London has some of the most outstanding museums and art galleries in the world. Many of the best ones are entirely free to visit and are must-see attractions on a tour of the UK’s capital.
With world-leading art galleries such as Tate Modern and The National Gallery, there’s so much to see in London for art lovers.
History fans are in for a real treat, as London’s museums hold some of the most fascinating and impressive archeological finds from thousands of years of human history.
Be sure to check out some of the best museums in London during your trip to get a complete experience of the city and its culture.
1 – Natural History Museum
Located on the aptly-named Exhibition Road, near the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Home to an astounding collection of over 80 million artifacts, visitors can discover dinosaur skeletons, space rocks, weird and extinct wildlife and the remains of our ancient ancestors in this one-of-a-kind museum.
First-time visitors to the Natural History Museum are sure to be wowed by its impressive architecture alone. Admission to the museum is free of charge.
2 – Victoria and Albert Museum
The world’s largest museum dedicated to design and decorative arts, the Victoria and Albert Museum is great fun for all ages and a must-see for art and design students.
Its diverse collection includes over 2.3 million artifacts covering everything from fashion and furniture to priceless artworks by the great masters.
Home to significant national collections from the kitsch to the sublime, the V&A is an absolute treasure trove of design and ingenuity.
3 – The British Museum
If you were only to visit one museum in London, The British Museum should be it.
With literally millions of artifacts in its collection from all over the globe, the museum covers the history of humanity in its sprawling galleries.
Discover grand monuments from Ancient Egypt and the historically invaluable Rosetta Stone. Uncover the history of the most fascinating human societies through objects, artworks and ancient mummies.
Not only one of the best museums in London but the entire world, exploring The British Museum is sure to be one of the best things to do in Central London. Admission is free.
4 – Science Museum
Located near the V&A on Exhibition Road, the Science Museum is dedicated to human ingenuity and endeavor.
Its main exhibitions focus on modern technological developments in energy, space exploration and manufacturing. Its vast galleries hold everything from steam engines to space crafts and beyond.
Crammed full of interactive and inspiring exhibits, a trip to the Science Museum will spark your curiosity and sense of wonder. You’re sure to find something fascinating in this top free museum.
5 – Design Museum
Explore the history of creativity and where it can take us in the future at London’s Design Museum.
A recent winner of the European Museum of the Year Award, Design Museum has an alternating program of temporary exhibits and a permanent exhibition of design highlights from the last century.
Here visitors can discover the ingenuity behind commonplace objects and check out innovative creations in the world of architecture, technology, fashion and graphic design.
6 – Museum of London
If you’re interested in the history of the City of London itself, You can’t go wrong with the Museum of London.
It covers the many stories of the city in its nine permanent galleries. Discover the history of the area from 4,500 BC to the present day passing through the Roman and Medieval periods, plagues, the Great Fire, and the Blitz of World War II.
Learn how the city has overcome and redesigned itself many times throughout the centuries at this fantastic museum.
7 – The National Gallery
The National Gallery houses a selection of the world’s great masterpieces by some of the most revered names in art.
Here you can find a wide range of artworks dating from the 13th to the 20th century in an array of styles.
Check out paintings by Renaissance masters, including da Vinci, Raphael and Caravaggio as well as famous pieces by Rembrandt, Monet and van Gogh.
Admission to permanent exhibits is free.
8 – Harry Potter Studio London
Are you a huge Harry Potter fan? Harry Potter Studio is a museum dedicated to all things about Harry Potter and his adventures.
Explore the world of Hogwarts and discover the magic behind the movies across a huge 200-acre complex.
Go behind the scenes of some of the most iconic sets including the Forbidden Forest, the Diagon Alley, and the Great Hall.
Admire the actual costumes and see special effects from the Harry Potter movie serie.
See also: best Harry Potter tours in London, best Harry Potter places to visit in London, Harry Potter Studio last minute tickets
9 – Madame Tussauds London
In search of engaging activities for teens in London? Explore the globally renowned Madame Tussauds, not only one of the premier museums in the city but also its most frequented attraction, boasting the prestigious title of being the world’s largest waxwork museum.
