Last Updated on March 10, 2025 by Karis Tavernier-Nicholas
One of the things I most love about my home city of London are all the free to enter museums and galleries there are. Whether you’re interested in the history of design or the history of science, there’s a museum for just about everyone and open to all, from Londoners to tourists alike. Although I was born and bred in London, I haven’t managed to visit all the museums I’d like to as yet, so this is in no way a complete guide to all the museums London has to offer.
If you’re visiting London for a short time, and unless you’re planning on spending an entire day at one of the larger museums, it’s also unlikely that you’ll see all it has on display – another reason to return! So here’s a list of just some of the free museums and galleries the capital has to offer so you can choose which ones you most want to see.
Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is probably my favourite museum that features on this list, and I’ve already written a more extensive guide about it here. The V&A is an assortment of museums dotted around the country; the one I’m referring to is located in South Kensington and is one of the three major museums on Exhibition Road. The museum is full of antique textiles, decorative arts and is a must see for those who love design.
The British Museum
Located on Great Russell street in Bloomsbury, the British Museum holds the largest collection of artefacts in the world, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. Covering all aspects of human knowledge, the museum first opened in 1759.
Imperial War Museum
Founded in the First World War, it documents wars through the eyes of those who experienced it. It’s great for kids as there are many interactive parts of the museum, and features some of the cars, planes and bomb shells used.
National Gallery
Set in the heart of Trafalgar Square, the art gallery holds an illustrious collection of paintings in the Western European tradition. Founded in 1824, the gallery is undoubtedly a must-see for art lovers as it plays host to paintings from the middle of the 13th century to 1900.
National Portrait Gallery
Adjoining the National Gallery, the Portrait Gallery plays host to 12,690 portraits of famous British people, telling the story of Britain through the centuries.
Tate Britain
The Tate Gallery
Tate Britain
Situated at Millbank, a short walk from Vauxhall Bridge, this museum features 500 years worth of British art, and holds the largest collection of JMW Turner’s works. A particular favourite artwork of mine that the Tate holds is John Singer Sargent’s ‘Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose’. In addition to the art, the architecture of the building is a beautiful sight too.
Tate Modern
Part of the ‘Tate’ collection of galleries, the Tate Modern is located on London’s Southbank. Featuring modern and contemporary art, it opened in 2000 in the former Bankside Power station. It’s collections include works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
Natural History Museum
A stone’s throw from the V&A, the Natural History Museum holds 70 million life and earth science specimens, including specimens collected by Charles Darwin.
Science Museum
Also located on Exhibition Road, the museum was founded in 1857 and holds over 300,000 objects. It seems you need a pre-booked ticket to enter the museum, although these tickets are free.
The Young V&A
The clue is in the name with this one – the Young V&A is great for children. It holds the largest collection of childhood toys in the UK, and is a place children can play and design.
Planning on visiting London soon? What museums and galleries will you be heading to?
