With website-addresses, street-addresses and Google Maps link
London boasts an impressive array of museums that cater to all interests. From iconic institutions like the British Museum and the Natural History Museum to hidden gems like the Cartoon Museum and the Museum of Brands, this list will help you plan your cultural adventure in one of the world’s greatest cities. Dive into the world of art, history, and science as we uncover the treasures of London’s most popular museums.
If you need to rest your legs. and have a refreshing drink and a snack: Seven rooftop bars to visit when in London!
Victoria and Albert Museum
What to Expect: The world's leading museum of art and design, featuring collections spanning 5,000 years, including fashion, textiles, ceramics, and sculptures.
Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Nearest Public Transportation: South Kensington (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines)
Website: Victoria and Albert Museum
Tate Modern
What to Expect: A contemporary art museum housed in a former power station featuring works by Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. The Turbine Hall hosts large-scale installations.
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Nearest Public Transportation: Southwark (Jubilee line), Blackfriars (District and Circle lines)
Website: Tate Modern
Tate Britain
What to Expect: Houses a significant collection of British art from the 16th century to the present, including works by Turner, Constable, and Blake.
Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
Nearest Public Transportation: Pimlico (Victoria line), Vauxhall (Victoria line)
Website: Tate Britain
National Gallery
What to Expect: Displays Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries, including works by Van Gogh, da Vinci, and Rembrandt.
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Nearest Public Transportation: Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines), Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
Website: National Gallery
Saatchi Gallery
What to Expect: Contemporary art gallery featuring works by emerging and established artists, often showcasing provocative and innovative pieces.
Address: Duke of York's HQ, King's Road, London SW3 4RY
Nearest Public Transportation: Sloane Square (District and Circle lines
Website: Saatchi Gallery
Wallace Collection
What to Expect: An opulent museum with 18th-century French paintings, furniture, and armour housed in a historic London townhouse.
Address: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
Nearest Public Transportation: Bond Street (Central and Jubilee lines), Baker Street (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines)
Website: Wallace Collection
Design Museum
What to Expect: Celebrates contemporary design in every form, from architecture and fashion to graphics and industrial design. Offers temporary exhibitions and events.
Address: 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG
Nearest Public Transportation: High Street Kensington (District and Circle lines)
Website: Design Museum
Dulwich Picture Gallery
What to Expect: England's first purpose-built public art gallery showcasing European Old Masters, including works by Rembrandt and Rubens. Beautiful gardens.
Address: Gallery Road, London SE21 7AD
Nearest Public Transportation: West Dulwich (National Rail)
Website: Dulwich Picture Gallery
Fashion and Textile Museum
What to Expect: Founded by designer Zandra Rhodes, the museum hosts exhibitions on fashion, textiles, and jewellery and offers courses and workshops.
Address: 83 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF
Nearest Public Transportation: London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern lines, National Rail)
Website: Fashion and Textile Museum
The Photographers' Gallery
What to Expect: The UK's leading centre for the exhibition and exploration of photography in all its forms. Exhibits feature contemporary and historical works by renowned photographers.
Address: 16-18 Ramillies Street, London W1F 7LW
Nearest Public Transportation: Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria, and Bakerloo lines)
Website: The Photographers' Gallery
British Museum
What to Expect: One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, showcasing a vast collection of art and artefacts spanning over two million years of human history, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
Nearest Public Transportation: Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern lines), Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines)
Website: British Museum
Museum of London Docklands
What to Expect: This museum focuses on the history of the River Thames and the growth of Docklands, exploring London’s role in global trade. It features interactive displays and exhibits on the sugar trade, slavery, and the development of the Docklands area from Roman times to the present day.
Address: No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL
Nearest Public Transportation: West India Quay (DLR), Canary Wharf (Jubilee line)
Website:Museum of London Docklands
Imperial War Museum
What to Expect: The museum focuses on conflicts involving Britain and the Commonwealth, with exhibits on World Wars and modern conflicts, including aircraft and tanks.
Address: Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ
Nearest Public Transportation: Lambeth North (Bakerloo line), Elephant & Castle (Northern and Bakerloo lines)
Website: Imperial War Museum
Postal Museum
What to Expect: The Postal Museum offers a fascinating look into the history of the British postal service, featuring interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and the opportunity to ride the underground Mail Rail. Visitors can learn about the development of communication, the role of the postal service in society, and the evolution of mail delivery technology.
