All Renaissance art & Early modern art museums to visit in England

Experience the artistic revival of the Renaissance and early modern periods at 50 museums in England. These museums showcase masterpieces from a transformative era in art history.

Are you captivated by Renaissance and early modern art? These are the best museums to visit in England:

  1. British Museum1

    British Museum

     London
    The British Museum is home to one of the largest collections of works and artefacts coming from all over the world. The museum was opened in 1759 and is dedicated to human history, art, and culture. The museum has ten departments with various collections, including artefacts dedicated to indigenous
  2. National Gallery2

    National Gallery

     London
    The National Gallery is an art gallery that is housed in a neoclassical building built in 1838. The gallery holds an art collection of over 2.600 pieces which contains European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The highlights include paintings by El Greco, Jan van Eyck, Rembrandt, Ruben
  3. Victoria and Albert Museum3

    Victoria and Albert Museum

     London
    The Victoria and Albert Museum holds the largest design and decorative art collection in the world, with over 2.27 million objects. The museum houses collections that span 5,000 years of art, from ancient times to the present day. Through these collections, visitors explore historical and contempora
  4. The Wallace Collection4

    The Wallace Collection

     London
    The Wallace Collection is an art collection that is housed in the Hertford House, the former townhouse of the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford. The collection consists of of fine and decorative arts from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Especially the holdings in the collection of 18th-century
  5. Hampton Court Palace5

    Hampton Court Palace

     East Molesey
    Hampton Court Palace was home to some of England's most famous kings and queens from Henry VIII (1509-47), its first royal resident, to George II (1727-60), its last. Hampton Court Palace features exhibits related to: fine art and architecture. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include:
  6. The Courtauld Gallery6

    The Courtauld Gallery

     London
    The Courtauld Gallery is situated in Somerset House and houses the art collection of the Courtauld Institute of Art. The collection contains over 500 paintings, over 25,000 drawings and prints, various sculptures and other objects from medieval to modern times. The most famous pieces in the collect
  7. Walker Art Gallery7

    Walker Art Gallery

     Liverpool
    The Walker Art Gallery, located in Liverpool, is home to the most significant collection of art in the United Kingdom outside of London. Known as the 'National Gallery of the North', the gallery boasts a wide range of artworks from various periods and styles. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the Walker Art Gallery offers a unique opportunity to explore a vast collection of art in a beautiful setting.
  8. Manchester Art Gallery8

    Manchester Art Gallery

     Manchester
    Manchester Art Gallery, previously known as Manchester City Art Gallery, is a public art gallery situated on Mosley Street in Manchester, England. This gallery is a significant cultural landmark in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse collection of local and international art.
  9. The Bowes Museum9

    The Bowes Museum

     Barnard Castle
    The Bowes Museum, located in the town of Barnard Castle in County Durham, northern England, is an art gallery that was established in 1892. It was built to house the extensive art collection of John Bowes and his wife Joséphine Benoîte Coffin-Chevallier. The museum is a testament to their love for art and their desire to share it with the public.
  10. Bolsover Castle10

    Bolsover Castle

     Bolsover
    Bolsover is a 17th century house built on the site of a Norman fortress. See the fairytale house, designed as a fantasy house for entertaining, of rooms stacked on top of one another to create the "Little Castle" with its range of interiors. Bolsover Castle features exhibits related to: architecture
  11. Cotehele11

    Cotehele

     Saint Dominick
    Cotehele is a historic site located in the parish of Calstock in the east of Cornwall, England. This medieval house, with Tudor additions, is a testament to the architectural styles of the past. It is now under the care of the National Trust, a charitable organization dedicated to preserving and protecting historic places and spaces in the UK. Visitors can explore the house and its grounds, getting a glimpse into the past.
  12. Montacute House12

