draw you in.
We were immediately mesmerized by its elements including the bright colors seen throughout the location. This is one of the premier art galleries in London and is going to woo you instantly. Just being able to walk around looking at the wide array of art exhibits is going to blow you away.
This is one art gallery in London that is appreciated by all types of artists including photographers. You will often see modern art pieces spread throughout this art gallery and that is what appeals to art lovers like us.
The Whitechapel Gallery
This art gallery has a historical touch to it since it’s been around for over 100+ years.
Just being able to walk through this gallery is like walking through a historical exhibit. You are going to be in awe of its intricate details along with the inclusion of modern art pieces throughout the museum.
It’s an enthralling experience to come to this part of London and check out top-tier art pieces from some of the finest artists in the world.
Dulwich Picture Gallery
The history of the Dulwich Picture Gallery is what makes it stand out.
It is home to some of the rarest art pieces in London including works from Canaletto and Gainsborough. Being able to take a look at these pieces is going to impress and will highlight why this is a must-see location for art lovers.
WE found it to be a fascinating location with gorgeous art pieces.
Serpentine Galleries
This is situated in Hyde Park and it’s a great art gallery to check out when you’re in the area.
It’s common for tourists to add this to their itinerary when they are in town because it’s easy to walk through and you can take a look at a myriad of art exhibitions here. It’s common for modern artists to have their works set up at the Serpentine Galleries.
We took the time to go to this location and it was a lot of fun. It was compact but full of life.
Tate Britain
Tate Britain is appreciated for having the best local art pieces due to the sheer number of them in one place.
If you are someone who is passionate about Britain’s vast art history, you are going to want to go to Tate Britain. This is an exemplary art gallery that has a little bit of everything including beautiful classical paintings from previous eras.
We found this to be an excellent experience.
National Portrait Gallery
Portraits are always a great way to appreciate the finer elements and skills of artists and that’s what you are going to get to see at full display here.
The National Portrait Gallery is the real deal.
It’s an outstanding art gallery that has been designed with a purpose. You are going to be looking at a gorgeous gallery that has pieces from centuries ago all in one place.
We love taking a look at these portraits because you are often going to recognize some of the faces that are on display here.
Saatchi Gallery
This art gallery is located in the opulent Chelsea and it’s fun to get to explore what the location has to offer when you’re here.
We loved the Saatchi Gallery because it had rare pieces from around the world.
It was nice to take a look at the nuances of these pieces.
The National Gallery
This is often one of the first art galleries in London that you are going to want to take a look at. It’s known around the world due to its collection of art pieces.
You are going to be looking at pieces from renowned artists such as Van Gogh here and that alone makes it worth checking out. The rarity of these pieces and being able to see them is going to blow you away.
We were in awe as soon as we walked into this gorgeous art gallery.
Tate Modern
Tate Modern is one of those art galleries where you are going to admire the various art pieces and also get to explore the area around it.
It is close to the river and that allows you to gain a good vantage point of this beautiful part of London.
Anyone that is serious about enjoying the natural beauty of London along with learning about top artists through their art pieces will want to come here.
Royal Academy of Arts
Being able to take a look at the adored Michelangelo sculpture here is something you will want to come to the Royal Academy Arts for.
It’s a breathtaking exhibition and just a part of what makes this gallery special.
We adored our time here because the exhibitions are rare, fun, and properly done. You are going to get to learn a lot when you are here and the gallery has been around since the 1700s.
Hayward Gallery
It’s always important to list the Hayward Gallery when it comes to good art galleries in London.
We appreciated what this location had to offer because it was more geared towards contemporary exhibits. This is interesting for those who want to take a look at some of the more recent works that are out there.
This appeals to your desire to learn about these galleries and see what is out there.
Final Thoughts
These are the top London art museums for you to check out in London.
We recommend going to a few of these art galleries and learning more about them. You are going to enjoy your time here and all that is on offer.
Feel free also to read our take on houses in London and staying in London’s Blackheath.
Amanda Harper is a travel enthusiast with 10+ years of traveling experience across the planet. Her passion for writing and travel makes her a walking bibliography on modern-day tourism.