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Best London Museums that are free to Explore

Best London Museums that are free to Explore

Let’s check out top 30 museums in London that you must explore.

Introduction

London is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and it’s no surprise that it has some of the best museums in the world. From the British Museum to the Victoria and Albert Museum, there’s something for everyone in London’s museum scene. In this article, we’ll explore some of London’s best museums and the unique experiences they offer visitors. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just looking for a great day out, London’s best museums have something for everyone. So get ready to explore the history, art, and culture of the British capital!

Because here, we are going to discuss the top 30 best Museums in london that you wanna explore. So let’s start and dive into the world of great museums.

1.     The British Museum

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The British Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in the world. Located in London, England, the museum houses more than 8 million artifacts from around the world, spanning over two million years of human history. It is one of the most visited attractions in London and is widely renowned for its collections of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts.

The museum’s collections are divided into departments, including the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, the Department of Prints and Drawings, and the Department of Prehistory and Europe. The museum also houses a variety of special exhibits, including Egyptian Mummies, the Parthenon Marbles, and the Rosetta Stone.

The British Museum is a unique experience and a must-visit for anyone who is interested in history and culture. It is a place where one can explore the remarkable stories of humanity from the earliest civilizations to the present day.

2.     British Library

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

Some of the most priceless books and periodicals acquired by the Empire can be found in the display gallery of the nation’s largest library, the British Library: The oldest known written book in the world, Beatles song lyrics, the earliest known Christian Bible, and the Magna Carta itself are all examples of works by Lewis Carroll. It is simple to locate because it is close to St. Pancras, from whence trains to Europe depart.

The British Library holds over 150 million items, including books, manuscripts, journals, newspapers, magazines, sound and music recordings, videos, and digital resources, as well as one of the world’s most comprehensive research collections of maps, stamps, and printed ephemera. Its collections span 3,000 years of human history and include significant works from every age and in every field of human endeavor, from early printed books to digital media.

3.     Sir John Soane’s Museum

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

Sir John Soane’s Museum is a historic house museum in London, England. It was established in 1833 and is dedicated to the life and works of the British architect Sir John Soane. The museum holds a collection of over 30,000 works of art and objects that Soane personally collected throughout his life and career. This includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, models, architectural elements, and antiquities.

 The museum is an architectural treasure in its own right, as well as a unique showcase of the aesthetic and artistic tastes of the time. It is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction in London. The museum provides a fascinating insight into both the life and works of one of the greatest architects of his time.

4.     Science Museum

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

Don’t forget that the scientists of 18th- and 19th-century London contributed to the creation of the globe. Some cities’ science museums are nothing more than flimsy destinations for field trips. Their accomplishments, including ground-breaking steam engines, the first computers, and entire jet jets, are kept in this Science Museum. Relics can be found on the floor after floor. Of course, being a science museum, it also has some funnier, more suited to children’s activities, such as motion simulator rides and sensory movies.

5.     The Natural History Museum

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Natural History Museum is a fascinating place to explore and learn about the natural world. It houses a vast collection of objects and specimens related to the natural sciences, including biology, zoology, geology, paleontology, and anthropology. Visitors can explore the museum to discover the history of the natural world, from the first living organisms to the development of modern species. The museum also hosts educational activities, lectures, and exhibitions, as well as interactive displays and videos. It is an ideal place to spend time learning and appreciating the beauty of nature.

6.     Museum of London

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Museum of London is a museum of history and culture that tells the story of the capital from its earliest days to the present. Located near the Barbican Centre in the City of London, the Museum of London has been a major attraction since it opened in 1976. The museum is dedicated to the history of London, from prehistoric times to the present day, and features a wide range of interactive displays, exhibitions, and activities.

Visitors can explore the city’s history through collections of archaeological objects, fine and decorative arts, coins, medals, and manuscripts. The museum also houses a library, a theatre, and a café. The Museum of London is a great place to learn about the history of the city and its people, and it’s definitely worth a visit.

7.     National Gallery

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

It is simply the world’s best painting gallery. There may be more pieces in other museums, but the 2,300 pieces on display at the National Gallery are the best pieces by the best painters. You’ll remember almost all of the works you view, which are all housed in a sumptuous building on Trafalgar Square and were constructed in Victorian times to elevate people of all classes with the majesty of culture, from Da Vinci to Michelangelo, Rembrandt to Seurat. Every day at 1 pm, catch the free “Lunchtime Talks” that highlight one piece of art or artist at a time. The gallery will never be as empty as it appears in this photo, we promise.

