33 best museums in London – list, photo, description, prices 2021, map
The capital of Great Britain offers its guests an exciting and meaningful cultural travel program. Indelible impressions from your stay in London leave walks in numerous museums and galleries. Here, every tourist will find interesting educational institutions of various thematic areas. Museums in London amaze visitors with a magnificent wealth of expositions. They are a reflection of the cultural heritage of all mankind. During the heyday of the British Empire, valuable works of art and ancient artifacts were brought to London from all over the world. Most museums will delight tourists with free accessibility.
British museum
The British Museum has numerous historical and archaeological expositions reflecting the colonial past of England from the time of Ancient Egypt to the present day. Many exhibits presented today in the museum were donated by famous people or purchased by the administration at auctions. However, among them there are those that appeared “from the back door”. The Greeks and Egyptians are still trying to return architectural masterpieces and archaeological finds that, as they believe, do not belong to Great Britain. The British Museum is associated among tourists not only with a rich collection of various exhibits, but also with a building in the style of classicism – with columns and a modern glass dome in the courtyard, which has become one of the symbols of London in the 21st century.
As for the museum galleries, they feature a huge number of artifacts. All expositions are divided into thematic zones. The most interesting collections are ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman, but others are also of interest. For example, numismatic, which is a collection of coins from different times from around the world. Separately, it is worth mentioning the art department. It is not too big, but boasts works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt and many other famous artists.
Interestingly, the staff includes not only traditional workers, but also six cats, whose duties include catching mice. There is a chance to meet unusual employees during the tour. Located at Great Russell Street, London. Its doors are open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. There is no need to pay for admission – you can get acquainted with the history of Britain and not only for free.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
When Arthur Conan Doyle created his legendary work about the detective Sherlock Holmes, he could hardly have imagined that in a couple of hundred years house number 221 would appear on Baker Street, in the distant 19th century there were a little more than a hundred, and even more so – that this address would be one of the most famous in London. Today, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, opened in 1900, attracts thousands of tourists. It is housed in a Victorian mansion, carefully designed by modern architects from book descriptions. All interiors have been restored in the same way.
The space of the four-story cottage is organized a little differently than it was described by Arthur Conan Doyle in his book; the tourist popularity of this place affected the location of the rooms. On the ground floor, in addition to the ticket offices, there is a fairly large gift shop. The second floor is the chambers of the famous detective.
The third floor is occupied by the rooms in which Dr. Watson and the maid Mrs. Hudson lived – Sherlock's indispensable assistant in domestic matters. By the way, it is she who meets the guests and introduces them to the master's possessions. The fourth floor of the mansion has nothing to do with the detective; busts and sculptures of heroes from other works by Arthur Conan Doyle are collected here. Address – Baker Street, 221 b. However, attentive guests will surely notice a discrepancy, it is located in house 239. The exposition is open daily from 9-30 to 18-00, it closes exclusively on Christmas.
London Pass: Free admission to 60 attractions – £69
Harry Potter: Drive and Warner Brothers Studio Tour – £77
Harry Potter: Warner Bros. Studio tour with transfer – £83
Hop-on hop-off bus tour – £32
Ticket to Windsor Castle – £21.20
Ticket to the Tower of London and Royal Treasure Exhibition – £26.80
View from the Shard – entrance ticket and champagne – £ 24.95
Cruise on the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich – £ 12
Saatchi Gallery
The Saatchi Gallery is one of the most unusual British museums. Everything here is amazing – from the expositions to the building in which they are located. After all, the former barracks can hardly be called the best place to get acquainted with art. The gallery got its name in honor of the founder, art dealer Charles Saatchi. It was he who decided to make his personal collection of contemporary paintings public. Today, Saatchi boasts not only permanent, but temporary exhibitions, some of which are a real sensation among both visitors and critics. And not always in the positive sense of the word.
Going to the gallery, you should prepare to experience a variety of emotions – from delight and admiration to bewilderment and disgust. After all, how else can you relate to the works of Mark Quinn – heads cast from frozen blood? Or an animal cut up in formaldehyde by Demian Hirst? Unfortunately or fortunately, these exhibitions are already in the past and it will not be possible to visit them today. But there are others – no less shocking and shocking.