The popular waxwork museum was founded in 1835 and has wax models of many well-known celebrities.
Grab a selfie with historical kings and queens, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Terminators, popstars and Marvel superheroes, Madame Tussauds is great fun.
10 – National Army Museum
Learn the British Army’s fascinating history and ever-changing role in society at the National Army Museum.
Discover how the army was formed in the 1600s in a turbulent time of civil war and unrest for the nation.
See thousands of objects in its galleries and hear some of the extraordinary stories of ordinary people. The National Army Museum is great fun for everyone!
11 – The Postal Museum
The Postal Museum is way more fun than it sounds! Ride the Mail Rail through 100-year-old underground tunnels on a miniature postal train ride.
Travel back to the 1930’s heyday of the postal rail system and enjoy an audiovisual tour of the system.
See classic uniforms and equipment used by the historic Royal Mail postal service, which dates all the way back to the 1500s.
12 – National Portrait Gallery
Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery holds a vast collection of paintings of historically important British people.
Its collection includes a very well-known portrait of William Shakespeare as well as popular pictures of kings and queens, aristocrats, sports stars and many more.
The National Portrait Gallery also hosts a selection of temporary exhibitions. General admission is free.
13 – The Foundling Museum
The Foundling Museum covers the history of the Foundling Hospital, the country’s first charity for abandoned children.
Discover the story so far through reconstructions of the original hospital rooms and picture gallery, which includes portraits of the hospital’s directors and patrons, and much more.
The museum also houses important artworks donated by popular artists such as William Hogarth, Grayson Perry and Tracey Emin.
14 – Charles Dickens Museum
One of the city’s best-loved writers, Charles Dickens brought Victorian London to life in his moving stories which still enchant readers today.
Take the chance to visit the author’s former home at 48 Doughty Street where Dickens lived from 1837-1839.
Here he wrote some of his best-loved stories, including Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby which bring him national appreciation.
This is an absolute must for Dickens fans while visiting London.
15 – Churchill War Rooms
As far as historic places in the city of London, the Churchill War Rooms is without doubt one of the most significant.
This formerly top-secret bunker complex, on King Charles Street, was where Winston Churchill lived and directed the country from in World War II.
Visitors can see the place where some of the biggest decisions of WWII were made and history was irrevocably altered for the better.
Don’t miss out on a tour of this fascinating subterranean landmark.
16 – Tower of London
The world-famous Tower of London has been many things in its 1000 year existence, including a revered royal palace and terrifying symbol of oppression.
It is perhaps most infamous for its use as a dungeon for political prisoners, including Guy Fawkes and Sir Walter Raleigh and even royals such as Anne Boleyn.
Check out this famous London landmark to discover more of its fascinating and often gruesome history.
See also: Tower of London tickets price
17 – Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
Holder of one of the world’s largest collections of Ancient Egyptian and Sudanese artifacts, the Petrie Museum is home to over 80,000 objects.
In this are many notable artifacts including architectural drawings, ancient linen and metalwork spanning the years 1500 BC to 5000 BC.
Visitors can see outstanding artworks, including fine clothing, ceramics, carvings and frescos at this unique and important museum.
18 – Young V&A
A new Victoria and Albert museum dedicated to inspiring young people from toddlers to teens.
Young V&A focuses on the importance of play, design and imagination.
Here you can find fun and fascinating exhibitions that draw on the V&A’s huge collection.
From famous skateboards to video games and much more, Young V&A is sure to entertain and excite young minds.
19 – Garden Museum
All botanists and gardeners will really enjoy a trip to the Garden Museum which celebrates the history of British Gardens, from the Medieval to the present day.
The picturesque setting of the museum, St Mary’s at Lambeth Church, is the burial site of one of the country’s first expert gardeners and plant hunters, John Tradescant, who lived from 1570 – 1638.
You can see his tomb in the museum’s Sackler Garden and much more at this vital museum to the nation’s gardening history.
20 – Tate Britain
Home to some of the country’s most important artworks and with a sole focus on British Art, Tate Britain is, without doubt, one of the best art galleries in London.