8.     Bank of England Museum

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Bank of England Museum is a museum located in the City of London, England. It is dedicated to the history and culture of the Bank of England and the financial system. The museum is housed in the Bank of England’s Grade I listed building and contains a range of interactive displays and exhibits that explore the Bank’s history and its role in the wider economy and society.

The museum also features a range of activities and events which are designed to help visitors understand and appreciate how the Bank’s work has shaped the world we live in. The museum is free to visit and open to the public Monday to Friday, 10 am-5 pm.

9.     The Wallace Collection

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Wallace Collection is a national museum located in the heart of London. It is home to one of the finest collections of art and objects in the world, spanning 300 years of European art and culture. The collection includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto, and Gainsborough, as well as some of the most important and exquisite European furniture, porcelain, and arms and armor. The Wallace Collection also houses a world-famous collection of French 18th-century paintings, including works by Watteau, Boucher, and Fragonard.

10.V&A Museum

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

One of the most well-liked museums in the world, the V&A, or Victoria and Albert Museum, is a favorite of almost everyone who visits. The curators’ approving eyes rove over apparel, furniture, sculptures, ceramics, stained glass, and carpets in this collection, which also features a regular stream of hugely popular temporary exhibitions. The latter may have an entrance price, but you can experience the famed core collection for free.

11.The Young V&A

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Young V&A at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is a unique program designed to get young people interested in art and design. It offers a range of activities, from hands-on workshops and talks to gallery visits and interactive activities.

It’s a great way for children and young people to explore the museum, get creative, and find out more about art and design. It’s also a great way for them to connect with their peers and have fun learning in a safe and inspiring environment. The Young V&A is free of charge and open to anyone aged 6–25.

12.National Maritime Museum

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The National Maritime Museum is a museum in Greenwich, England, located in the former Greenwich Hospital building. It houses a collection of maritime artifacts, artworks, and memorabilia that reflect the importance of the sea, ships, time, and stars to the United Kingdom’s national identity.

The museum is part of the Royal Museums Greenwich, which includes the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, and the Queen’s House. The museum’s exhibits range from ancient artifacts to modern vessels, including models and paintings of ships, navigation tools, and maritime artifacts. It also includes a large collection of books and manuscripts. The museum also has a library, a research center, and a number of temporary exhibitions. The museum is a great way to learn about the history of the sea and its impact on the United Kingdom.

13.Old Royal Naval College

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Old Royal Naval College is a maritime landmark in Greenwich, London. It was originally built in the early 1700s to provide accommodation and training for officers of the Royal Navy. The college was the inspiration for what became known as the Royal Naval College, a renowned institution of higher learning.

The Old Royal Naval College is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. It is home to the National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Observatory, the Painted Hall, and the Royal Naval College Chapel. The college is also the location for the annual Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race.

The college is a fine example of Baroque architecture and is home to a number of important artworks, including paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds and JMW Turner. The Old Royal Naval College is a great place to explore and learn more about the history of the Royal Navy and its role in the development of Britain.

14.The Queen’s House

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Queen’s House, a royal villa created by Inigo Jones in 1616, is a must-see. It recently underwent an extensive renovation that cost no expense spared and brought back artwork that had been removed from the residence in 1650. Be sure to photograph the famous Tulip Staircase from this iconic perspective, which spins nautilus-like into the air without any support from below. However, make sure to carefully review your pictures later because other witnesses have reported seeing a ghost on these exact stairs.

15.The Royal Observatory

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Royal Observatory is a historic site located in Greenwich, England. It is the home of the Prime Meridian and the site of the first scientific measurements of time and space. The observatory was founded in 1675 by King Charles II and has since been the birthplace of modern astronomy. From the observatory, astronomers have studied the stars, mapped the heavens, and measured the movements of planets and other astronomical bodies. Other notable achievements include the invention of the marine chronometer and the determination of the distance to the Moon.

