In London, you'll find almost every kind of museum and gallery you can imagine.Plus, you can enjoy these cultural treasures for free!This isn't something you'll find in other European cities.
I've picked the museums and galleries you have to see in the city.London's blessings are calling :)
Museums in London for free
#1 - British Museum
Among the first museums in the world, the British Museum records cultural history. The sale of Sir Hans Sloane's 71 thousand pieces of art to the British Parliament for 20,000 pounds in 1753 led to a search for a place to put them, which led to the museum being born.
Everyone who visits the museum can examine the works free of charge, thanks to Sir Sloane. That's why it's free.
There are 80 million pieces in the museum, but only 80 thousand are open to the public.
Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
#2 - Natural History Museum
Three of London's best free museums are in South Kensington: the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
Natural History Museum is one of London's most popular museums, with more than five million visitors a year. There's a giant blue whale "Hope" at the museum's entrance instead of the iconic dinosaur "Dippy". That's quite an impressive start!
Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
#3 - Victoria & Albert Museum
The Victoria & Albert Museum, or V&A for short, is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design and one of the best museums in London.
Founded in 1852, the museum's name comes from Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, the royal couple's legendary love affair.
Aside from fashion and design, if you're into sculpture, this is the place for you! This museum in South Kensington is so big it deserves more than two hours. There are more than 4 million artifacts in the museum.
You should definitely check out the store section, there's a ton of books.
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
#4 - Science Museum
The Science Museum is the place to go if you're into science.The interactive exhibits make it a great place for families with kids.It's a great place to learn stuff you didn't know before.From 1857 to now, it's still conveying valuable information to visitors with its magnificent collections.
Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
#5 - Queen's House
There are more than 450 works in the Queen's House, which is now an art gallery.
With its iconic tulip staircase (Tulip Stairs), Queen's House stands out as the first building to use British classical style.
There's a legend that this house also has a ghost!
Romney Rd, Greater, London SE10 9NF
#6 - Sir John Soane’s Museum
There was a time in British history called the Regency Era. George, Prince of Wales, ruled the state in the name of the king during this time. Even though it's a period of crisis for the monarchy, art and architecture have made great advances during this time.
It was during this time that etiquette was taught to the public and various studies were conducted to have society display more elegant and thoughtful behaviors, called "Regency Style". Sir John Soane is one of the first names that come to mind when you think of Regency Style.
Known as the "master of light and space" in architecture history, John Soane was a professor at the Royal Academy for many years.
In the heart of London, John Soane's house is now open to the public as a museum.
With its rich collection of paintings, architectural drawings, antique pieces, and sculptures, this museum is an inspiration to design and architecture students from all over the world.
13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP
#7 - The Wallace Collection
There's an impressive story behind the Wallace Collection, a world-renowned family collection in London. The fact that an idealist family built a museum and accumulated a rich collection for 5 generations is exemplary. Wallaces, a wealthy and highly educated family who lived between 1760 and 1880, only invested in the arts.
Over 120 years, this collection has amassed more valuable works than many national museums. Leaving the British nation with this great cultural wealth was a great gift.
Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
Galleries in London for free
#8 - Tate Modern
One of the world's best collections of modern and contemporary art can be found at London's most famous art gallery, Tate Modern. Since 2000, this gallery has displayed pieces from almost every period of the lives of great artists like Monet and Picasso.
Also, there's a cafe in the gallery with a great view! It's a very photogenic place, so you can just come here for fun. Rainy weather makes it look so much better.
Check out the books on sale in the shop section before you leave.
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
#9 - Tate Britain
The Tate Britain gallery showcases the world's biggest collection of British art and houses the UK's national artworks.Unlike Tate Modern, the museum has a much deeper history than its millennium sibling.Ever since Tate Britain opened in 1897, visitors have been able to see a huge collection of British art from the Tudor era.
Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
#10 - National Gallery
If you're only going to spend time in a few art galleries during your London trip, the National Gallery should be on your list, because it's one of the best in the world, not just in London.
One of London's most important squares is Trafalgar Square, where the gallery is located.
More than 2000 works date from the 1200s to the 1900s are on display at this gallery. From Botticelli to Rembrandt to Da Vinci to Monet to Van Gogh, all the big names are here.
Trafalgar Square London WC2N 5DN
Visit a museum efficiently by following these steps:
You can't see all the museums with big collections I mentioned above in a few hours. You could try visiting the museum by splitting it up into sections and days if you have enough time.
Choose a time and date when the museum is least busy: coincide with weekday opening hours.
Learn about the museum and the artifacts' history. You can find highlights sections on museums' websites, even just reading them will help.
Spend some time studying the works. There's no need to spend time on every object in the museum. Focus on topics you're interested in.
Check the museum's rules: some special exhibitions don't allow photos.
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