Causing controversy among critics and interest among ordinary people, even those not related to art. What you will be lucky to see on the day of your visit is a mystery. The gallery is located at Duke of York's HQ, King's Road. Its doors are open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. The box office, where you can get a ticket for free, closes half an hour earlier, at 17-30.
Tate Gallery
The Tate Gallery is the best place to get acquainted with the art of Great Britain. Here are the works of various authors, from the 16th century to modern ones. It was started by the industrialist Henry Tate, who decided to make his personal collection public. All works are systematized in chronological and thematic order, for ease of perception. After all, the variety of dates, styles and names can make even experienced connoisseurs dizzy. Portraits, landscapes, everyday sketches, mysticism … everyone will surely be able to find a canvas to their liking.
2000 was a year of change for the Tate. Her collection has grown so much that the old building on Trafalgar Square is no longer enough. So there was a branch of the Tate Modern on the opposite bank of the Thames. An extraordinary and original room was chosen for it, and the museum housed a power plant in it. Gradually, this place has become a cult among contemporary art lovers around the world. But even if you are indifferent to paintings, it is still worth visiting the Tate Gallery.
At least for a ride on a boat that runs between branches on the Thames, and a cup of coffee in a panoramic cafe under the roof of the Tate Modern. Located at London, Millbank, Tate Britain, its modern branch is opposite St. Paul's Cathedral. Both of them work from 10-00 to 17-50. The first Friday of each month is a “long” day, the doors are open until 20-00. December 24-26 are days off. You don't have to pay for entry. But for a trip on a boat, if it is included in the plans, you will have to.
Charles Dickens House Museum
Charles Dickens is one of the most famous English writers. He wrote such works as the adventures of Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and many others. Guests of the museum dedicated to the literary genius can get acquainted not only with his work, but also with the life of a traditional family of the Victorian era. So what can you see? First of all – the dining room, where the whole family gathered. The Victorian-style china plates depict the writer and his friends. Also on the ground floor there is a bedroom with a large canopy bed, a kitchen and a living room.
The second floor is the real realm of Dickens, his study with a dressing room. Here, as if two hundred years ago, there is a table and a chair where works were created, which the whole world soon learned about, the first editions of books and even manuscripts lie. The walls of the study and other rooms of the museum are decorated with paintings depicting old London. The Dickens House Museum is located at 48 Doughty Street. Its doors are open from 10-00 to 17-00, tickets at the box office stop selling an hour earlier. Their cost is £9. But on holidays the exhibition is closed.
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Museum “Cupids of London”
In order to feel happy, a person must not only discover new things, receive vivid emotions and impressions, but also be able to relax and be liberated. The best place in the British capital for this is the Cupid Museum in London. The exposition, solemnly opened in 2007, attracted the attention of tourists, local residents, and the press. After all, Paris is traditionally considered the city of love, free and a little depraved. London is much more modest in this respect. But, nevertheless, a museum dedicated to erotica, sex and love, nevertheless appeared here.
Its exposition presents paintings, things, as well as interactive exhibits created thanks to modern computer technology: touch screens, multimedia equipment. The organizers of the museum also took care of the lighting – red tones add mystery and even a touch of passion. After getting acquainted with the expositions, you can continue to relax in the cafe, where they offer cocktails made from aphrodisiacs. They, according to bartenders, add sexuality to anyone, stimulate attraction and even increase sexual activity.
Those who wish can not only visit the exposition, but also get a consultation from a sexopathologist for an additional fee. One of the most controversial museums in London is located near Piccadilly Circus, at 13 Coventry Street. It is open from 11-00 to 00-00. During the day, until 17:00.
Westminster Abbey Museum
Westminster Abbey is not only the main cathedral of the country, but also one of the symbols of London. The building in the Gothic style recalls the affairs of bygone days and the traditions of old England. By the way, do not get lost if suddenly somewhere it is designated as the cathedral church of St. Peter – this is the second name of the abbey. In the underground room, which is considered one of the oldest in the entire complex, there is a small but very interesting museum dedicated to the history of the shrine.
