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As most museums offer free entry, there is no excuse not to enjoy some of the abundant culture around town.
There are museums for all tastes and interests... Anthropological, historical, decorative, artistic, scientific, for children or military museums – they are a good option for a long afternoon or in a rainy day.
As the prices of tickets and the temporary exhibitions change constantly, it is best for you to visit their websites to have the most up to date information.
Here are the most popular ones:
- ART
National Gallery – situated in the heart of London, in Trafalgar Square, it offers a fantastic view of the Big Ben. Allow plenty of hours and comfortable shoes to enjoy this massive museum full of jewels of the classic painters of all times. It is a free museum for the permanent exhibition.
National Portrait Gallery – with permanent and temporary exhibitions, is a lighter way to see art in the form of portraits. There are paintings, photographs and sculptures that will show you the pass of time in society. The temporary exhibitions aren’t free but some of them are worth paying for.
Royal Academy of Arts - an exquisite building in one of the most exclusive streets in London, the RAA is steps from Piccadilly Circus and nearby the hotel Ritz and Fortnum & Mason, you can have an all day experience by having a traditional Tea time in one of these two places and then have a walk in the museum. It is not a free museum and sometimes the exhibitions can seem a bit expensive for how little they are but, usually they are worth the money as the quality outdoes the quantity.
Barbican Art Gallery –In the north of the city, hidden amongst a network of aisles in a modern housing complex, the Barbican is a hub for artistic expressions such as art, photography, ballet, music or modern dance. It holds festivals, conferences and trade exhibitions. It is a bit out of the way from central London but in the area there are fantastic restaurants and one of the trendiest most creative areas in town. Farringdon, that is…
- HISTORICAL, ANTHROPOLOGICAL, SCIENTIFIC & OTHERS
The RAF Museum – For anyone and everyone who has ever dreamed of being a fighter pilot, racing around the garden with their arms in the air, this is the place for you. RAF Hendon is colossal. Giant, echoing spaces that makes you feel like you are in a cathedral as much as an aircraft hanger, with visitors paying whispered tribute to the breathtaking, heroic machines that call it their home. There are few spots within the museum that won't send a shiver up your spine when you consider the stories of the airplanes involved and the men and women that flew them. A little way from the centre of London, it is more than worth the effort of getting there and definitely devoting a whole day to.
RAF Museum London
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 If you’re searching for something different why not take off to the Royal Air Force Museum in Colindale and navigate your way through the history of aviation from the earliest balloon flight to the latest Eurofighter?
This world-class collection of over 100 aircraft, aviation and wartime memorabilia offers a fun day out for all the family. Don’t forget to visit our 3D cinema in Milestones of Flight or our awe inspiring sound and light show that takes you back in time to the Battle of Britain. The museum is open 10 am – 6pm Monday to Sunday with parking and entrance Free. www.rafmuseum.org |
The British Museum – you are interested in the Egyptians, the Japanese, the Romans, the Greeks, the American Indians.. you want to see how the Partnenon looked or how is the Rosetta stone.. just head here!
I remember clearly studying history and Art history and knowing most of the findings by the British Empire ended up in this amazing museum. Impossible to cover in one single visit, just seeing how they’ve built the library inside is enough to make you want to come back again and again. If you don’t have much time in town, and need to be choosey, this is one of the must-see museums. Near Tottenham Court Road, you will satisfy all member’s of the family here!
Natural History Museum – Historical and wonderful building, it is a bit outdated on the inside however.. nobody goes unimpressed after seeing the dinosaur that welcomes you in the main hall! You will be able to see armadillos, the biology history represented with models of all possible animals and just have a great day out learning about the planet. It is also free but beware of queues on weekends and during special exhibitions.
Science Museum –Arguably the single most popular museum in London, the Science Museum has a history dating back a century and a half. It is one of those places that really has something for everyone, but often visitors don't stop long enough to appreciate the myriad items on exhibit. More often than not, you will find it heaving with school groups and at the weekend, families. If you are visitng as a solo adult, try a week day, as soon as it opens at 10am. The building itself is breathtaking, and of all the London museums is one of the best for letting yourself get lost in, taking the time to really look at some of the exhibits, such as the Apollo 10 Command Module. If you are going with the Kids, you'll want to visit Launchpad which has over 50 interactive exhibits and is really quite fun - even for a parent! There is also the IMAX theatre - the only exhibit that you must pay for, but is an incredible 3-D movie experience, with a wide selection of movies, from Sea-Monsters to Ancient Egypt. The Science Museum is accessed by underground tunnel from South Kensington tube.
Imperial War Museum - Really one of the most underrated of London's museums. Free entry for the main part of the museum, with a fee to be paid to get into temporary exhibitions. These are generally fascinating, and anyone with an interest in any kind of history will get something out of a visit. There is a fantastic shop for book lovers in particular, and it is also possible to visit the museum's archives, bookable in advance if you wish to research an aspect of 20th century military history, normally you will find the beautiful, circular reading rooms full of quietly studying phd students, but the charming staff are happy to help out "civilians". A bus service runs direct from the museums in South Kensington to Lambeth, and it is within easy walking distance of Waterloo station and local tube stations. It can easily take up a whole day, so wear comfy shoes and try and avoid school holidays/half-terms when it is very busy.
Imperial War Museum London
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 From the front line to the home front, war affects us all
Find out more about the history of modern conflict at Imperial War Museum London.
Discover the story of those who have lived, fought and died in conflict from the First World War to the present day. Learn about the conditions endured by soldiers in the trenches, explore the role of wartime spies and find out about the children who lived through evacuation and the Blitz.
Imperial War Museum London, Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ
Nearest tube: Lambeth North
www.iwm.org.uk
Online shop www.iwmshop.org.uk
Free admission, open daily 10am - 6pm
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Museum of London – Near the Barbican, this museum shows the history of London and how it has become one of the centres of the world. This museum can seem a bit outdated but it still holds some quaint details that will give you plenty of entertainment for a couple of hours. Mostly a family museum, the kids will learn a lot and will enjoy seeing all the models and inventions showed there. You can learn about other cultures too!
(detail of Natural History Museum)
Fashion & Textile Museum - created by Zandra Rhodes is currently closed for refurbishment. But, once reopened, will be worth a visit if you are into fashion and want to check out its history and some of the work of the most famous designers around. Situated in a cool area where many students live, you can find numerous bars to discuss and exchange impressions within a walking distance.
Design Museum – by the river bank is a reference for all creative people in town. Hosting various exhibits per year and even competitions, it is an easy and nice walk by the river, near the Tower Bridge. It is £7 per entrance.
London Transport Museum – Renovated and located in the centre of the Touristy area, Covent Garden, this museum was created originally in the 1920s and it shows the progress of engineering efforts to make our commutes more accessible
London Canal Museum – London has wonderful canal walks across the city and you can learn all about them here.
Museums of Health & Medicine – You can even have a tour through the various museums in the matter. So many things have been discovered here that if you are a research doctor yourself, you may find this inspiring!
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