Address: 15-20 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DA
Nearest Public Transportation: Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines), King’s Cross St Pancras (multiple lines)
Website:Postal Museum
National Maritime Museum
What to Expect: Part of the Royal Museums Greenwich, it covers British naval history, maritime art, and exploration and includes the famous Cutty Sark ship.
Address: Romney Road, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF
Nearest Public Transportation: Cutty Sark (DLR), Greenwich (National Rail and DLR)
Website: National Maritime Museum
Sir John Soane's Museum
What to Expect: The former home of the neoclassical architect Sir John Soane is filled with art, antiquities, and architectural models. It is a uniquely preserved historical house.
Address: 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP
Nearest Public Transportation: Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines)
Website: Sir John Soane's Museum
Museum of the Home
What to Expect: This exhibition traces the history of English domestic interiors from the 1600s to the present day. It features period rooms and beautiful gardens.
Address: 136 Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA
Nearest Public Transportation: Hoxton (Overground)
Website:Museum of the Home
Charles Dickens Museum
What to Expect: The author's former home is now a museum featuring manuscripts, personal items, and Victorian interiors. Offers insights into Dickens' life and works.
Address: 48 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX
Nearest Public Transportation: Russell Square (Piccadilly line), Chancery Lane (Central line)
Website: Charles Dickens Museum
Handel & Hendrix House
What to Expect: Celebrates the lives and works of composer George Frideric Handel and rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix in their former homes. Exhibits include personal artefacts and instruments.
Address: 25 Brook Street, London W1K 4HB
Nearest Public Transportation: Bond Street (Central and Jubilee lines), Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria, and Bakerloo lines)
Website: Handel & Hendrix House
Bank of England Museum
What to Expect: This museum offers insights into the history of the Bank, monetary policy, and gold reserves located within the Bank itself. It features interactive exhibits and historical displays.
Address: Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH
Nearest Public Transportation: Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City, and DLR lines)
Website: Bank of England Museum
Florence Nightingale Museum
What to Expect: This museum celebrates the life and work of the famous nurse. It is located at St Thomas' Hospital, where she worked. Exhibits include personal belongings, letters, and medical equipment.
Address: 2 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EW
Nearest Public Transportation: Westminster (Circle, District, and Jubilee lines), Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines)
Website: Florence Nightingale Museum
Foundling Museum
What to Expect: The story of the Foundling Hospital, Britain's first home for abandoned children, and its art and philanthropy. Exhibits include artworks by Hogarth and Handel.
Address: 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ
Nearest Public Transportation: Russell Square (Piccadilly line), King's Cross St. Pancras (multiple lines)
Website: Foundling Museum
The Cartoon Museum
What to Expect: Dedicated to British cartoons, caricatures, and comic art from the 18th century to the present. Features original artwork and interactive exhibits.
Address: 63 Wells Street, London W1A 3AE
Nearest Public Transportation: Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria, and Bakerloo lines), Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern lines)
Website: The Cartoon Museum
Freud Museum London
What to Expect: The former home of Sigmund Freud, featuring his study, psychoanalytic couch, and a collection of antiquities. Offers insights into Freud's life and work.
Address: 20 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SX
Nearest Public Transportation: Finchley Road (Jubilee and Metropolitan lines)
Website: https://www.freud.org.uk
Leighton House Museum
What to Expect: Former home of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton, showcasing his paintings and an exquisite Arab Hall with a stunning mosaic floor and domed ceiling.
Address: 12 Holland Park Road, London W14 8LZ
Nearest Public Transportation: Kensington (Olympia) (Overground and Southern trains), High Street Kensington (District and Circle lines)
Museum of Brands
What to Expect: Explores the history of consumer culture through packaging, advertising, and branding. Offers a nostalgic look at familiar products and marketing campaigns.
Address: 111-117 Lancaster Road, London W11 1QT
Nearest Public Transportation: Ladbroke Grove (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines)
Website: https://www.museumofbrands.com
Museum of the Order of St John
What to Expect: Tells the story of the Knights of St John from their origins in Jerusalem to their role today. The museum is housed in a historic gatehouse.