Fragments of sculptures and frescoes, funeral statues of members of the royal family and even thrones on which monarchs were crowned. All this can be seen here, the exhibits reflect not only the history of the church, but of the whole of England. The museum has a small souvenir shop where you can take pictures and buy something for memory. By the way, you can enter it from the street without buying entrance tickets.
There is quite a lot of Westminster stuff in London – a chapel, a palace, a cathedral. All these objects should not be confused, let alone united, they exist autonomously from each other, both historically and territorially. The abbey is located at Deans Yd, 20. You can visit it from 10-30 to 16-00 on any day except Sunday, when only parishioners are allowed to enter. However, it is better to clarify the opening hours before the visit, since the church is active and services can be held in it.
Entrance ticket to Westminster Abbey and audio guide – £20
Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum is dedicated to the arts and crafts not only in England, but throughout the world. It was founded in 1851 on the initiative of Queen Victoria, and her husband, Prince Albert, did a lot to develop and replenish the collection, acquiring exhibits at his own expense. It was in honor of this couple that the museum got its name in the future.
Today it is among the twenty most popular on the planet. To say that the collection is rich and extensive is to say nothing. 51,000 square meters, 140 halls, more than 4 million exhibits. As a rule, tourists are limited to a cursory inspection, which begins with a collection dedicated to European art from different eras. Impressed by the works of Raphael and other famous people, you should not relax. After all, there are still quite a few interesting collections – architectural, Asian, book, dedicated to fashion. Many of them are called in a modern manner – departments.
Museum tours are completely free. It will take about an hour for a brief review, accompanied by a specialist. Special programs are offered for younger guests and their parents. The cradle of arts and crafts is located in central London, on Cromwell Road. You can visit from 10-00 to 17-45 (on Fridays – until 20-00). Entrance, as well as excursions, is free.
Design Museum
Fans of creativity and everything unusual should definitely visit the London Design Museum. Founded relatively recently, it has already become a mecca for creative people from all over the world. Professionalism is combined with progressive ideas, and innovations with traditions and classics. The museum is located in a three-story building. On the ground floor there are cash desks, office space, an art cafe and a gift shop. All this, even the toilets, is decorated by famous designers in a very unusual style. The second and third floors are occupied by expositions, permanent and temporary.
They are devoted to different areas, but the “core” is made up of exhibits dedicated to the design of clothing and interiors. Moreover, both sketches and graphic sketches, as well as the final results of work, are presented. The room itself is also decorated in an original way and deserves attention. Under the roof there is an exposition dedicated to the history of design – from its very formation to the present. In addition, solemn events, conferences, seminars and classes for children are held here.
It is located at Shad Thames, 28. Visitors are expected daily, from 10-00 to 17-45.
Museum of Natural History
The London Natural History Museum is dedicated to nature – its past, present and even a little future. It consists of two parts – research, where scientists work and conduct scientific research (many years ago, Charles Darwin himself worked here), and the exhibition itself, which is open to visitors. It resembles the scenery for the films and Harry Potter and Night at the Museum. Although, of course, they were not filmed here.
The expositions are divided into several “color zones”. The blue one, the most crowded, contains the skeletons of dinosaurs and other long-extinct animals. It is interesting for both children and adults. The green zone is not so large-scale; its expositions include birds, insects and plants. In red, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur every day. Not real ones, of course, but mock-ups. In addition, here you can get acquainted with the “mineral diversity” of our planet. The orange zone is dedicated to the work of Charles Darwin.
There are laboratories where everyone can participate in real scientific experiments. Of course, this entertainment is aimed at children. Little visitors are given priority here in every sense. Located at Cromwell Road, Natural History Museum. You can visit it on any day (except Christmas holidays) from 10-00 to 17-50. On the last Friday of the month – until 22-30. Entrance to the main exhibition is free.
Cutty Sark Ship Museum
The British are reverent and careful about everything connected with their history. It is not surprising that the ship with the mystical name Cutty Sark, named after the Scottish witch, the heroine of the work of Robert Burns, is perfectly preserved and delights visitors not only with its appearance, but also, so to speak, with its interiors.