    Montacute House

     Montacute
    Montacute House, nestled in the county of South Somerset in the quaint village of Montacute, is a remarkable example of late Elizabethan architecture. Owned and maintained by the National Trust, this historic mansion is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Elizabethan era. The house, built with local Ham Hill stone, was constructed in 1598 by Sir Edgard Phelips, Master of the Rolls, for Queen Elizabeth I. The identity of the architect remains a subject of debate, with some suggesting it was William Arnold.
  13. Knole13

    Knole

     Sevenoaks
    Knole House is a historic English estate located near Sevenoaks in northwest Kent. The estate consists of a mansion, known as Knole House, which is surrounded by a 400-hectare deer park and associated lands. This expansive estate offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the grandeur of English history and architecture, while also enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding parkland.
  14. Lady Lever Art Gallery14

    Lady Lever Art Gallery

     Birkenhead
    Lady Lever Art Gallery houses the personal collection of the first Lord Leverhulme. The gallery features exhibits related to: weapons and war, decorative and applied art, archives, fine art, world cultures and costume and textiles. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: joshua reynol
  15. Torre Abbey Historic House and Gardens15

    Torre Abbey Historic House and Gardens

     Torquay
    Torre Abbey, located in Torquay, Devon, is a historic building that serves as an art gallery. It was originally established in 1196 as a monastery for Premonstratensian canons. This rich history adds a unique charm to the Abbey, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and art.
  16. Newby Hall and Gardens16

    Newby Hall and Gardens

     Skelton-on-Ure
    Newby Hall is a Grade I listed country house situated in the parish of Skelton-on-Ure in North Yorkshire, England. It is located on the banks of the River Ure, providing a picturesque setting for visitors. The house is open to the public and offers a glimpse into the rich history and architectural beauty of the region.
  17. Leighton House Museum17

    Leighton House Museum

     London
    The Leighton House Museum is the former home of the Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830-1896). The house features the Arab Hall with its golden dome, intricate mosaics and walls lined with Islamic tiles. The house museum holds a collection of paintings and sculpture by Leighton and his co
  18. Petworth House and Park18

    Petworth House and Park

     Petworth
    Petworth House is a historical site dating back to the 17th century. It is a mansion and museum located in the charming town of Petworth, in the English region of West Sussex. This grand estate offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with its rich history and stunning architecture.
  19. Harewood House19

    Harewood House

     Harewood
    Harewood sits in the heart of Yorkshire and is one of the Treasure Houses of England. The House was built in the 18th century, visitors can enjoy exhibitions of contemporary art, Farm Experience and over 100 acres of gardens to explore.
  20. Hatfield House20

    Hatfield House

     Hatfield
    Hatfield House is a Jacobean style country house located in a large park to the east of Hatfield city, in Hertfordshire county, England. It was built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, the first Earl of Salisbury and minister to King James I. The house has been home to the Cecil family ever since and is currently the residence of Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, the 7th Marquess of Salisbury. The house is open to the public.
  21. Rufford Old Hall21

    Rufford Old Hall

     Rufford
    Rufford Old Hall, located in Rufford, Lancashire, England, is a property managed by the National Trust. The hall was constructed around 1530 for Sir Robert Hesketh. Of the original structure, only the Great Hall remains intact today.
  22. Dulwich Picture Gallery22

    Dulwich Picture Gallery

     London
    Founded in 1811, the Dulwich Picture Gallery was England's very first public gallery. The museum houses masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Watteau, Gainsborough, Van Dyck and many others. Besides these masterpieces, the collection consists of many more French, Italian and Spanish Baroque paintings a
  23. Auckland Castle23

    Auckland Castle

     Bishop Auckland
    Bishop Auckland Town Hall, located in the Market Place of Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, England, is a Grade II* listed building. This means it is of particular importance and of more than special interest. The building was designed by John Philpott Jones in the Gothic Revival style and officially opened in 1862. It holds a prominent position in the town and is known for its strong mansard pavilions, spires and associated ironwork.
  24. Wiltshire Museum24

