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There is no doubt in calling London the most diverse and culturally rich city in the world. It is the home of various world-class exhibitions, art galleries, and historic houses. Some of the best and most visited museums in the UK are in London. If you want to know where you can find the best free museums in London, stay tuned.
A visit to these masterpieces is a must. So many of you will be wondering what museums in London are free? And to your surprise most of them are free! So, what are you waiting for? Check out the best free museums in London that we have listed down, especially for you.
1. Victoria And Albert (V&A)
Named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s largest museum of art and design, housing over 2.3 million artefacts. Witness the beauty of its art galleries under gaslighting. It has one of the finest collections ranging from decorative art, fashion, sculpture, paintings, jewellery, photography, and so many more. You cannot miss this one as this is probably the best free museum in London.
Address –
Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom.
Nearest Stations –
South Kensington Subway Station.
Natural History Museum Queens Gate (Stop GL) bus stop.
2. Tate Modern, The Best Free Museum
Witness Britain’s national gallery for modern and contemporary art at Tate Modern. It also holds the national collection of British art from 1900 to the present day. They offer enormous performance art, world-class paintings, and photographs. You can also look over the beautiful river from its gallery cafe. This is one of the most visited museums in London.
Address –
Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom.
Nearest Stations –
Southward Subway Station.
Blackfriars Road (Stop SM) bus stop.
3. The British Museum
The British Museum is one of the top attractions of London and is a must-visit destination. It is one of the biggest museums in the world with 8 million permanent exhibits. The museum is curated with items from different periods and from all over the world. This is a one of its kind public museum dedicated solely to human history, art and culture. Fun Fact – The British Museum was the first public national museum in the world.
Address –
Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom.
Nearest Stations –
Tottenham Court Road Tube Station.
Great Russell Street (Stop R) bus stop.
4. National History Museum, The Best Free Museum
National History Museum is one of the most visited free museums in Europe with more than five million visitors each year. Experience some of the most unique collections of over 80 million species. It houses the world’s most impressive dinosaur exhibitions. There is undoubtedly something for everyone at the museum. From holding temporary Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, silent discos, dinosaur sleepovers to regular family exhibitions.
Address –
Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom.
Nearest Stations –
Gloucester Road Subway Station.
Natural History Museum Cromwell Road (Stop GT) bus stop.
5. National Maritime Museum
Located at the heart of Greenwich, National Maritime Museum has about fourteen galleries to explore. It exhibits Britain’s naval history comprising all sea battles with more than two million items. You can witness ancient maps, ship models, manuscripts, scientific and navigational instruments, and many more maritime art treasures.
Address –
Park Row, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9NF, United Kingdom.
Nearest Stations –
Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich DLR Station.
National Maritime Museum (Stop G) bus stop.
6. National Gallery
If you love art, this is the place for you. The national gallery consists of European masterpieces. It is a free site to visit with free guide tours and multiple language audio tours. There are various free activities available for families and children too. This museum boasts a huge collection of more than 2,000 paintings from the mid-13th century to 1900. Many critics and tourists consider the National Gallery to be one of the best free art museums in London.
Address –
Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
Nearest Stations –
Charing Cross Subway Station
Trafalgar Square (Stop C) bus stop
7. Design Museum
As the name says, this museum is filled with fascinating designs covering fashion, architecture, graphics, industries and more. Located in Kensington, The Design Museum is full of free temporary exhibitions, pop-ups, and bookable displays. It has won many accolades including the European Museum of the Year in 2018. Naturally, this is one of the most popular museums in London.
Address –
224-238 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 6AG, United Kingdom
Nearest Stations –
High Street Kensington Subway Station
The Design Museum (Stop X) bus stop
8. Science Museum, Free Museum In London
Experience science and technology advancements in the famous Science Museum. Being the most visited science and technology museum in Europe, it houses some of the world’s famous objects like Stephens rocket and Apollo 10 command capsule. You cannot miss the splendid space travel and experience what it’s like to fly with the Red Arrows.
Address –
Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD, United Kingdom
Nearest Stations –
South Kensington Station
South Kensington Museums (Stop K) bus stop
9. Wallace Collection
Wallace collection displays magnificent artworks in the historic London town. It has some of the most amazing old paintings, decorative arts, and world-class armouries. This stunning London museum is free and also has a glazed courtyard restaurant. This beautiful museum is named after Sir Richard Wallace and houses decorative and fine arts ranging from the 15th to 19th centuries.
Address –
Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, United Kingdom
Nearest Stations –
Bond Street Underground Station
Portman Square (Stop 15) bus stop
10. Imperial War Museum
Founded during the First World War, the Imperial War Museum is the world’s leading war museum. It houses ordinary people’s experiences during the conflict era. The museum’s vast collection ranges from uniforms, photographs, vehicles, films, weapons, and artworks. This is definitely one of the must-visit museums in London.
Address –
IWM London: Lambeth Road, London
Nearest Stations –
Lambeth North Subway Station
Kennington Road Imperial War Museum (Stop F) bus stop
11. Tate Britain
Tate Britain holds the most extensive collection of British art in the world from 1500 to the present day. Don’t miss this free museum in London. You can witness fantastic modern and contemporary art. The world’s largest collection of JMW Turner’s work is one of the few gems of the place.
Address –
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Nearest Stations –
Pimlico Station
Tate Britain (Stop L) bus stop
12. The Geffrye Museum of the House
Highlighting furniture and decorative arts, The Geffrye Museum of the House explores home and home life from 1600 to the present day. Illustration of home and home life through the centuries by displaying urban living rooms and gardens. It is often described as an oasis in the heart of the city. This is definitely one of the most popular museums in London.
Address –
Geffrye Almshouses, 136 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8EA, United Kingdom
Nearest Station –
Hoxton Train Station
Hoxton Station Geffrye Museum (Stop KN) bus stop
13. The Wellcome Collection, Free Museum In London
The Wellcome Collection puts forward their ideas about the connection of life, medicine, and art through displays of science, medicine and psychology artefacts. It proclaims to be a ” free destination for the incurably curious”. It has some outstanding contemporary and historic exhibitions and collections, the famous Wellcome Library and many more things to explore.
Address –
183 Euston Rd, London NW1 2BE, United Kingdom
Nearest Stations –
Euston Square Station
Warren Street Station (Stop V) bus stop
FAQs
Q1. Which museums are free to enter in London?
Ans: Many renowned museums in London offer free entry, including the British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, and more.
Q2. Why are most museums in London free?
Ans: The UK’s cultural policy promotes accessibility and education, making many museums free to encourage public engagement and learning.
Q3. Is National Gallery London free?
Ans: Yes, the National Gallery in London offers free admission to its permanent collection, showcasing iconic artworks.
Q4. Which is the best art gallery to visit in London?
Ans: The Tate Modern, with its diverse contemporary art collection, is among the top art galleries to explore in London.
Q5. Which is the best museum in London?
Ans: The British Museum, home to a vast and diverse collection spanning centuries and cultures, is often considered one of the best museums in London.
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