Sailors traditionally believe in omens. From the very beginning, they believed that a ship with a mystical and frightening name was not destined for a long life. However, for more than a dozen years it has plied the expanses of the seas and oceans, transporting tea from China to Europe, and has been perfectly preserved to this day. True, in 2007 there was a serious fire, after which restoration work lasted until 2012. Today, Cutty Sark welcomes visitors again. Here you can walk along the decks, look into the holds and even visit the underwater part. It is she who makes the biggest impression on visitors.
An excellent end to the tour will be lunch, well, or an afternoon snack, in the “sea” cafe. And in the souvenir shop you can buy something for memory. Located on the Thames, at Greenwich, King William Walk. You can go up to the deck on any day from 11-00 to 17-00.
Transport Museum
Double-decker tourist buses are one of the symbols of London, its visiting card in the tourist world. They and not only can be seen in the Museum of Transport. Its exposition is quite extensive and occupies a large three-story building. Each of the floors is dedicated to a particular topic. The first one is the so-called organizational one. There are cash desks, office space, a cafe and a souvenir shop where you can buy something for memory. In addition, young visitors will certainly be interested in the hall with mock-ups, where everything can be not only touched, but also tested in action. However, no matter how interesting it is below, everything interesting lies ahead.
The second floor of the museum is dedicated to the history of the world's first subway. It is not difficult to guess that he appeared in London. Here you can see how the subway was built by hand, how new stations appeared and how the scheme of lines and train traffic changed over the years. The third floor is dedicated to land transport. Literally everything related to traffic is presented here – from horse-drawn carts to those very legendary double-decker buses.
You can clearly see how the streets of the British capital have changed over the years. Address: pl. Covent garden. Open daily, from 10-00 to 18-00 (on Fridays it opens an hour later, from 11-00). Children under 16 can visit the exhibition for free.
Madame Tussauds museum
One of the world famous and popular cultural places in London is the wax museum named after the famous sculptor Madame Marie Tussauds. It was founded in 1835 and has been the most visited attraction in the British capital ever since. The modern building of the famous museum, located at the Baker Street subway station, has a characteristic high green dome. The exposition of the complex is divided into thematic halls, which exhibit the greatest collection of wax figures of famous artists, musicians, politicians, athletes and various historical figures.
The skillful detailing of the images, the naturalness of the sculptures, the painstaking work of the artists and the similarity with the original delight the audience. Tourists are given the opportunity to take memorable photos with their idols and even touch them with their hands. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Usain Bolt, Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, Johnny Depp, John Travolta, Charlie Chaplin, David Beckham, Bruce Willis, Queen Elizabeth, Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill, Princess Diana – this is not a complete list of celebrities, which can be seen in the museum.
Regardless of the type of activity of prominent people, the exhibition of the London institution is regularly updated with new sculptures. Accepts guests from 9:00 to 19:00. The ticket price will cost each visitor £29.
Ticket to Madame Tussauds – £29
National Gallery
A magnificent collection of art works is located in the National Art Gallery in London. An imposing gray building with a massive portico, powerful columns and a huge dome rises on Trafalgar Square. More than 2,000 paintings by famous masters of art from all over the world are exhibited in the elegantly decorated interiors of the premises. The collection consists of masterpieces created since the 13th century. Gallery visitors can clearly see how the trends and technical features of writing the immortal works of genius by great artists have changed over the course of many centuries.
Among the examples of the art of painting, paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caspar Friedrich, Titian, Rembrandt, Bartolomeo Murillo, Carlo Crivelli and other masters of their era deserve special attention. The National Gallery in London has an impressive collection of Orthodox icons from the Byzantine, Greek and Russian schools of writing. Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00 and until 21:00 (on Fridays). Entrance is completely free.
Tate Modern Gallery
In a colorful five-story building of a former power plant on the banks of the River Thames, there is a gallery of modern art – Tate Modern. The cult place is of interest to lovers of abstract, avant-garde and innovative creativity. The industrial structure is crowned with a hundred-meter chimney and a glass roof. Curious paintings, photographs, exhibits, installations and sculptures are exhibited in the halls with high ceilings against the background of dark bricks. Here, many art objects produce an ambiguous impression, bewilderment, and sometimes even cause irritation. Nevertheless, the collection involves visitors in understanding the current problems of society.