    Wiltshire Museum

     Devizes
    The Wiltshire Museum, previously known as the Wiltshire Heritage Museum and Devizes Museum, is a multifaceted institution established in 1874 in Devizes, Wiltshire, England. It serves as a museum, archive, library, and art gallery, offering a diverse range of exhibits and resources for visitors to explore.
  25. Harris Museum and Art Gallery25

    Harris Museum and Art Gallery

     Preston
    The Harris Museum, a Grade I-listed building, is located in Preston, Lancashire, England. It was founded by Edmund Harris in 1877 and serves as a local history and fine art museum. The museum's establishment was made possible through the will of Edmund Robert Harris, a Preston lawyer, who left £300,000 to establish a trust and support a public library, museum, and art gallery with Preston Corporation.
  26. 26

    Holburne Museum

     Bath
    The Holburne Museum, previously known as Holburne of Menstrie Museum and Holburne Museum of Art, is an art museum located at Sydney Pleasure Gardens, in Bath, England. It was the first art museum in the city and houses art and decorative art pieces. The museum was built to house the collection of Sir William Holburne and features works from artists such as Gainsborough, Guardi, Stubbs, Ramsay, and Zoffany.
  27. Victoria Art Gallery27

    Victoria Art Gallery

     Bath
    The Victoria Art Gallery is a public art museum located in Bath, Somerset, England. It was inaugurated in 1900 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. This historical significance adds a layer of cultural richness to the gallery, making it an interesting destination for those interested in both art and history.
  28. The Queen's Gallery28

    The Queen's Gallery

     London
    The Queen's Gallery is a public art gallery that rotates pieces from the Royal Collection showcasing numerous exhibits such as paintings and jewelry. Around 450 works are on display at any one time. It is located at the west front of the Buckingham Palace and first opened in 1962. It underwent a rec
  29. Cliffe Castle Museum29

    Cliffe Castle Museum

     Keighley
    Cliffe Castle Museum is a local heritage museum situated in the Victorian, neo-Gothic Cliffe Castle in Keighley, West Yorkshire, England. The museum, which opened its doors in 1959, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the local area. The castle itself is a Grade II listed building, adding to the historical significance of the museum.
  30. York Art Gallery30

    York Art Gallery

     York
    York Art Gallery is an art museum situated in the historic city of York in North Yorkshire, England. This gallery is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art collections.
  31. Melford Hall31

    Melford Hall

     Long Melford
    Melford Hall, located in the quaint village of Long Melford in Suffolk, England, is a stately home with a rich history. Since 1786, it has been the seat of the Parker Baronets and continues to be inhabited by the Hyde Parker family. This historic residence offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the lifestyle of the British aristocracy over the centuries.
  32. Staircase House32

    Staircase House

     Stockport
    Staircase House, also known as Stockport Museum, is a Grade II* listed medieval building dating from around 1460. It is situated in Stockport, England. This historic building is a significant part of the town's heritage and offers a unique glimpse into the past.
  33. Northampton Museum and Art Gallery33

    Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

     Northampton
    One of the key highlights of the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery is its extensive collection of shoes. With over 15,000 pairs, it is one of the largest collections of its kind in the world. This collection has been recognized by the Arts Council England for its local, national, and international significance.
  34. Cartwright Hall Art Gallery34

    Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

     Bradford
    Cartwright Hall is the civic art gallery located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. It is conveniently situated about a mile from the city centre in the Manningham district, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  35. Southampton City Art Gallery35

    Southampton City Art Gallery

     Southampton
    The Southampton City Art Gallery is situated in the Civic Centre on Commercial Road. This location is easily accessible and central, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  36. The Treasure House36

    The Treasure House

     Beverley
    The Champney Treasure House, located in the town of Beverley in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, is a cultural centre managed by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. This centre serves as a hub for heritage and information services, offering a variety of attractions and facilities for visitors.
  37. Sidmouth Museum37

    Sidmouth Museum

     Sidmouth
    Sidmouth Museum is a cultural institution situated in the charming town of Sidmouth, Devon, England. The museum is housed in Hope Cottage, a building of significant historical value, being a Grade II listed structure. This location not only provides a unique setting for the museum but also adds to the overall historical experience for visitors.
  38. Little Hall Lavenham38

