The UK is famous for its heritage and what keeps it alive are the museums and art galleries in the UK that are full of paintings, sculptures, and installations. The nation offers an offbeat experience inside its massive galleries and museums. From old masterpieces to modern art and contemporary sculptures, the UK is a delight for art lovers. Especially students who come here to study, these places will give you a different perspective of the city and the country. An immersive experience to satisfy your cultural cravings.
Let’s check out the iconic 10 museums and art galleries in the UK students love.
1. Royal Academy Of Arts
The Royal Academy of Arts was founded in the year 1768 by architects and artists who strived to recognise, appreciate and protect art in all its forms. You can see the finest art exhibitions in this academy, it spans a collection of over 250 years of British art from the likes of J.M.W Turner, John Constable, and David Hockney. The Academy hosts an annual summer exhibition where anyone can submit their work for inclusion. Works from budding artists sit beside some of the established world-class pieces, definitely a sight to behold.
Price: Free to enter (exhibitions are chargeable)
Venue: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD, UK
2. Hayward Gallery
The world’s most adventurous and innovative artists with a long history present their work in Hayward Gallery. Situated in the South Bank of the Thames, this gallery has some of the major art exhibitions and projects that include installations and talks inside and outside the venue.
It is considered the only gallery in the world that is established in the Brutalist style of architecture. Made with stark concrete that Londoners either hate or love.
Price: Free for only Members
Venue: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX, UK
3. The Design Museum
A country that respects designs and holds a high value for them, the Design Museum in Kensington is a contemporary museum in London that focuses on modern designs like digital designs, graphic art, fashion, and architecture. For students, there are numerous student-focused talks and activities held that you should not miss if you are someone who loves design.
Price: £10.00 to £14.00 per ticket (Adult)
Venue: 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG, UK
4. Tate Britain
The largest holder of British art in the world, Tate Britain has artforms over 1500 to this day. Masterpieces from John Everett Millais and JMW Turner alongside contemporary art from Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, David Hockney, and Barabara Hepworth – to name a few. The museum hosts live workshops, music, and fun activities for its visitors.
Price: £13–£22
Venue: Millbank London SW1P 4RG
5. Saatchi Gallery
Spread across a spectacular 70 thousand sq ft of land, the Saatchi Gallery is located in Duke of York Square, Chelsea. The exhibition focuses on inclusivity, where the work of young artists and international artists are displays that are rarely seen in the UK. Saatchi Gallery is a great place for international students who wish to attend educational programmes and events. There are temporary exhibitions that display innovative art. You can find a book shop and cafe in the gallery
Price: Free
Venue: Duke of Yorks’s Building, Kings Road, London, SW3 4SQ
6. Barbican Art Gallery
The Barbican Art Gallery proffers principal exhibitions by prominent artists and global figures. There are acclaimed architects with their star designs as well as turner prize-winning artists showcasing their unbelievable work in this art gallery. You must check out the Barbican’s Curve, specially made for the exciting new art commission series created for the space. Spend your weekend in this beautiful gallery and soak yourself in British culture.
Price: £10
Venue: Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS, UK
7. Natural History and Science Museum
A massive church-like structure reveals almost 80 million specimens of etymology, botany, paleontology , mineralogy, and zoology. The Natural History & Science Museum will take you back to the very start of sapiens. If you are someone who is fascinated by science, technology, and medical achievement globally then this is the place for you. A beautiful lapse into the start of the living organisms.
Price: £8 (Adults)
Venue: South Kensington Tube. London, UK
8. Dulwich Picture Gallery
A pretty place in south London, the Dulwich Picture Gallery was designed & built by Sir John Soane. Dulwich is a place where you will find the likes of Gainsborough, Rembrandt, and Canaletto at Dulwich Picture Gallery. It is England’s very first purpose-built gallery that displays art and exhibitions from an array of art mediums and movements. You can see more than 600 paintings in this gallery by some of the finest painters and artists in the world.
Price: £7 (Adults)
Venue: Gallery Rd, London SE21 7AD, UK
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9. Imperial War Museum and Churchill War Rooms
Opened to the public in 1920 during World War 1, the Imperial War museum spreads knowledge about British Military history. Mainly focusing on the times during the first and second World Wars. But after a point, it has also included the exhibits on the Holocaust, post 9/11 conflict, military intelligence, and other wars in which Britain was involved. The main Southwark is free to visit for the general public but admission in the Churchill War Rooms have a price. It’s worth it, to explore the underground passages and complexes used by Prime Minister Winston Churchill during 1936 and 1945.
Price: Free entry in the Imperial War Museum (chargeable for Churchill War rooms)
Venue: Clive Steps, King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ, UK
10. Serpentine Galleries
A small but beautifully formed gallery that sits in the middle of Hyde Park. The gallery hosts free exhibitions that display international contemporary and modern art by world-known artists like Chris Ofili and Andy Warhol. This summer, don’t miss the chance to attend the annual architectural pavilion commission.
Price: Free
Venue: London W2 3XA, UK
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