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Top 18 Must-Visit Museums in London for 2025

Lydia Wilson022 mins

If you’re making your way across the pond this summer, don’t forget to plan the cultural aspect of your trip. Check out the most popular museums in London, for an edifying, enjoyable experience. London is the ultimate destination for a museum-focused getaway in Europe. The city’s rich tapestry of history, monarchies, art, and revolutions means that it’s brimming with stories waiting to be told.

The Best London Museums

London stands as an emblem of culture and history, with an array of museums capturing its multifaceted heritage. Delve deeper into the top 18 museums that every visitor must explore.

1. British Museum – Bloomsberry

With over 5.8 million annual visitors, the British Museum in Bloomsbury is the most popular of all museums in England. Founded in 1753, this museum has a spectacular collection of art and antiquities, from ancient and contemporary culture. The museum houses 8 million artifacts, providing a panoramic view of global civilization through its remarkable collection, from the Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone.

Its Neo-Classical architecture is an artwork in itself, with the iconic Great Court, a majestic glass and steel roofed space, welcoming millions of history and art enthusiasts every year. Collections range from society- or time-specific displays such as Ancient Egypt and Sudan to Europe and Prehistory, showcasing Drawings, Coins and Medals, Conservation, Scientific Research, and Libraries and Archives.

Highlights include the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens, the controversial Benin Bronzes, and the breathtaking Egyptian sculpture of Rameses II.

2. Tate Modern – Bankside

The Tate Modern is the English gallery of international modern art. It is part of the Tate Museum family, which includes Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool, Tate St. Ives, and Tate Modern. Perched on the South Bank of the Thames, the Tate Modern graces London’s skyline with its blend of old and new architecture.

Once a former power station, the museum, which opened in 2000, showcases the museum’s commitment to boundary-pushing contemporary art with its cavernous Turbine Hall, which has hosted some of the art world’s most provocative installations.

The museum houses classic masterpieces from artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, as well as an exceptional Surrealist section with Dalí, Ernst, Magritte, and Miró. With its ever-rotating collection, frequent exhibitions, and spectacular riverside views from its terrace, the museum invites visitors to ponder, critique, and, above all, feel.

3. Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) – Knightsbridge

In the posh environs of Knightsbridge lies the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), a veritable treasure trove of art and design. Founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the V&A stands as the world’s leading museum of art, design, and performance. Its sprawling red-brick structure houses an astonishing array of over 2 million objects spanning 5,000 years of human creativity in its permanent collection.

Collections include Architecture, Asia, British Galleries, Ceramics, Childhood, Contemporary, Fashion & Jewellery, Furniture, Glass, Metalwork, Paintings and Drawings, Photography, Prints and Books, Sculpture, Textiles, and Theater. The museum strives to promote the practice of design and its appreciation and understanding of the world.

From ancient textiles and exquisite ceramics to cutting-edge fashion and design, the museum’s Fashion Gallery, for instance, traces the evolution of style from the 1600s to modern-day couture. For those keen on aesthetics, history, and design, the V&A is an unmissable destination.

4. Natural History Museum – Kensington

A stone’s throw from the V&A in South Kensington, the Natural History Museum captivates with its striking terracotta façade and Romanesque architecture. Opened in 1881, this museum is a journey into the natural world, exploring the intricacies of our planet from its primordial past to its current biodiversity.

Dinosaurs are undoubtedly the museum’s showstoppers. The iconic blue whale skeleton, suspended in the grand Hintze Hall, offers a dramatic welcome to visitors. Explore galleries dedicated to human evolution, mineral treasures, and even a simulation of an earthquake, completing a comprehensive adventure through time.

The Darwin Centre, a state-of-the-art structure, provides a behind-the-scenes look at the museum’s scientific research. This celebration of life in its myriad forms is perfect for nature enthusiasts, families, or the simply curious.

  • Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, UK
  • www.nhm.ac.uk
  • Admission: Free

5. National Gallery – Trafalgar Square

Dominating the northern side of Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is synonymous with Western European painting. Founded in 1824, this gallery houses a national collection of Western European paintings from the 13th-19th centuries, attracting nearly 5 million visitors annually.

The collection features famous artists across centuries, including Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, and Van Gogh. With highlights of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist sections featuring luminaries like Monet and Seurat, the National Gallery remains a critical stop for art lovers.

6. London Transport Museum

Nestled in the vibrant district of Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum is a celebration of London’s rich transportation legacy. Housed in a Victorian-era iron and glass building, the museum traces the evolution of public transportation in this sprawling metropolis.

Visitors can explore the history from horse-drawn omnibuses to the iconic double-decker buses and the world-famous Underground. This immersive journey through time is perfect for anyone curious about the veins and arteries that keep this bustling city alive.

7. Churchill War Rooms

Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Westminster lies the Churchill War Rooms, a preserved testament to the leadership of Winston Churchill during World War II. This underground complex was the nerve center of British wartime operations, featuring a Cabinet Room where significant decisions were made.

The weight of history is palpable here, with the adjoining Map Room offering a snapshot of the war’s final days in 1945. For those intrigued by history and leadership, the Churchill War Rooms represent an immersive trip back in time.

8. The Science Museum

Tucked away in South Kensington, the Science Museum is an ode to human curiosity and innovation. Founded in 1857, it draws visitors in with interactive displays, historic artifacts, and cutting-edge exhibitions tracing the relationship between humans and technology.

Some particularly iconic exhibits include Stephenson’s Rocket and the Apollo 10 command module. Interactive galleries like “Wonderlab,” designed especially for children, bring science to life with numerous engaging exhibits.

