There are many modern art museums in London.
In this article, we take a look at some of London's best contemporary art galleries and museums.
Museums of Modern Art in London: article summary
Museum of modern art in London: Tate modern
The Tate Modern is a must-see for any fan of the art scene visiting London. Housed in the former Bankside power station, the museum boasts an impressive collection of modern art from around the world.
The highlight of the museum is the Turbine Hall, a huge open space running the length of the building.
Here you can see works by some of the most famous artists of the last century, including :
- Cézanne
- Bonnard
- Matisse
- Picasso
- Rothko
- DalÃ
- Pollock
- Warhol
The museum's collection spans the 1500s to the present day, and is divided into themes rather than eras.
Visitors can explore the collection in the order of their choice, without having to worry about chronology.
Admission to the Tate Modern is free, making it one of London's best value for money.
The National Gallery
Visit National Gallery London is home to one of the world's most impressive collections of European paintings, covering from the medieval period to the early 20th century.
Visitors can explore the history of European art, masterpiece by masterpiece, with works by some of history's most famous artists, including :
- Botticelli
- Paul Cézanne
- Monet
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Rembrandt
- Gainsborough
- Renoir
- Van Gogh
In recent years, the gallery has made a concerted effort to focus on the art of today, organizing exhibitions and events featuring modern and contemporary works in contrast to the older pieces in the collection.
The gallery offers free guided tours, audioguides in several languages and free family activities for children of all ages.
Museum of Modern Art in London: Victorian and Albert Museum
The V&A is the world's leading museum of art and design, with a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects. covering more than 5,000 years of human creativity.
The museum is home to many of the UK's national collections and houses some of the greatest resources for the study :
- Architecture
- Furniture
- Fashion
- Textiles
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Painting
- Jewelry
- Glass
- Ceramics
- Book arts
- Asian art and design
- Theater
With such a diverse range of collections, the V&A offers something for everyone.
The museum boasts a range of collections ideal for enthusiasts of the modern and contemporary art scene, including their Modernisme collection.
Hayward Gallery
The Hayward Gallery is a destination for modern and contemporary art, and has been at the forefront of the art scene since it opened in London in 1968.
Throughout its history, the gallery has presented works by some of the world's most innovative and adventurous artists.
The gallery is world-renowned for its striking Brutalist architecture and illustrious exhibition roster.
Located in the heart of London, the gallery has hosted some of the most revolutionary artists of the last century, including :
- Antony Gormley
- Dan Flavin
- Roy Lichtenstein
- Tracey Emin.
The gallery has played an important role in championing emerging artists and offering them a platform to showcase their work.
Thanks to Hayward, many artists have enjoyed international success. Today, the gallery continues to an essential role in promoting the best in contemporary art.
London Museum of Modern Art: Serpentine Galleries
The Serpentine consists of two spaces located on either side of the Serpentine Lake in London's Kensington Gardens.
The Serpentine Gallery, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is a space specially conceived for contemporary art exhibitions, located in the former tea pavilion.
The Sackler Gallery, also designed by the same architects, is a converted powder magazine housing the Serpentine's collection of modern and contemporary art.
In addition to its seasonal exhibition program of eight shows a year, the Serpentine presents its annual Serpentine Pavilion during the summer months.
The Serpentine Pavilion is the first and most ambitious architectural program of its kind in the world.
The Serpentine Gallery is a truly unique institution and a must-see destination for anyone interested in contemporary art.
The Saatchi Gallery
Galerie Saatchi is one of the world's leading contemporary art galleries. The gallery was founded by Charles Saatchi in 1985 and has since become internationally recognized for its commitment to showcase the work of young and emerging artists.
The gallery is located on Duke of York Square, in Chelsea, and occupies a spectacular 70,000 square feet of exhibition space.
The Saatchi Gallery's exhibitions focus on international artists rarely seen in the UK and aim to inspire a passion for contemporary art in all audiences.
In addition to temporary exhibitions, the gallery also hosts an educational program and events.
The gallery's bookshop and café are also popular destinations in their own right. Whether you're a die-hard art lover or just looking for a place to grab a cup of coffee, the Saatchi Gallery is well worth a visit.
The city's various modern art museums offer contemporary visions of art. These are fascinating places to visit, and I recommend to see at least once during your stay in London.
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