Come and open your mind by taking a visit to one of these fabulous London art galleries. Or visit all of them if you feel so moved: most are free to enter and offer a wonderful learning opportunity whether you go by yourself or take a group of friends.
Look, learn, soak up some culture and feed your mind and soul alike with some unforgettable cultural encounters.
Plus don’t forget to take an all-important selfie! You could win a London guide book if you remember to tag us on Instagram with @roe_southlands, using the hashtag #RoeLondonLife
1. Tate Modern
Some of the world’s most exciting, eye-catching, famous – and at times controversial – art works can be found in this vast gallery. No visit is complete without a quick stroll across the Millennium Bridge just outside the main entrance, crossing the Thames to St Paul’s Cathedral and more spectacular views.
Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
2. National Gallery
This is the big one. A veritable who’s who of the world’s greatest painters, The National Gallery takes central place in London’s art world. Literally so since it sits right in the centre of the city by Trafalgar Square. Two of Britain’s most iconic artworks can be seen here: The Hay Wain by John Constable and The Fighting Temeraire by JMW Turner, alongside countless other treasures from across the art world.
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
3. Hayward Gallery
If you haven’t been to the Southbank Centre, you are in for a treat – just a single train ride from local railway station Barnes takes you to Waterloo and this cultural hotspot on the south bank of the Thames. The Hayward Gallery is home to some eye-catching and provocative modern art and exhibitions; installations around the centre are free to view but you need to buy tickets to see the Hayward’s main exhibitions.
Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
4. The Courtauld Institute
Most people have to pay for entry – but not students or academic staff, who get free admission to this fine place of learning and culture. Booking is required in advance, even for free tickets, ensuring that you will have plenty of space to appreciate the amazing works on display in the charming galleries.
The Courtauld Institute of Art, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN
5. Dulwich Picture Gallery
A pretty part of south London, Dulwich makes for a pleasant day out, not least because of its famous art gallery. With paintings by star names including Rembrandt, Gainsborough and Canaletto, the gallery also hosts regular exhibitions. Access to the permanent collection is free for students with their valid ID card.
Gallery Road, Dulwich, London SE21 7AD
www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
6. Royal Academy of Arts
There’s only one statue by Michelangelo that is in the UK, and no surprises that it resides in this most polished of art establishments. Some areas of the gallery are free to enter, while the main exhibitions tend to be hugely popular – and usually need ticket booking in advance.
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD
7. Tate Britain
The world’s largest collection of British art is located in this elegant gallery on the banks of the Thames, a wonderful place to lose yourself for an afternoon browsing the landscapes and portraits from famous artists such as Turner and Constable.
Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain
8. The National Portrait Gallery
Right next door to the larger National Gallery (see above), this smaller neighbour is home to thousands of the finest portraits of the most famous people, a veritable gallery of royalty and stars – alongside paintings of everyday people, all gathered from the 16th century to the present day.
St Martin's Place, London WC2H 0HE
9. Serpentine Galleries
Beautifully set amid the lawns of Hyde Park, the two Serpentine Galleries make for a lovely restful experience in the leafy heart of London. Free to enter, the galleries host a remarkably varied series of exhibitions throughout the year, including outdoor sculptures and numerous educational activities and events.
Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
10. Saatchi Gallery
Contemporary art is rarely so well promoted and curated as it is in this huge gallery, which is particularly keen to promote young and international artists. With a range of exhibitions showcasing the latest and most talked about artists, be prepared to experience the shock of the new in this innovative exhibition space.
Duke of York's Building, Kings Road, London SW3 4SQ