Home to important works by significant national artists such as J.M.W Turner, William Hogarth, Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable and the Pre-Raphaelites, you won’t find a better collection of British artworks anywhere in the world.
This is a must-see for art lovers. Admission is free.
21 – Tate Modern
The modern and contemporary art branch of the Tate Museum family, Tate Modern houses international artworks and a rotating program of exhibitions.
With pieces dating from 1900 to the present day, Tate Modern has works by many influential artists in its permanent collection, including Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee and Claude Monet.
Its iconic premises are in the former Bankside Powerstation building and include huge gallery spaces for installation artworks.
22 – Grant Museum of Zoology
Home to the rarest skeleton in the world, the recently-extinct Quagga, the Grant Museum of Zoology is sure to astound and amaze.
With over 68,000 specimens in its collection, including the weird and wonderful “glass jar of moles”, It is one of the oldest natural history museums in the country.
With an endless array of old-fashioned glass cabinets to peer into, the Grant Museum is a lot of fun to visit for kids and adults alike.
23 – Freud Museum London
The Freud Museum is dedicated to the groundbreaking work of Sigmund Freud and displays exhibitions related to this great modern thinker and neurologist.
It is located in the final home of Freud, known the world over as the father of psychoanalysis, and his daughter Anna Freud who was also a pioneering psychoanalyst.
Explore Freud’s home, including his study and see the collection of antiques, curiosities and his personal library of over 1,600 books.
24 – William Morris Gallery
William Morris was one of the top public figures of the Victorian period.
Recognized primarily as a poet in his lifetime, he later became renowned for his design and craftwork skills and as part of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
The William Morris Gallery displays important work created by his company Morris & Co. including, wallpaper prints, tapestries and stained glassworks.
This excellent museum is sure to appeal to students and lovers of the applied arts.
25 – The Cartoon Museum
Discover the fun and fascinating world of cartoons at The Cartoon Museum on Wells Street.
Documenting the history of British cartoons as an art form you’re sure to find plenty of laughs here.
With exhibitions covering classic characters such as Judge Dredd and Rupert Bear this is a great resource for those interested in the comic industry.
Visitors can check out its huge archive of over 8,000 comics and 6,000 original artworks.
26 – The British Library
Home to nearly 200 million volumes, the British Library is one of the largest national libraries in the world.
A vital resource for scholars and academics all over the world, the library receives a copy of every book published in the United Kingdom.
The British Library is open to everyone who wants to use it though you must first acquire a reader’s pass.
It hosts regular exhibitions and offers educational tours to visitors.
27 – The Wallace Collection
In possession of an outstanding array of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts, the Wallace Collection is another of London’s fine art galleries.
The works were once the private collection of Sir Richard Wallace and were eventually donated to the British Nation.
Visitors can see paintings by Titian, Rubens and Van Dyck, decorative weapons and armor and a stunning collection of 18th-century French artworks.
The museum is located in the stunning surroundings of Hertford House where it was housed during the lifetimes of its major collectors.
28 – Royal Academy of Arts
The Royal Academy of Arts has been around for over 250 years and has continuously supported the great art and artist of the time.
Displaying a permanent collection of works by British artists, including John Constable, Angelica Kauffman and Thomas Banks.
It is also home to Britain’s oldest art school and has a program of temporary exhibitions and events that run throughout the year.
29 – London Film Museum
The London Film Museum is dedicated to the British film industry and holds exhibitions of memorabilia and props from popular movies.
Previous exhibitions have covered film legends such as Ray Harryhausen and included a large selection of James Bond vehicles and props.
It currently has a Harry Potter photographic exhibition that takes visitors behind the scenes at important stages in the making of the movies.
30 – The Clink Prison Museum
You may have heard the expression “in the clink” but did you know it originated right here in London at the notorious Clink Prison?
The Clink was a working prison from the year 1152 to 1780 and was at the service of the Bishop of Winchester who ruled the surrounding lands.
It was burned down by Lord George Gordon but a single wall of the original structure remains.
Visitors can check out this most infamous medieval jail at the Clink Prison Museum.
31 – HMS Belfast
The historic HMS Belfast is one of the country’s best surviving World War II battleships.
