Top 100 best museums in 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

Also known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, The Tower of London was one of the many castles built as part of the Norman Conquest of England. It has been extended several times in the past and has always played a major role in English history. For some time, the Tower was used as a prison.

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

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

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of British monarchs. Originally built as a townhouse, Buckingham Palace was turned into a private residence for Queen Charlotte in 1761. The palace was reconstructed and enlarged during the 19th century and it has been used as a residence of the British mo

Located in both of the twin towers, the exhibition is dedicated to the history and construction of the well-known suspension bridge the Tower Bridge. Apart from various short films and interactive displays, visitors can also see some of the original designs of the bridge and visit the Victorian engi

In the Churchill War Rooms visitors can discover the original Cabinet War Rooms, the wartime bunker that sheltered Churchill and his government during the Blitz. Explore the historic rooms to experience the secret history that lives on underground. Discover the stories of those who worked undergroun

Shakespeare's Globe is a modern replica of the theatre where some of Shakespeare's plays were staged for the first time. The original theatre was built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, Shakespeare's playing company. It was located roughly 250 metres from where the Globe Theatre stands now. The

The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is a significant landmark located on the banks of the Thames in the London district of Westminster. This historic building serves as the seat of the British Parliament, making it a central hub of political activity in the United Kingdom. Its location offers visitors a picturesque view of the Thames, adding to the overall appeal of the site.

The Natural History Museum in London is divided into four zones, each with a common theme. Follow the Red Zone if you're interested in geology. Learn about the history of the Earth and the forces that change it. The Green Zone focuses on birds and fossils, while the Blue Zone is devoted to human bio

At the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew visitors can explore glasshouses, landscapes and 250 years of history. Climb to the treetops on the Xstrata Treetop Walkway, delve into rainforest inside the iconic Palm House or discover more on a guided tour. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew features exhibits related to

The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856. The gallery houses a collection of portraits of historically important and well known British people. Works in the National Portrait Gallery include photographs, caricatures, paintings, drawings a

The Imperial War Museum London was founded in 1917 to show the impact war had on Britain and to show the progress in war-related technology the humanity has created. It tells the stories of people’s experiences of modern war and conflict. The museum has both temporary and permanent exhibitions. Them

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

The Arsenal Museum is situated opposite turnstile E in the Northern Triangle Building. The museum holds many exhibits that were donated by former players who hold a special place in Arsenal’s history. Highlights include Jens Lehmann’s goalkeeper gloves that he wore in the season 2003/4, Michael Thom

The Science Museum in London was founded in 1857 and currently holds over 300 000 exhibits, including famous exhibits as the first prototype of the 10,000-year Clock of the Long Now, documentation of the first typewriter, the oldest surviving steam locomotive, a working example of Charles Babbage's

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

Royal Air Force Museum, London is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, archives, personalities, costume and textiles, weapons and war, science and technology and aviation.

The HMS Belfas is a light cruiser that has been converted into a museum permanently moored on the Thames. Visitors are invited to explore the warship and learn what it was like to live on board from the Second World War to 1963. Visitors can explore all 9 decks of the ship and the museum includes in

Tate Britain is the national gallery of British art from 1500 to the present day. Tate Britain houses an extensive collection of the art of the United Kingdom since Tudor times, and is known for its large holdings of the works of Turner. Other artists include David Hockney, Peter Blake and Francis B

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is the largest tennis museum in the world and is located on the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The museum contains a large collection of items and clothes, some of which date back to the 16th century. These items, ranging from many famous players from V

The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising is devoted to the history of consumer culture from Victorian times to the present day. The collection of the museum consists of over 12,000 items, including domestic everyday products, such as packaging, toys, posters, games, and more that show how bra

The London Transport Museum conserves and tries to explain the transport heritage of London. The majority of the exhibits in its collection originated in the collection of London Transport (the organisation that was responsible for the public transport network in London). Its collection has however

From Roman settlement to the development of Canary Wharf, the Museum of London Docklands, housed in a 200 year old warehouse, shows the history of London as a port through stories of trade, migration and commerce. Many of the objects it has in its collection are from the museum and archives of the P

Protected by UNESCO, this historical complex was designed and constructed by Sir Christopher Wren between 1696 and 1712. Originally built as a hospital, it closed in 1869 and between 1873 and 1998, it was turned into a training establishment for the Royal Navy (as the Royal Naval College). The groun

Tate Modern is one of the largest modern and contemporary art galleries in the world, housed in a former power station built between 1947 and 1963 that was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Tate (Modern) holds the national collection of British art from 1900 until today as well as international m

Sir John Soane's Museum is a house museum that was formerly the home of the English architect John Soane, who specialised in the Neo-Classical style. The museum displays drawings and models of Soane's projects and the collections of paintings, drawings and antiquities collected by Soane.