    Little Hall Lavenham

     Lavenham
    The Lavenham Guildhall is a historic timber-framed municipal building located in Lavenham, Suffolk, England. This Grade I listed building is a significant part of the town's heritage and offers a glimpse into its rich past.
  39. Valence House Museum39

    Valence House Museum

     Dagenham
    Valence House is a Medieval and later timber-framed and partially moated building situated in parkland. Valence House Museum features exhibits related to: personalities, fine art, costume and textiles, archives, decorative and applied art, archaeology, land transport, medicine, weapons and war and s
  40. Firle Place40

    Firle Place

     Lewes
    Firle Place is a historic manor house located in Firle, East Sussex, United Kingdom. The property has been in the possession of the Gage family since the 15th century, marking a significant period of ownership. The manor house, with its rich history and architectural beauty, offers a unique glimpse into the past.
  41. Museum & Art Swindon41

    Museum & Art Swindon

     Swindon
    Museum & Art Swindon, formerly Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, is a museum in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. We are a vibrant and creative cultural destination for everyone, with a team of passionate experts at our heart. We provide inspiration and enjoyment, offering a sense of place and pride for lo
  42. Ranger's House - The Wernher Collection42

    Ranger's House - The Wernher Collection

     London
    Ranger's House - The Wernher Collection is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: music, decorative and applied art and fine art. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: francesco raibolini ‘il francia’, renaissance jewels and bronzes, meissen pottery figures, th
  43. Christ Church Picture Gallery43

    Christ Church Picture Gallery

     Oxford
    Christ Church Picture Gallery is an art gallery situated within the premises of Christ Church, a renowned college of the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. This unique location offers visitors the opportunity to explore both the gallery and the historic college grounds.
  44. Leeds Art Gallery44

    Leeds Art Gallery

     Leeds
    Explore modern and contemporary art and collections of British painting and sculpture in the heart of the city. The lower galleries include work from the early years of the collection, temporary exhibitions and sculpture. The upper galleries contain contemporary works from the collection along wi
  45. Guildford House Gallery45

    Guildford House Gallery

     Guildford
    Guildford House, located at 155 High Street in Guildford, Surrey, England, is a historic house that was built in 1660. Today, it serves as a municipal museum and art gallery, offering visitors a chance to explore its rich history and diverse art collection.
  46. Hatton Gallery46

    Hatton Gallery

     Newcastle upon Tyne
    The Hatton Gallery is an art gallery located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is part of Newcastle University and is housed in the university's Fine Art Building. This gallery is a significant part of the city's cultural landscape, offering a variety of art exhibitions and collections for visitors to explore.
  47. Stockport Museum47

    Stockport Museum

     Stockport
    Staircase House, also known as Stockport Museum, is a Grade II* listed medieval building dating from around 1460. It is situated in Stockport, historically in Cheshire, now within Greater Manchester, England. This historic building is a significant part of Stockport's heritage and offers a unique glimpse into the past.
  48. 48

    Buscot House

     Faringdon
    In 1956, the house and estate of Buscot Park were bequeathed to the National Trust. Today, the property is managed by the present Lord Faringdon. This ensures that the historical integrity of the property is maintained, while also allowing the public to appreciate its architectural and cultural significance.
  49. 49

    UCL Art Museum

     London
    UCL Art Museum is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Albrecht Durer, Apocalypse series, Anthony van Dyck, Iconographia, Joseph Wright of Derby, John Singer Sargent, Rembrandt van Rijn, Martin Schongauer, Hendric
  50. 50

    Astley Cheetham Art Gallery

     Stalybridge
    This small gallery is home to the Astley Cheetham Art Collection. Selections from the collection are displayed twice a year alongside a programme of temporary exhibitions of North west Artists Astley Cheetham Art Gallery features exhibits related to Decorative and Applied Art and Fine Art. Key theme