The ship fought at the D-Day landings and served in a number of foreign wars and missions.
Visitors can explore the ship’s nine decks and see what life was like on board the HMS Belfast for crew members.
Visit the D-Day Experience exhibition for an audible experience of the battle and to explore the gun turrets used in the famous combat on Normandy’s beaches.
32 – The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History
Looking for the weird and wonderful in London?
The Viktor Wynd Museum is sure to enthrall you with its curiosities and artifacts of somewhat questionable authenticity.
Discover the museum’s diverse collection of remains belonging to mermaids, fairies, and unicorns as well as its Cabinet of Monsters and exhibitions of Magick and the Occult.
Discover creatures from the depths of the ocean, objects crafted from human hair and fascinating erotic artworks all inside this captivating museum. Roll up, roll up!
33 – Jewish Museum London
Learn a little about Jewish life in Britain through the centuries at the Jewish Museum London.
Discover a collection of Jewish ceremonial artworks and the stories of the 10,000 Jewish children who came to the UK as refugees in World War II.
Visit the Holocaust Gallery to hear the tale of British Auschwitz survivor, Leon Greenman OBE and see an original Medieval Mikveh, unearthed in the city in 2001.
34 – Florence Nightingale Museum
The Florence Nightingale Museum is home to over 3,000 objects and artifacts related to the famous “Lady with the Lamp”.
Florence Nightingale is understood to be the founder of modern nursing in Britain and improved the practices and conditions of hospitals greatly during her lifetime.
The museum features such iconic items as a black dress and nurse uniform owned by Nightingale, her pet owl and even one of her famous lamps.
35 – Pollocks Toy Museum
The UK’s oldest toy museum, Pollocks was founded in 1955 but its history dates back to the 1800s to a London printer and publisher of toy theatres.
Though the collection has changed hands and locations many times it continues to delight and astounds visitors to this day.
Check it out and see the museum’s prized collection of toy theatres as well as historic tin toys, bears and optical toys all under one roof.
36 – The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
The Old Operating Theatre Museum can be found in what may seem like a slightly unusual and difficult to access place, a church attic.
The church actually housed St.Thomas’ Hospital from the 1700s through to the 1800s until the facility moved to nearby Lambeth in 1862.
The church was boarded up and the operating theatre managed to survive. It is considered to be the oldest in Europe.
Check out this amazing Victorian medical room from the era before anesthetic and antiseptic.
37 – Wellcome Collection
A museum dedicated to health and humanity, the Wellcome Collection includes unique and historical medical relics as well as modern art and technological exhibitions.
The museum has a large collection of over 250,000 prints, drawings, paintings and more which span from the 14th century to the present day.
There are many historic objects on display too from various cultures around the world.
Here you will find many books, including a large collection of very old texts that cover diverse topics, including alchemy and the occult.
This is a fascinating and unique museum indeed.
38 – Brunel Museum
The Brunel Museum is dedicated to the works of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
The Brunels were arguably the greatest civil engineers of the Victorian era and together constructed the Thames Tunnel, the first of its kind in the world.
The Brunel Museum is located in the Engine House, part of the Thames Tunnel complex, and houses a variety of exhibitions and objects related to the construction of the tunnel.
Visitors can see paintings and prints, commemorative items, handwritten letters by the Brunels and much more.
39 – Cinema Museum
Discover the thrill of the movies all over again at London’s Cinema Museum.
It houses a collection of cinema-related artifacts such as movie production equipment, a comprehensive collection of film projectors and movie house furniture from the mid-century heyday of the artform.
The museum building also has ties to film history as it was once the Lambeth Workhouse, where Charlie Chaplin lived as a boy.
Film fans have to check out this fascinating museum while visiting the city.
40 – Saatchi Gallery
For over 35 years the Saatchi Gallery has been bringing the freshest contemporary art to London.
Check it out during your time in the city and see what it has to offer.
Art lovers can see temporary exhibitions by up-and-coming artists and a permanent collection that features works by Andy Warhol and many more.
41 – Jack The Ripper Museum
Step back in time to the foggy streets of Victorian-era London at the Jack the Ripper Museum and try to solve what may be the capital’s biggest mystery.