The gallery contains more than 70 thousand works by various artists, including Picasso, Malevich, Monet, Warhol and other masters of abstract art. Basically, the fund of the institution consists of world masterpieces of surrealism created during the 20th century. Open every day from 10:00 to 18:00 (Sunday-Thursday) and until 21:00 (Friday-Saturday). Visiting the exposition is free.
Institute of Contemporary Arts
In the business district of the capital of Britain is the Institute of Contemporary Art. This is a prestigious exhibition platform, where exhibits of new trends in the visual arts are presented to the public. The institution was founded in 1946 by collectors, writers and critics. The creative intelligentsia wanted to open here a place for holding workshops for artists who could express their creative ideas outside the existing limits of classical art standards.
The Institute of Contemporary Art has a gallery, a cinema, a bookstore and a café. Visitors are shown an exposition that promotes the avant-garde, provocative and marginal direction in creativity. These are paintings, sculptures, performances, video installations. Concerts are often held here. The entrance is free. The gallery is open from 12:00 to 23:00.
Wallace Collection
The curiosity of tourists will be satisfied by the contemplation of a unique collection of masterpieces of art by one of the revered English marquises – Sir Richard Wallace. The museum is based on the richest private collection of paintings, medieval weapons, fine sculptures, antique furniture and many decorative and applied items. The exhibits amaze the audience with their performance and splendor. Valuable artefacts were bequeathed by the Marquess of the British Nation for all to see.
The exhibits are stored in the Wallace family mansion, built in the 18th century. An impressive collection of works of art is exhibited in 25 rooms among luxurious interiors that embody the aristocratic residence of the Victorian era. The preserved cozy atmosphere makes visiting the museum akin to coming to visit Sir Wallace personally.
Tourists can get aesthetic pleasure from admiring a wide variety of paintings written by the greatest masters of their time. These are the creations of Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, van Dyck, Canaletto, Boucher and many other artists. Samples of carved furniture dating back to the 17th century, as well as golden caskets, beautiful sculptures and porcelain items attract attention. Receives guests daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Free admission.
Harry Potter Museum
True fans of the legendary story of the young wizard Harry Potter will be very interested in visiting the museum of the same name, located near London. This is a whole complex consisting of huge pavilions with stunning decorations, various buildings and props. Hundreds of detailed locations, costumes of heroes, recognizable artifacts immerse tourists in the wonderful world of fairy tales and adventures.
Film City is home to the latest productions of the iconic Harry Potter films. Museum guests will discover the secrets of creating spectacular scenes with special effects. Tourists can expect Hogwarts study halls, Dumbledore's office, the famous platform 9 ¾, Diagon Alley and many other familiar places from the franchise.
Tickets can only be purchased on the museum's official website. Their cost for adults is 43 pounds sterling, for children from 5 to 15 years old – 35 pounds. The Harry Potter Museum welcomes its guests every day from 8:30 (Saturday, Sunday) and from 9:30 (Monday-Friday) to 22:00.
Geoffrey Museum
The Jeffrey Museum is located in an old two-story building of the former almshouse of the 18th century, where guests of the British capital can get acquainted with the history of the development of English domestic life. The exhibition reflects the changes in the housing arrangement of the middle class in London. The collection clearly demonstrates how people's taste preferences about the comfort, style and design of their apartments were formed. In eleven small halls, residential apartments of different time periods are recreated, from 1600 to the present day.
Particular attention is paid to furniture and arts and crafts. The walls and ceilings are decorated with original patterned ornaments, drawings, oak panels or wallpaper. Visitors will see carved chairs, tables and cabinets, as well as fireplaces, textile samples, crockery, vases, candlesticks, boxes and other interior accessories.
Doors are open from Tuesday to Sunday. Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00. Free admission. Touching the exhibits is strictly prohibited. There is a picturesque garden around, where tourists can walk along the green lawn under the crowns of trees.
Imperial War Museum
The majestic building with a massive dome and an Ionic portico-entrance houses numerous military exhibits. It is noteworthy that until 1936 the historic building belonged to the Royal Psychiatric Hospital. The collection is dedicated to the military conflicts of the 20th century, in which the army of the British Empire took part. Around the complex there is a well-groomed park. A giant model of a double-barreled artillery gun was installed on its territory. Here you can also see the monument to Soviet soldiers who fell in World War II.