Today, the Royal Observatory is a museum and educational facility open to the public. It houses a number of scientific instruments, including the original 18th-century telescopes, and hosts regular astronomy lectures and workshops. The site also includes a planetarium and a number of interactive exhibits. The Royal Observatory is a unique place to learn about the history of astronomy and the fascinating science of the stars.

16.Hunterian Museum

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

Hunterian Museum The Hunterian Museum, located in London, is a museum dedicated to the life and works of physician and naturalist John Hunter (1728-1793). The museum houses a permanent collection of Hunter’s anatomical and pathological specimens, medical instruments and artifacts, and portraits of Hunter and his contemporaries.

It also serves as an educational resource, hosting events and lectures about Hunter’s life and work, as well as workshops and demonstrations of historical medical techniques. The Hunterian Museum is open to the public and provides a unique opportunity to explore the history of medicine and the contributions of one of its most influential figures.

17.Kenwood

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

Have you seen Belle the movie? The actual Belle lived here while the movie was being made. Additionally, it was the country home where Julia Roberts’ Notting Hill character was filming a scene. Even if that movie trivia doesn’t appeal to you, Kenwood has an impressive art collection (including works by John Singer Sargent, Vermeer, and Rembrandt) as well as a breathtaking vista of London’s central district across Hampstead Heath. Similar to being in the English countryside, yet accessible via the Tube.

18.Museum of the Home

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Museum of the Home is a museum in London that is dedicated to the history of the home. It explores the history of the home and how it has shaped and been shaped by the lives of the people who lived in it. It looks at how the home has been a place of refuge, a source of comfort, and a means of expression. It also looks at how the home has been a place of struggle and oppression, as well as a site of creativity, innovation, and change. The Museum of the Home seeks to explore the ways in which people have used the home to make lives better and to celebrate the diversity of experiences that have been part of the home’s long history.

19.Tate Modern

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

Tate Modern is the modern art gallery of the Tate group, based in London, England. It is Britain’s national gallery of international modern art and one of the most visited modern art museums in the world. Tate Modern houses an impressive permanent collection of art from 1900 to the present day, as well as a program of temporary exhibitions and events.

The gallery is located in the former Bankside Power Station, which is a Grade II listed building. Tate Modern is also a place of learning, with a range of talks, tours, and educational activities available to visitors.

20.Tate Britain

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

Tate Britain is a gallery of British art located in London. It houses the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day and is one of the most visited galleries in the world. Tate Britain is home to some of the most iconic works in British art, from the Elizabethan era to the present day.

It is also home to some of the most important works of art from around the world, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photography. Tate Britain is a must-visit for art lovers and tourists who want to experience the best of British art.

21.National Portrait Gallery

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The National Portrait Gallery in London is one of the most renowned galleries in the world. It is home to over 10,000 works of art from the 16th century to the present day, including portraits of some of the most influential and iconic people in British history. From the iconic image of Queen Elizabeth II to the striking portrait of William Shakespeare, the gallery showcases a vast range of works from some of the most famous painters and photographers. As well as its collection of paintings, the gallery also features sculptures, prints, photographs, miniatures, and other works of art.

Visitors to the gallery can learn about the history of British portraiture, explore the evolution of the medium, and gain insight into the lives of some of the most renowned figures in history. The National Portrait Gallery is a must-visit for anyone interested in British history and culture – it is an unmissable treasure trove of art and history!

22.Horniman Museum

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Horniman Museum is a museum in South London, England, which was established in 1901 by Frederick John Horniman. The museum has collections of anthropology, zoology, musical instruments, and a world-famous collection of taxidermy. It also houses a library, aquarium, and education center. The museum has a mission to promote the appreciation and understanding of the natural world and world cultures.

Its exhibits aim to provide a vivid and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The museum’s permanent displays explore the history of human cultures and their relationship with nature and feature objects from around the world. It also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions that explore specific themes. The Horniman Museum is a great place to visit for anyone interested in culture, history, and nature.

23.Dulwich Picture Gallery

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

Dulwich Picture Gallery is an art gallery in the London borough of Southwark. It is the oldest public art gallery in England and houses an extensive collection of old master paintings. The collection includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin, Murillo, and Gainsborough, amongst others. The gallery also hosts a wide range of events, including lectures, tours, music, and workshops. It is a great place to view some of the great masterpieces of European art and to learn more about the history of painting.