Address: St John's Gate, St John's Lane, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 4DA
Nearest Public Transportation: Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines, National Rail)
Website: https://museumstjohn.org.uk
Museum of Freemasonry
What to Expect: The museum Features Masonic artefacts, regalia, and displays on the history and role of Freemasonry. It is located within the Freemasons' Hall, a Grade II-listed building.
Address: 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ
Nearest Public Transportation: Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines), Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)
Website: https://museumfreemasonry.org.uk
Natural History Museum
What to Expect: Renowned for its stunning architecture and extensive exhibits on natural history, including dinosaur skeletons, a blue whale model, and the interactive Darwin Centre.
Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
Nearest Public Transportation: South Kensington (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines)
Website: Natural History Museum
Science Museum
What to Expect: This museum offers interactive exhibits on science, technology, and industry. Highlights include the Apollo 10 command module, Stephenson's Rocket, and the IMAX 3D cinema.
Address: Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DD
Nearest Public Transportation: South Kensington (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines)
Website: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Wellcome Collection
What to Expect: Explores the connections between medicine, life, and art, featuring exhibits on health and human experiences.
Address: 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
Nearest Public Transportation: Euston Square (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines), Euston (Northern and Victoria lines)
Website: https://www.wellcomecollection.org
Royal Air Force Museum
What to Expect: Displays aircraft and artefacts from the history of aviation and the RAF, located on a historic airfield. Interactive exhibits and flight simulators.
Address: Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL
Nearest Public Transportation: Colindale (Northern line)
Website: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london
Hunterian Museum
What to Expect: Displays surgical instruments, specimens, and artefacts from the history of medicine and surgery. Located within the Royal College of Surgeons.
Address: 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE
Nearest Public Transportation: Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines)
Website: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/museums
Brunel Museum
What to Expect: Dedicated to the engineering feats of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, including the Thames Tunnel. The museum offers tours and interactive exhibits detailing the construction and impact of this engineering marvel.
Address: Railway Avenue, Rotherhithe, London SE16 4LF
Nearest Public Transportation: Rotherhithe (Overground), Bermondsey (Jubilee line)
Website: https://www.brunel-museum.org.uk
Keats House
What to Expect: The former home of poet John Keats is now a museum celebrating his life and works. Exhibits include manuscripts, letters, and period furnishings.
Address: 10 Keats Grove, Hampstead, London NW3 2RR
Nearest Public Transportation: Hampstead Heath (Overground), Belsize Park (Northern line)
London Transport Museum
What to Expect: This exhibition explores the history of London's transport system, including buses, trams, and the iconic Tube. It features interactive displays and historic vehicles.
Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB
Nearest Public Transportation: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line), Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
Website: https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk
HMS Belfast
What to Expect: A historic Royal Navy warship, now a museum, moored on the River Thames. Offers insights into naval history with interactive exhibits and preserved living quarters.
Address: The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH
Nearest Public Transportation: London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern lines, National Rail)
V&A Young
What to Expect: The V&A Young is a vibrant museum offering interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities, and special events designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages about the history and culture of childhood.
Address: Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
Nearest Public Transportation: Bethnal Green (Central line)
Website:V&A Young
National Army Museum
What to Expect: Chronicles the history of the British Army, its campaigns, and its impact on society. Interactive exhibits and a wide range of artefacts.
Address: Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HT
Nearest Public Transportation: Sloane Square (District and Circle lines)
Website: https://www.nam.ac.uk
Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
What to Expect: Houses a collection of Italian Futurist paintings and modern Italian art, including works by Boccioni, Carrà, and Severini.
Address: 39a Canonbury Square, London N1 2AN
Nearest Public Transportation: Highbury & Islington (Victoria line, Overground, and National Rail)
Website: https://www.estorickcollection.com
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
What to Expect: The former home of architect Sir John Soane features contemporary art and architecture exhibitions. The historic house and gallery provide a unique cultural experience.
Address: Mattock Lane, London W5 5EQ
Nearest Public Transportation: Ealing Broadway (Central and District lines, National Rail)
Website: https://www.pitzhanger.org.uk
London Canal Museum
What to Expect: Discover the fascinating history of London’s canals, the cargoes carried, and the people who lived and worked on the waterways. The museum also includes exhibits on the history of ice cream, as the building was originally an ice warehouse.