Exhibition pavilions are filled with tanks, aircraft, ballistic missiles, lightly armored vehicles and various types of weapons. Among the copies are English, Russian and German weapons. Skillfully created trenches with trenches, dugouts with barbed wire and command posts involuntarily transport visitors to the complex into the harsh reality of wartime. The exhibits of MI-6 intelligence, personal belongings of soldiers, unique archival documents and photographs deserve special attention.
Receives its guests daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Free admission.
Museum of London
It is impossible to pass by the informative, interactive and free local history museum of London. The institution invites its guests to follow the rich history of one of the largest European capitals in chronological order. The exposition covers time periods from the Stone Age to the present day. Tourists can visit the institution every day from 10:00 to 18:00.
The fund impresses with its diversity. Here are numerous artifacts of archaeological excavations, including stone axes, axes, spears, swords, arrows, jewelry, personal belongings of Roman legionnaires, skulls of primitive people and much more. Of interest is the collection of classic dresses, costumes, photographs, paintings, dishes, toys, as well as household items. The jewel of the collection is the gilded carriage of one of the venerable lords of Britain, made in 1757.
The halls recreate the quarters of old London with shops, workshops, bank branches, bakeries, taverns, hairdressers and ateliers. Visitors will learn how once the townspeople baked bread, processed metal, sewed clothes and used ancient tools. Impressive LED screens show videos from the history of the city.
Museum of Science
It is an entertaining and fascinating place that attracts the attention of a huge number of tourists. The galleries of the five-story building house more than 300,000 exhibits. All of them belong to the highest achievements of the human mind. An impressive collection is devoted to scientific activities in the field of space, technology, medicine, chemistry and industry. Genuine interest among the audience is caused by unique steam engines, engines, aircraft, computers, rare cars, space equipment, rockets, various mechanisms, household appliances and other inventions.
Models are made in natural size. The museum presents interactive exhibits that clearly demonstrate how a particular device looks like from the inside. A separate hall is filled with medical instruments of labor of doctors of the past centuries. Here you can also get acquainted with modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
Tourists will be curious to study some physical phenomena with the help of simple experiments, as well as to explore the capabilities of the human body and sense organs. Innovative virtual reality technologies offer visitors to feel like an astronaut, travel through the expanses of the Universe and visit a space station.
Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Entrance to the complex is free. Voluntary donations are welcome.
Horror Museum
The London Dungeon, which means “London Dungeon”, is an original combination of a museum, a quest and a theatrical production. The popular attraction is designed to immerse non-nervous tourists into the gloomy atmosphere of medieval torture, bloody crimes and criminal events from the history of the British capital. Impressions from what is happening are enhanced by special effects, soundtracks, fetid odors, excellent scenery and actors dressed in historical costumes.
Visitors will become unwitting participants in a comic and sometimes creepy performance. In the labyrinths of the dungeon, in dim light, you will find executioners with axes, leprous victims of the plague, wandering dead, serial killers and maniacs. Each of them will be able to greatly tickle the nerves of tourists. The audience will see corpses with their throats cut and their intestines released. Numerous devices for committing torture are catching up with fear.
Guests will have the opportunity to wander through the fire-torn neighborhoods and tunnels, visit Sweeney Todd's hairdresser, hide from Jack the Ripper, go on a decrepit boat in complete darkness to the scaffold. Tourists will be sentenced to death by hanging, which will end with a sharp fall into a special mine. No one will suffer, but everyone will remain under a strong impression.
“London Dungeon” welcomes its guests every day from 10:00 to 16:00 (on weekdays) and until 18:00 (Saturday, Sunday). Ticket price online through the museum's official website is 21 pounds.
Wellington Museum
Next to the famous Hyde Park in London rises a classic mansion, decorated with a Corinthian portico and lined with limestone. Duke and great commander Arthur Wellington lived in this building. He became famous not only for his military courage, but also for collecting masterpieces of art.
