10 Awesome Free Art Galleries You Should Totally Check Out in London
January 2nd, 2024
London, a city that is full of free things to do, always has something to offer. The capital is home to some seriously cool art galleries and the best part? Many of them are absolutely free! If you're a fan of art and don't want to break the bank, here's a list of 10 must-visit art spots in London that will make your wallet (and your inner art enthusiast) very happy.
1. Guildhall Art Gallery – A Hidden Art Sanctuary
Location: Guildhall Yard, EC2V 5AE
Tucked away in the heart of the City of London, the Guildhall Art Gallery is a small art gallery in London that you must visit. But don't mind the size because the gallery has got everything you need. From jaw-dropping Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces to contemporary art that'll make you ponder. This place is a gem. ( P.S it also has got the city’s only Roman Amphitheatre! )
2. Tate Modern – Art with a View
Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG
Imagine exploring cutting-edge contemporary art inside a converted power station. The Tate Modern offers just that. And don't miss the breathtaking view of London from the Switch House's viewing level. It's Instagram gold!
3. National Gallery – For the European Art Fan
Location: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
The National Gallery is where you can immerse yourself in the world of European paintings. We're talking da Vinci, van Gogh, and Monet, among others. And guess what? You can do it all for free!
4. Saatchi Gallery – The Future of Art Today
Location: Duke of York's HQ, King's Road, SW3 4RY
Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea is your go-to spot for mind-blowing contemporary art. This place is a launchpad for up-and-coming artists, and their exhibitions will leave you thinking for days.
5. Whitechapel Gallery – Art on the Edge
Location: 77-82 Whitechapel High St, E1 7QX
Whitechapel Gallery is all about the future of art. They showcase emerging talents and push the boundaries of contemporary art. It's like a sneak peek into what's coming next in the art world.
6. British Museum (Late Night Adventures)
Location: Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG
Want to experience the British Museum in a way that's a little different? Try one of their late-night museum experiences. You'll get to explore history and culture in peace, away from the daytime hustle and bustle. It is a more private experience that is available to all visitors for free every Friday!
7. Serpentine Galleries – Art in the Park
Location: Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA and Hyde Park, W2 3XA
Serpentine Galleries are nestled in two of London's most beautiful parks. They're all about contemporary art, and the settings couldn't be more idyllic.
8. The Wallace Collection – Art and Opulence
Location: Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN
The Wallace Collection is a grand mansion filled with European art, decorative arts, and armor. It's like stepping into a royal palace, and the art inside is equally majestic.
9. The Courtauld Gallery – A Work in Progress
Location: Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 0RN
The Courtauld Gallery is currently undergoing some sprucing up, but when it's open, you'll be treated to a treasure trove of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
10. The Photographers' Gallery – Picture Perfect
Location: 16-18 Ramillies St, W1F 7LW
If you're all about photography, don't miss The Photographers' Gallery. They've got a mix of contemporary and historical photography exhibitions that'll capture your imagination.
So there you have it, 10 awesome and free art galleries in London that are just waiting for you to explore. Whether you're into classic art or the cutting-edge, London has something for every art lover. And hey, if you're up for an out-of-the-ordinary art experience, don't forget to check out the late-night visits at the British Museum. It's an adventure you won't soon forget!