The Saatchi Gallery is a gallery for contemporary art in London that showcases works by young artists or by established international artists whose work is rarely seen in the UK. Because of this the Saatchi Gallery has provided a springboard to launch careers of these lesser-known artists.

The Royal Mews is a mews of the British Royal Family. The state coaches and other carriages are kept at The Royal Mews situated at Buckingham Palace, along with some horses, together with the more modern state motor cars.

Royal College of Surgeons houses The Hunterian Museum in London. The museum displays thousands of anatomical specimen as well as surgical instruments. It was named after John Hunter, a pioneering surgeon from Scotland. Unfortunately, the museum is now closed due to reconstruction works. It will be r

Journey through memories captured during years of magical filmmaking at the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition. Housing iconic photographs, the Photographic Exhibition will take fans behind-the-scenes of key moments in the film series, from Harry’s first day at Hogwarts through to the Battle of H

National Theatre is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to Performing Arts and World Cultures.

The Charles Dickens Museum is an author's house museum, housed in a typical Georgian terraced house. The house was Charles Dickens's home from 1837 to 1839. The museum features the famous portrait of Dickens known as Dickens's Dream by R. W. Buss, with Charles Dickens surrounded by many of the chara

Wellcome Collection is a museum and library in London that aims to challenge how we all think and feel about health. The museum lets its visitors think deeply about the connections between science, medicine, life and art, by exhibiting an unusual mixture of medical artefacts and artworks. The perman

The Geffrye Museum of the Home is dedicated to home and home life in England from 1600 to the present day with a series of period room displays. Some of the individual artefacts of The Geffrye Museum are of national importance, but the real significance of the collection lies in its extensive covera

Eltham Palace is an unoccupied former royal residence owned by the Crown Estate that was transformed into an Art Deco mansion by Stephen and Viriginia Courtauld. The Eltham Palace incorporates original medieval features into an otherwise modern 1930s design. Visitors step into the shoes of the lavis

Established as early as in the 17th century, this bank is the central bank of UK. Though you can't actually access the Bank, you can pay a visit to the museum located inside and learn more about the financial system, fascinating history of the Bank, as well as its importance in today's economy.

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

The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret is one of the oldest surviving operating suites (dating from 1822) and a museum of surgical history. The museum consists of the operating suite that was used in the days before anesthetics and antiseptic surgery and the herb garret to store and cure h

Kenwood House is a former stately home that served as a seat for the aristocratic Murray and Guinness families. Famous paintings in its collection include The Guitar Player by Johannes Vermeer, Self Portrait with Two Circles, by Rembrandt, Portrait of Pieter van den Broecke, by Frans Hals, Portrait

The feminine influence of generations of royal women has shaped this stylish palace and gardens. Kensington Palace features exhibits related to: social history, fine art, decorative and applied art and costume and textiles. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: designated collection

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

Apsley House is a Georgian building and is the London townhouse of the Dukes of Wellington. The house is open to the public as a museum and art gallery which has the Wellington Collection on display, a collection of paintings, other artworks and items of the career of the 1st Duke. The rooms inside

Household Cavalry Museum is the official museum of the Household Cavalry housed in the 18th-century stables. Visitors can explore the informative exhibition full of sometimes rare items, such as ceremonial uniforms, horse furniture and silverware.

The Guards Museum is housed inside the barracks. The museum is dedicated to the history and present of Foot Guards and contains information and artefacts relating to the five regiments of Foot Guards: Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens holds a collection of over 350,000 related to anthropology, natural history and musical instruments. The museum is especially known for its large collection of taxidermied animals. It also features an aquarium.

An intimate window into the life of Englands best known scientist. It was from his study at Down House that Charles Darwin worked on the scientific theories that culminated in a book “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection“ that both scandalised and revolutionised Victorian Britain.

The Golden Hinde is a reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake's galleon who led an expedition to the Brazilian coast in 1578, supported by Queen Elizabeth I. His flagship was originally called Pelican, but was later renamed to Golden Hinde. Visitors can learn more about the life on the sea in the 16th c

In a single street in London, separated by a wall, are the homes of two of history’s most significant musical artists: George Frideric Handel & Jimi Hendrix. 25 Brook Street belonged to Handel and was the place where he composed some of the world’s most enduring Baroque music. Visit the rooms wher

Chelsea Physic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in London and houses around 5,000 different medicinal, herbal, edible, and useful plants. It includes a garden of medicinal plants, a pharmaceutical garden, with plants arranged according to the ailment they are used to treat, a garden of world medi

The Photographers' Gallery was the first public gallery in the UK devoted solely to photography when it was founded in 1971. Over the years it has introduced such international photographers as Juergen Teller, Robert Capa, Sebastião Salgado, Andreas Gursky and Taryn Simon to British audiences, whils

The Grant Museum of Zoology is one of the oldest natural history collections in the UK (dating back to 1828), and is the last remaining university natural history museum in London. It houses a diverse Natural History collection of 68,000 zoological specimens covering the whole of the animal kingdom.