Today, the luxurious halls of the mansion house a museum. Valuable art trophy canvases captured by Wellington during military campaigns against the French are exhibited here. The primordial aristocratic interior of the premises gives a special entourage for enjoying the works of painting. The exposition is filled with works by such masters as Rubens, Velasquez, van Dyck, Caravaggio, Goya, Murillo and many other artists. In addition to the art gallery, visitors to the museum will see exquisite furniture, as well as a collection of porcelain, silver, weapons and orders.
At the entrance, tourists are greeted by a three-meter statue of Napoleon, made by the famous sculptor Antonio Canova. The Emperor is represented in the guise of Mars the Peacemaker. The statue symbolizes the defeated enemy Arthur Wellington and reminds everyone of the merits of the British commander. Open from Wednesday to Sunday during the summer season (11:00-17:00) and from Saturday to Sunday during the winter season (10:00-16:00). The price of an adult ticket is 10 British pounds.
Klink Prison Museum
For thrill-seekers, the former Clink prison opens its gloomy doors, located near the banks of the Thames. The surviving basement houses a thematic museum. This terrifying place inspired fear in the inhabitants of London from the 12th century to 1780. Today, tourists flock here every day to tickle their nerves.
The founder of the prison was the Bishop of Winchester, distinguished by his cruelty towards prisoners. Debtors, brawlers, drunkards, heretics, thieves, harlots, as well as innocent people were sent to jail. The jailers extorted money from the arrested for food, candles and bedding.
The atmosphere of the cells of a medieval prison is recreated as authentically as possible. Visitors can see numerous instruments of torture, the principle of which makes the blood run cold. Wax figures of convicts and audio recordings of heartbreaking groans add to the eerie experience. Prison “Clink” receives its guests daily. From July to September it is open from 10:00 to 21:00. In the period October-June, viewing the exposition is limited until 18:00. The ticket price is £7.5.
Bank of England Museum
The Bank of England Museum is housed in a classic 18th-century building with columns, a portico and sculptures on its façade. The exposition of the institution reflects the history of the formation of the financial system of the state. Unique banknotes, royal coins, gold bars, original engravings, sculptures, IOUs and various documents are on display.
The museum fund has rare muskets and lances used in the old days by guards to protect the bank. Among the exhibits you can see various pieces of furniture. Noteworthy is a large iron chest that served as a safe. Of interest is the reconstruction of an old office building with wax figures dressed in historical attire. Available for visiting on weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00. Free admission.
Churchill Museum
Near St. James Park, under the Treasury building, there is a unique place – Winston Churchill's underground bunker. Here, at a depth of about five meters, during the German bombardment, an outstanding British statesman held a cabinet meeting and gave orders to the army. Since 1984, the bunker has been a museum, where Churchill's personal belongings and a considerable number of interesting exhibits are on display.
The interiors of the Prime Minister's headquarters have a rather ascetic and practical look, corresponding to wartime conditions. Massive steel blocks under the ceiling protected the shelter from shells. Tourists will see not only Churchill's office and apartments, but also working rooms for members of the government, signalmen, typists and various personnel. The rooms are filled with desks, chairs, beds and other attributes. In some rooms, wax mannequins mimic activity quite convincingly.
The collection showcases authentic documents, maps, telephones and clothing items used by Winston Churchill. Famous attributes are of interest: a box of smoking cigars, a cane, a top hat and a “butterfly” with polka dots. A notable exhibit of the complex is an interactive fifteen-meter table. Its sensory surface reflects information about all the details of the life of the great Briton. Open every day from 9:30 to 18:00.
Tea and Coffee Museum
The capital of Great Britain invites its guests to visit the tea and coffee museum. Tourists are given the opportunity to thoroughly get acquainted with the history and culture of consumption of these fragrant and favorite drinks of millions of people. The exposition consists of an impressive collection of priceless attributes related to the tea and coffee ceremony. In the halls you can see Chinese porcelain dishes, Japanese bowls, miniature cups, whisks for whisking tea leaves, sets painted with colorful ornaments, Russian meter-long samovars and much more.
The walls are decorated with picturesque engravings and paintings depicting scenes from the ritual of tea drinking. Teapots of various shapes, sizes and models are of particular delight. They are presented in the form of dragons, lions, cars, mailboxes, policemen, locomotives and pieces of furniture. Open every day from 10:00 to 18:00. The ticket price is £4.