9. National Portrait Gallery

Since its founding in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery has aimed to honor individuals who have shaped British history and culture. Its collections include photographs, caricatures, paintings, drawings, and sculptures, spanning from Tudor and Elizabethan eras to contemporary times.

10. Tate Britain – Pimlico

Located in the district of Pimlico, Tate Britain serves as the custodian of British art from 1500 to the present. This stately Neoclassical structure stands as a testament to the importance of art in Britain’s cultural narrative.

Visitors can embark on a chronological journey through British art, featuring impressive temporary exhibitions and special collections such as the Turner Collection, showcasing the works of J.M.W. Turner, often considered Britain’s greatest painter.

11. Museum of London – Barbican

Located near the Barbican Centre, the Museum of London unfolds the dynamic tale of this ancient city, from prehistoric origins to modern vibrancy. It offers unrivaled insights into the capital’s past, showcasing artifacts from the Roman era to the Victorian age.

Standout displays such as the recreated Victorian Walk offer an immersive experience of history. The Museum of London provides a comprehensive narrative for those keen on exploring the city’s transformations.

12. Sir John Soane’s Museum – Holborn

Tucked away in Holborn, Sir John Soane’s Museum offers a fascinating journey into the mind of one of Britain’s most innovative architects. Once the home of Sir John Soane, this museum is a meticulously preserved window into eclectic tastes.

The museum features a diverse collection that includes Egyptian antiquities and notable artworks, all within its unique design that showcases inventive uses of space and skylights.

  • 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP, UK
  • www.soane.org
  • Admission: Free

13. Fashion and Textile Museum – Bermondsey

Situated in the trendy district of Bermondsey, the Fashion and Textile Museum stands out with its modern architecture. Founded by iconic British designer Zandra Rhodes in 2003, this museum showcases the evolution, creativity, and dynamism of fashion and textile design.

Exhibits rotate frequently, spotlighting different eras, designers, or themes, making it a visual treat for fashion enthusiasts. Workshops, courses, and talks make it a hub for education in the world of design.

14. Royal Air Force Museum London – Colindale

Located in the northern suburb of Colindale, the Royal Air Force Museum (RAF) offers a soaring tribute to aviation history and the legacy of the RAF. Sprawled across a former aerodrome, this museum features an impressive collection of over 100 aircraft.

Interactive exhibits and flight simulators provide engaging experiences, while the museum delves into the human stories behind these machines, highlighting courage and innovation.

15. Imperial War Museum London (IWM) – Lambeth

Situated in the urban heart of Lambeth, the Imperial War Museum (IWM) encapsulates the human stories intertwined within global conflicts. Established during the First World War in 1917, the IWM commemorates the sacrifices made and the upheavals endured throughout history.

Upon entering, exhibits span from the First World War to contemporary conflicts, portraying intimate portraits of life during wartime. The museum serves as a profound reflection on the human cost of war, making it essential for understanding resilience during adversity.

16. Royal Museums of Greenwich

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the River Thames, the Royal Museums in Greenwich offer a deep dive into Britain’s maritime history and the science of timekeeping. It’s an ensemble of key sites that have earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

At the Royal Observatory, visitors can stand astride the Prime Meridian, exploring the mysteries of time and space. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is close to the National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House, both of which are free to visit.

17. Tower of London

Perched along the River Thames, the Tower of London is not merely a museum but a monumental tapestry of British history dating back nearly a millennium. This iconic fortress has multiple roles: a royal palace, a prison, a treasury, and even a menagerie.

Venture inside to discover the dazzling Crown Jewels and witness poignant tales of historical figures who met their tragic ends within these walls.

18. Design Museum – Kensington

Situated in Kensington, the Design Museum is a beacon for creativity and innovation in the world of design. Established in 1989, the museum showcases the pinnacle of contemporary design across various fields, reflecting the essence of forward-thinking design.

Dive into dynamic exhibitions that capture the zeitgeist of design evolution, offering enlightening insight from conceptual sketches to realized masterpieces. For those seeking inspiration, this museum is an indispensable stop in London’s cultural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions About London Museums

What museum to go to in London?

  • British Museum, Bloomsbury
  • The Science Museum, South Kensington
  • Tate Modern, Bankside
  • Imperial War Museum, Lambeth
  • Victoria and Albert Museum, Knightsbridge
  • Natural History Museum, Kensington

Are London museums still free?

Many major museums in London offer free entry to their permanent collections. Some may charge for special or temporary exhibitions.

What are the two main museums in London?

The British Museum and Natural History Museum.

What are 5 famous artifacts at the British Museum?

  • The Rosetta Stone
  • The Elgin Marbles (Parthenon Marbles)
  • The Egyptian mummies
  • The Lewis Chessmen
  • The Oxus Treasure

Which is better, British Museum or Natural History Museum?

Both are exceptional. The British Museum focuses on human history, art, and culture, best for those interested in ancient civilizations. The Natural History Museum emphasizes the natural world, suited for nature, biology, and earth sciences.

What are some of the least visited Museums in London?

Some lesser-known museums worth checking out include the Postal Museum, National Army Museum, Garden Museum, Dulwich Picture Gallery, and the Fan Museum.

Map of Museums in London

Get Your Map of the Best Museums in London Here

With its vibrant historical backdrop, London presents a treasure trove of museums, showcasing myriad stories and epochs. From the spellbinding Natural History Museum to the modern Tate, London’s offerings are diverse and captivating. Venturing into these museums is one of the most rewarding pursuits in the British capital. As you plan your journey through London, remember to earmark ample time for these gems, as they hold the keys to understanding the essence of this historic city.

If you are planning a trip to England, make sure to check out our UK Travel Guide

Make sure to check out our Local’s Guide on Where to Stay in London for great ideas!

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