The Foundling Museum is devoted to the Foundling Hospital, the first home for abandoned children established in Britain. The institution was opened in 1739 by the philanthropist Thomas Coram. The collection the museum holds includes paintings and sculptures by well-known British 18th-century artists

Home to Benjamin Franklin between 1757 and 1775, 36 Craven Street is the location where the famous US statesman conducted numerous important experiments such as measuring the effects of the Gulf Stream, exploring Daylight Saving Time and inventing bi-focal lenses. In 1998 the house was restored and

Dennis Severs was an artist who lived in this house (from 1979 to 1999) in much the same way as its occupants in the 18th century (a family of Huguenot silk weavers) would have done. He used his visitors' imagination as his canvas while they are taken on a historical tour around the house.

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

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor John H. Watson lived at 221b Baker Street (where the Sherlock Holmes Museum is located) between 1881-1904, according to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The house was last used as a lodging house in 1936 and the famous 1st floor study overlooking Baker Street

Wellington Arch is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, architecture, law and order and fine art.

Ham House and Garden is a museum in Richmond-upon-Thames. The museum features exhibits related to: decorative and applied art, architecture, fine art and social history.

Strawberry Hill is a museum in Twickenham, Middlesex. The museum features exhibits related to Literature, Decorative and Applied Art, Architecture and Agriculture.

The Musical Museum contains one of the world's foremost collections of self-playing musical instruments. From the tiniest of clockwork music boxes to the 'Mighty Wurlitzer' the collection embraces a comphrehensive array of sophisticated reproducing pianos, orchestrions, orchestrelles, residence orga

World Rugby Museum is a museum in Twickenham, Middlesex. The museum features exhibits related to: sport and social history. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: imporant rugby art works by w.b.wollen. harry langton collection of rugby artefacts. w.w.wakefield collection of artefact

Guildhall Art Gallery displays the richness of London's history. It is home to the art collection of the City of London, consisting of around 4,000 pieces, of which around 250 are on display at any one time. The Gallery's permanent collection displays works dating from the 1600s onwards, including a

The Jewel Tower was built around 1365 to house Edward III’s treasures and was known as the ‘King’s Privy Wardrobe’. It is a surviving element of the royal Palace of Westminster. The Jewel Tower and the surrounding site of Westminster Palace were declared a World Heritage site in 1987. Inside the Jew

Banqueting House is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: decorative and applied art and architecture.

The Freud Museum London is housed in the home of the famous psychologist Sigmund Freud, who spent the last year of his life there with his family. The main feature of the museum is his intact study with his desk and the famous psychoanalytic couch and many ancient artefacts including his old library

Marianne North Gallery is a museum in Kew. The museum features exhibits related to: fine art and natural sciences.

Syon Park has been home to the family The Duke of Northumberland for over four hundred years and still owned and looked after by them. It is full of beauty and magnificence, of great paintings and furniture, with perhaps the finest Robert Adam interior in the country. Surrounded by its own parkland

The William Morris Gallery is the only public gallery devoted to the life and legacy of William Morris: designer, craftsman, socialist. The William Morris Gallery features exhibits related to: design, decorative and applied art, fine art, literature, costume and textiles and social history. Key them

The Garden Museum is a small museum that was founded in 1977 next to the church of St. Mary's. Visitors discover the history of gardening through a collection of tools, pictures, and books. The museum also contains the enigmatic tomb of John Tradescant, the first great gardener, and plant-hunter in

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

Osterley Park and House is a museum in Osterley, Middlesex. The museum features exhibits related to: architecture, social history, fine art and decorative and applied art. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: robert adam.

In the Jewish Museum London visitors learn about the life of British Jews, their history and their culture. The museum was established in 1932 and it comprises of four permanent galleries and two temporary exhibition spaces. The collection includes Jewish ceremonial art, paintings, drawings, photogr

The Fan Museum is housed in two grade II* listed houses built in 1721 and is the first museum in the world devoted to the preservation and display of fans. The collection of the museum consists of more than 5,000 fans, fan leaves, and related ephemera with examples from all over the world from the 1

Kew Palace and Queen Charlotte's Cottage is a museum in Richmond. The museum features exhibits related to: personalities, coins and medals, architecture and social history.