Pollock Toy Museum
Offers tourists to plunge into the magical and carefree world of a good childhood. This place has prepared for its viewers a lot of wonderful impressions and pleasant surprises. Small rooms connected by spiral staircases are filled with charming dolls, designers, soldiers, puppets, cars, airplanes and all kinds of mechanical knick-knacks.
The museum is named after the famous master of toys and theatrical scenery of the Victorian era – Benjamin Pollock. Most of the exhibits are unique historical specimens. The exposition has wax, porcelain, plastic, wooden, fabric and even paper toys. Some dolls “live” in their amazing houses. Their miniature apartments are furnished with furniture and utensils. A separate showcase is dedicated to teddy bears, nesting dolls, as well as Dymkovo and carved Bogorodsk toys.
The toy exhibition can be visited on any day except Sunday. Works from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission is £5 for adults and £2 for children.
Museum of Childhood
The exhibits will certainly bring a lot of joyful emotions to adults and young travelers. In the huge galleries of the two-story pavilion, a collection of various toys from around the world is collected. These are dolls, puppets, soldiers, figurines of famous characters, robots, all kinds of board games, teddy bears, wooden horses, constructors, clockwork trains, cars and many other funny items. The Museum of Childhood is open daily from 10:00 to 17:45. Free admission.
The property of the foundation is the exposition of dollhouses displayed behind the glass showcases of the racks. Many of the models have an open view, allowing viewers to view miniature furniture, tiny crockery and appreciate the detailed interiors of miniature apartments. It is impossible to pass by exquisite toy porcelain sets. The diameter of cups and plates does not exceed five centimeters. The doll's tableware is covered with floral ornaments and colorful patterns.
Noteworthy items of children's clothing for boys and girls. Dresses and costumes of the 18th-19th centuries are presented. Rare wooden, ceramic and wax cute dolls amaze visitors with luxurious outfits, hand-embroidered a century ago. Delight is caused by mechanical toys – plying trains, dancing ballerinas, walking robots and moving figurines.
Sir John Soane Museum
It attracts tourists with an abundance of unique works of art. The apartments of the studio house where J. Soane lived and worked are literally cluttered with antiques. Here you can see fragments of architectural landmarks, antique marble and plaster frescoes, archaeological artifacts, sculptures, minerals, vases, pictorial engravings and much more.
The art collection contains rare paintings by Piranesi, Hogarth and Canaletto. The walls of the picture room are screens that lift up with the help of hinges, revealing new images. Thus, hundreds of paintings were placed in a small room. The main part of the manic collector's exposition was brought from Italy, Egypt and Greece. The exhibits are exhibited randomly in relation to the chronological sequence and cultures of civilizations of different eras.
Convex mirrors and colored window panes create an incredible atmosphere. Accepts guests from Wednesday to Sunday. Opening hours: 10:00-17:00. Visiting the exposition is free.
Whitechapel Gallery
In the mysterious London district of Whitechapel, where Jack the Ripper committed murders hundreds of years ago, there is an art gallery of avant-garde art and abstract expressionism. The museum was founded in 1901 and became one of the first publicly funded institutions. The gallery has gained wide popularity thanks to the exhibition of paintings by Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, Robert Crumb and other contemporary masters.
To date, the exhibition halls of the gallery exhibit outrageous and surreal sculptures, paintings and photographs. Of interest are unexpected and provocative performances that reflect the pressing social problems in society. The Whitechapel Gallery is open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm every day except Monday. Free admission.
Jack the Ripper Museum
The Jack the Ripper Museum is located among the old Victorian architectural ensemble of the Whitechapel area. In 1888, a mysterious serial killer terrified the locals in a not-so-prosperous area of London. Jack's victims were women of easy virtue, whom he ruthlessly cut, leaving no living space on the body.
The exhibits give tourists the opportunity to learn about the details of crime investigations, the victims of the maniac and the main suspects in the murders. Paintings, photographs and newspaper clippings hang on the walls, detailing the circumstances of the brutal atrocities. Museum visitors will go to the supposed room where Jack the Ripper lived. Here, numerous surgical instruments, medical bottles, clothing items and other artifacts will appear before them. Open every day from 9:30 to 18:30. The entry fee is £12.50.