Address: 12-13 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT
Nearest Public Transportation: King’s Cross St. Pancras (multiple lines)
Website: https://www.canalmuseum.org.uk
The Fan Museum
What to Expect: The Fan Museum is the only museum in the UK devoted to the history of fans and fan-making. It houses a collection of more than 4,000 fans from around the world, dating from the 11th century to the present day.
Address: 12 Crooms Hill, Greenwich, London SE10 8ER
Nearest Public Transportation: Cutty Sark (DLR), Greenwich (National Rail and DLR)
Website: https://www.thefanmuseum.org.uk
Madame Tussauds London
What to Expect: Famous for its life-size wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and famous personalities from various fields including entertainment, sports, politics, and royalty. The museum also features immersive experiences such as the Marvel Super Heroes 4D and the Star Wars exhibit.
Address: Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LR
Nearest Public Transportation: Baker Street (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines)
Royal Observatory Greenwich
What to Expect: The home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian, featuring astronomical instruments, the Great Equatorial Telescope, and a planetarium.
Address: Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ
Nearest Public Transportation: Cutty Sark (DLR), Greenwich (National Rail and DLR)
Horniman Museum and Gardens
What to Expect: Combines natural history, anthropology, and musical instruments, set in beautiful gardens. Family-friendly with hands-on exhibits.
Address: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ
Nearest Public Transportation: Forest Hill (Overground and Southern trains)
Website: https://www.horniman.ac.uk
National Portrait Gallery
What to Expect: The National Portrait Gallery houses the world’s largest collection of portraits, featuring iconic images of historically important and famous British people. The gallery includes paintings, photographs, sculptures, and drawings of individuals from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Address: St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE
Nearest Public Transportation: Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines), Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
Website: https://www.npg.org.uk
Serpentine Galleries
What to Expect: Located in Kensington Gardens, the Serpentine Galleries are comprised of two exhibition spaces: the Serpentine Gallery and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery. They showcase contemporary art exhibitions, architecture, and design projects.
Address: Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
Nearest Public Transportation: Lancaster Gate (Central line), South Kensington (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines)
Website: https://www.serpentinegalleries.org
Barbican Centre
What to Expect: A world-class arts and learning center, the Barbican Centre hosts a variety of events, including art exhibitions, theatre performances, film screenings, and concerts. The Barbican Art Gallery and the Curve present a diverse range of contemporary and modern art.
Address: Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
Nearest Public Transportation: Barbican (Metropolitan, Circle, and Hammersmith & City lines)
Website: https://www.barbican.org.uk
Camden Arts Centre
What to Expect: A contemporary art gallery known for its innovative and experimental exhibitions. The Camden Arts Centre also offers artist residencies, educational programs, and events.
Address: Arkwright Road, London NW3 6DG
Nearest Public Transportation: Finchley Road (Jubilee and Metropolitan lines)
Website: https://www.camdenartscentre.org
Hayward Gallery
What to Expect: Part of the Southbank Centre, the Hayward Gallery is one of London’s leading contemporary art galleries, hosting major exhibitions by both established and emerging artists.
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Nearest Public Transportation: Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines)
Whitechapel Gallery
What to Expect: A public art gallery that has premiered world-class artists such as Picasso and Pollock, focusing on contemporary art. Hosts exhibitions, events, and artist residencies.
Address: 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX
Nearest Public Transportation: Aldgate East (District and Hammersmith & City lines), Aldgate (Circle and Metropolitan lines)
Website: https://www.whitechapelgallery.org
Royal Academy of Arts
What to Expect: Founded by George III in 1768, the Royal Academy of Arts hosts world-class exhibitions of contemporary and historical art. It is also home to Britain’s first art school, the Royal Academy Schools.
Address: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD
Nearest Public Transportation: Green Park (Victoria, Piccadilly, and Jubilee lines), Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines)
Website: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk
Courtauld Gallery
What to Expect: Renowned for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin. Located in Somerset House.
Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN
Nearest Public Transportation: Temple (Circle and District lines), Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines)
Website: https://courtauld.ac.uk/gallery
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