The Royal Observatory has played an important role in astronomical science. It has been turned into a museum which displays astronomical and navigational tools. Visitors of the Royal Observatory Greenwich can stand on the historic Prime Meridian of the World, see the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT

Cutty Sark - Royal Museums Greenwich is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: world cultures, maritime, science and technology, trade and commerce and social history.

The Queen's House is a 7th-century royal villa that was the first Classical building in England, designed by renowned architect Inigo Jones. The House is famous for its art collection including works by Great Masters such as Gainsborough, Hogarth and the van de Veldes.

Chiswick House is a Palladian villa that was built and designed by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington, who completed it in 1729. The garden of the house is one of the earliest examples of the English landscape garden, designed by William Kent. Burlington was one of 18th-century Britain's greatest

Ride through hidden tunnels and discover a unique piece of industrial heritage, then explore inspiring exhibitions packed with incredible objects, exciting stories and fun-filled interactive displays.

The ancient Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great was founded by a courtier of Henry I (son of William the Conqueror). It is a good example of Norman architecture which has survived the numerous transformations and upheavals London has undergone over the past 900 years, including the Great Fire

Originally, the London Zoo was built to be used for scientific purposes making it the world's oldest scientific zoo when it opened in 1828. In 1847 is was turned into a public zoo and is now considered as one of the most progressive zoos in the world. The London Zoo is home to more than 750 species,

Madame Tussauds London is a wax museum in London, founded by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud. The museum displays the waxworks of famous and historic people and popular film characters.

London Museum of Water and Steam is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: science and technology, land transport and industry. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: metropolitan water board, cornish beam engines, richard trevithick, thomas wicksteed, matthew b

Created by E.A. Bowles (1865-1954), Myddelton House Gardens have been refurbished and offer an impressive range of flora, fauna and historical artefacts. These gardens have a Green Flag Award.

The Florence Nightingale Museum is housed in the St Thomas' Hospital and is devoted to Florence Nightingale, covering her Victorian childhood, her life in the Crimean and her life as an ardent campaigner for health reform. Inthe museum visitors learn more about the legacy of Florence Nightingale and

Clarence House is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to Architecture, Fine Art, Design and Personalities. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include English porcelain and silver, Bowes-Lyon family history, Graham Sutherland, Augustus John, John Piper, WS Sickert and

The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is part of University College London Museums and Collections and holds around 80,000 objects, including one of the greatest collections of Egyptian and Sudanese archaeology. The Petrie Museum illustrates life in the Nile Valley from prehistory through the ti

The Magic Circle Museum is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: social history and archives.

Dr Johnson's House is a 300-year-old townhouse where Samuel Johnson, the writer and wit, lived and worked in the 18th century, compiling his great Dictionary of the English Language in the Garret. The museum houses a collection relating to Johnson, a research library, restored interiors and original

The Crystal in London is home to the world's largest exhibition on the future of cities. It was opened by Siemens in 2012 as a global hub for debate on sustainable living and development.

The National Army Museum is the main museum of the British Army. The museum houses five galleries that cover British military history from the English Civil War up to modern day. The five galleries are called: Soldier, Army, Battle, Society and Insight. It differs from other military museums in the

Red House is a museum in Bexleyheath. The museum features exhibits related to: personalities, architecture, social history, decorative and applied art and design. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: dante gabriel rossetti, edward burne-jones, william morris and philip webb.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a retirement and nursing home for veterans of the British Army run by an independent charity. It dates back to 1682 when it was founded by King Charles II, who was inspired by Les Invalides in Paris. The site includes a chapel built by Sir Christopher Wren who also desi

Two Temple Place is a museum in London that is dedicated to promoting culture and philanthropy. The museum displays publicly owned art from regional collections in the United Kingdom. It is mostly known for its architecture and its collection includes works of William Silver Frith, Sir George Frampt

The London Canal Museum tells the story of London's canals, their people, cargoes, and the horses that pulled their boats. The museum features exhibits related to: trade and commerce, social history, industry, land transport, decorative art, archives, inland waterways, costume and textiles and scien

Fenton House is a 17th-century merchant's house. The house was bought by Lady Binning in 1936. She filled it with her decorative collections of porcelain, Georgian furniture and 17th-century needlework. In addition to this, the museum houses the Benton Fletcher collection of early keyboard instrumen

Cartoon Museum is a museum in London that is devoted to for British cartoons, caricatures, comic strips and animation. The museum organizes temporary exhibitions with more than 250 pieces from the collection of over 1,700 original cartoons and prints.