24.Wellcome Collection

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

Wellcome Collection is a museum and library in London that brings together a wide range of objects, artworks, and archives to explore the connections between medicine, life, and art. It is part of the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation that funds scientific research to improve health.

The collection includes over 800,000 items, ranging from ancient medical texts to modern medical equipment. Its archives contain thousands of documents relating to the history of medicine and the development of healthcare. It is also home to a library that holds over 200,000 books and manuscripts related to the history and practice of medicine.

The Wellcome Collection provides a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating history of medicine and health through its collections, exhibitions, events, and activities. It is a great place to visit for anyone interested in the history of medicine, science, and health.

25.Houses of Parliament

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

You can tour Parliament if it isn’t in session. The fact that Britain’s government actually meets in the ruins of a former palace makes for an incredible tour. A Houses of Parliament tour offers the chance to stand where history is made, from the icy stoicism of Westminster Hall (constructed in 1097) to the redundantly rococo Victorian decorations around the Houses of Lords and Commons. Most visitors won’t be able to enter Big Ben tower because it is solely for British subjects, but you will be able to stand beneath it to hear it.

26.Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre are two of the most important historical sites in Britain. Located in the city of London, the Guildhall Art Gallery houses the largest collection of artwork in the country, spanning over 2000 years of history. The Roman Amphitheatre, which was built in AD 70, is the only surviving example of a Roman amphitheater in Britain and is a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Both sites are of great archaeological and historical significance, with intricate details to be discovered by visitors. The Guildhall Art Gallery also hosts a range of exhibitions and events throughout the year, providing a great opportunity to learn more about art and history.

27.National Army Museum

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The National Army Museum is a museum in London, England, dedicated to the history of the British Army. The museum is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and a registered charity. The museum tells the story and history of the British Army and its global role from the 17th century to the present day.

It also explores the Army’s impact on society, culture, and politics, both at home and abroad. The National Army Museum has a wide range of exhibitions, displays, and activities designed to bring the history of the British Army to life. It offers interactive displays, galleries, and activities for all ages, as well as activities for school and group visits. The museum also offers a wide range of educational resources, including books, films, and interactive activities. The National Army Museum is open 7 days a week, and admission is free.

28.Royal Air Force Museum

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Royal Air Force Museum is the best museum in london dedicated to the history of the Royal Air Force and its people. Located at the former British Royal Air Force base in Hendon, London, the museum offers visitors a unique insight into the history of the RAF from its formation in 1918 to the present day.

The museum’s collection includes aircraft, artifacts, documents, photographs, and films that bring to life the experience of those who served in the RAF. There are also interactive displays, educational activities, and special events that provide visitors with an engaging experience. The museum is open to the public, and admission is free.

29.Royal Academy of Arts

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Royal Academy of Arts is a renowned British art institution located in London. Founded in 1768, it is the oldest and most prestigious art institution in the United Kingdom. It is a place of learning, creativity, and innovation and provides a platform for artists to showcase and develop their work. Its collections include works spanning a variety of artistic disciplines, ranging from painting and sculpture to architecture and applied arts.

It also organizes exhibitions, lectures, and workshops on a variety of topics, and hosts an array of events, including its annual Summer Exhibition. The Royal Academy of Arts plays an important role in promoting and preserving the history of British art and culture.

30.Serpentine Galleries

Best London Museums that are free to Explore
Best London Museums that are free to Explore

The Serpentine Galleries is an arts organization located in London, England. It comprises two galleries: the Serpentine Gallery and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, which opened in 2013. The Serpentine Gallery is a modern and contemporary art gallery, while the Serpentine Sackler Gallery focuses on the exhibition of international art and architecture.

The Serpentine Galleries are home to a wide range of exhibitions, events, talks, workshops, and a year-round program of educational activities. The galleries are open to the public, and admission is free. The galleries are also home to a vibrant social and cultural program, as well as a range of education initiatives, which include the annual Serpentine Pavilion commission.

Conclusion

London is home to some of the best museums in the world. From the British Museum to the Natural History Museum and the Tate Modern, there are plenty of options to explore the city’s history, culture, and art. Whether you have an hour to spare or a whole day, there is something for everyone in London’s museum scene. A visit to one of these amazing museums is a great way to learn more about the city and its history. With so many great museums to choose from, you can be sure to find something that will keep you entertained and informed.

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