If art’s your thing, then London should appear at the top of your list of places to visit in the UK. The city is replete with outstanding galleries.

From hi-tech newer venues especially designed to display publicly owned collections to majestic Victorian-era structures housing artworks owned by Britain’s Royal Family, London’s art galleries have something for everyone. In fact, all told, London boasts well over 1,500 permanent art collections, cementing the city’s reputation as one of the world’s leading cultural destinations.

To help you navigate your way around London’s rich and vibrant art scene, we’ve put together this list of the top art galleries in London, England.

1. National Gallery

The National Gallery in London is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit on the planet for anyone wanting to explore classic art. Located overlooking Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column, this vast neoclassical structure opened its doors in 1838 and has introduced countless visitors to some of the world’s top artists.

2. National Portrait Gallery

Located just around the corner from the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery in London houses an even larger collection of artwork. Among its over 4,500 paintings and drawings are portraits of some of the most important figures from British history, the oldest being a painting of King Henry VII dating from 1536.

Address: St. Martin’s Place, London

3. Tate Modern and Tate Britain

Straddling the banks of the River Thames and connected by the magnificent Millennium Bridge, a unique footbridge offering superb views over the river and city, are two of the most popular art galleries in London: Tate Modern and Tate Britain. While the original Tate Gallery opened in 1897, its collections grew to such an extent that it warranted opening a second venue.

4. The Serpentine Galleries

The largest of London’s four Royal Parks, Hyde Park is home to no less than two world-class art galleries. Opened in 1970, the Serpentine Gallery, now known as Serpentine South Gallery, features regular visiting exhibits of leading contemporary artists and their artwork. Past exhibits have showcased works by artists including Damien Hirst and Anish Kapoor, among many others.

Location: Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, London

5. The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace

Highlights include seeing around 450 examples from the Royal Collection’s more than 7,000 artworks and artifacts.

Recently renovated, the old chapel the gallery is set in is extremely photogenic and makes for a great selfie. Unlike most London art galleries, an admission fee is charged but provides good value for money. Guided tours are available, and a gift shop is located on-site.

Address: Buckingham Palace, London

6. Victoria and Albert Museum

Usually referred to simply as the V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum is located in London’s posh Knightsbridge neighborhood and is one of the city’s largest museums. It covers an area of 13 acres, and you can easily spend a day exploring the museum’s 145 individual galleries.

Address: Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge, London

7. Royal Academy of Arts

Among works in its permanent collection is Michelangelo‘s Taddei Tondo, an exquisite and important marble sculpture from 1504 that’s on display in the Collection Gallery.

The RAA’s annual summer exhibition is a must-see for art lovers and features new art from rising stars in the art world and provides an excellent opportunity to see more of the vast Burlington House complex in which the museum is set.

Address: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London

8. Hayward Gallery

Past artworks displayed have included contemporary statues by Antony Gormley, as well as paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and Edvard Munch. A shop and a café are located on the premises, and the Southbank Centre is home to a wide array of other dining and entertainment options.

Address: Belvedere Road, London

9. The Wernher Collection, Rangers House, Greenwich

10. Queen’s House, Greenwich

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