Image: David Holt, Flickr
Indulge your artistic side while visiting London. There is a gallery for everyone’s creative tastes. This city has been blessed with many superb spots for art, but let’s take a look at the very finest galleries in London.
Putting a Face to the Name
National Portrait Gallery
Located in Trafalgar Square, this gallery offers permanent displays as well as a wide variety of exhibitions and free events. Here, you will find the largest collection of portraits in the world. Portraits are presented in both paintings and sculptures, and you will be able to put a face to the many kings, queens, musicians and movie stars from the Middle Ages to today.
The National Portrait Gallery has the best view and rooftop restaurant in London.
For Those with Contemporary Tastes
Saatchi Gallery
The Saatchi Gallery was named after its owner Charles Saatchi, and will be renamed after his retirement. The new name will be Museum of Contemporary Art.
This incredible gallery holds donated work by Saatchi, as well as international and young artists who are rarely exhibited in Britain.
The Saatchi Gallery is also known for its Gallery Mess Bar and Cafe. The atmosphere, setting and food is supplied by Rhubarb Food Design. Its fresco terrace is great for lunch, dinner or simply drinks.
Image: mari_fish / Instagram
International Flavour
Barbican Art Gallery
As part of the Barbican Centre for arts and conferences, the Barbican Art Gallery is home to major exhibitions of international, prize-winning and world-acclaimed architects. It is one of two galleries at this location.
Programmes are always changing between photography, design and fine art exhibitions. Admission charges vary so it is recommended to check before arrival.
A must see while visiting Barbican Art Gallery, is Barbican’s Curve. It is a space full of fresh, new art commissions created just for this particular space.
Brutally Artistic
Hayward Gallery
This uniquely designed gallery is part of the Southbank Centre. Its spectacular concrete structure is the only gallery in the world with the Brutalist style of architecture. Londoners seem to have a love or hate relationship with the building, but outside looks don’t really matter once you see what’s inside.
The galleries are full of the works by contemporary and exciting names of modern artists. Exhibiting such innovative artists is what the Hayward Gallery is known for. It also offers a variety of events, workshops and talks throughout Southbank Centre.
Everyone’s Gallery
National Art Gallery
This gallery is the biggest jewel in Trafalgar Square’s crown. It has over 2000 Western European paintings on display. The paintings range in creation from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. Rembrandt, Renoir, Botticelli and Van Gogh have works here, as well as Turner, Gainsborough and Leonardo da Vinci.
There are special events, lectures and exhibitions for all seasons. Guided tours, audio-visual and video programs are always available for guests.
Learning about, and admiring art is always more enjoyable when you share it with those close to you. One way to make it more fun, is to have a tour experience. TRULY and the National Gallery have paired up to bring you a private tour for you and nine others. You will be able to admire famous art from any of six tour themes.
A three-course meal awaits your group in a private dining room at the double Michelin star restaurant, the Square. You can enjoy it, before or after your tour.
Art of a Nation:Private Tour and Lunch