Spread over six floors the exhibits give you all the information about the grisly murders so you can decide for yourself, who really was the infamous serial killer?
This is not for the faint of heart!
See also: Jack the Ripper tours in London
42 – Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the world-famous home of Queen Elizabeth II and one of the city’s most visited attractions.
Though the palace’s staterooms are only open for visitors during the summer months, visitors can see the changing of the Royal Guard and explore the Royal Mews and Queen’s Gallery throughout the year.
Don’t miss this most iconic London residence and Royal Palace during your trip to the city.
See also: Buckingham Palace last minute tickets
43 – Imperial War Museum
Discover all about the country’s wartime history at the Imperial War Museum.
The museum has exhibitions covering both foreign and domestic wars including World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War.
It displays a collection of over 1 million artifacts relating to modern warfare, including a large number of photographs, newspaper clippings, weapons, ammunition, vehicles and much more.
44 – Handel & Hendrix in London
Visit Handel & Hendrix in London and discover the homes of two of London’s best-loved musical virtuosos.
The Baroque composer, George Frideric Handel and legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix lived next door to each other on Brook Street, though in vastly different eras.
Check out the exhibitions and go back in time to the swinging 60s and the 1700s to see what life was like for these kindred musical spirits.
45 – Museum of the Order of Saint John
Trace the 1,000-year-old roots of the St. John Ambulance at this fascinating London Museum.
The Museum of the Order of Saint John takes us all the way back to Jerusalem in 1080 to the very first hospital formed under the name of Saint John. Follow the history of the order through Europe and the Middle East and see its huge collection of artifacts.
On display, you will find paintings and manuscripts alongside antique weapons, armor, coins and much more.
46 – Horniman Museum and Gardens
The Horniman Museum holds a unique collection of objects from all around the globe including antique armor, ceramics and ceremonial and religious clothing.
The collection was started by Frederick Horniman, a wealthy tea merchant, in the year 1851 and the museum was built soon after to allow local people to “Discover the World”.
Check out this fascinating collection created in the heydey of Victorian exploration.
47 – Hunterian Museum
Home to 3,500 specimens that once belonged to the distinguished surgeon, John Hunter, the Hunterian Museum is a treasure trove of anatomical wonder.
The museum contains all manner of human and animal remains in different states of preservation as well as antique surgical instruments.
48 – Apsley House
Since 1817, Apsley House has been the very grand home to the Dukes of Wellington.
It is now run as a museum by English Heritage and visitors can check out its famous grounds and the Wellington Collection of artworks.
The collection includes important paintings from the Old Masters including Caravaggio, Titian and Van Dyck.
49 – White Cube
One of the city’s leading contemporary art galleries, White Cube has exhibited works by many of the biggest names in the art world.
It has a number of locations in London and Hong Kong and displays the freshest works in Contemporary art.
This is a must for art fans in the city. Admission is Free.
50 – The Courtauld Gallery
Housed in the historic and vibrant arts complex of Somerset House, The Courtauld Gallery displays the collection of the Courtauld Institute of Arts.
It includes diverse works by renowned European artists, including van Gogh, Goya, Cezanne, Degas, Fra Angelico and many more.
51 – Serpentine Gallery
For over 50 years the Serpentine Gallery has been pushing the boundaries with its exciting contemporary art exhibitions.
It has two locations in Kensington Gardens and its exhibitions often focus on emerging ideas and technology. Admission is Free.
52 – Household Cavalry Museum
The Household Cavalry Museum is dedicated to the great work done by the Queen’s mounted guards.
Learn more about the ever-present palace guardsmen with their iconic red jackets and golden helmets.
Discover interactive exhibits and a large collection of paraphernalia including clothing and weapons.
Get the chance to see Her Maj’s Cavalry in action at the daily changing of the guard ceremony.
53 – Whitechapel Gallery
The Whitechapel Gallery has been displaying major works by some of the world’s best-loved and most influential artists for over 100 years.
Some of its previous exhibitions have included, Pablo Picasso’s career-defining work Guernica, as well as shows devoted to the works of diverse artists such as Jackson Pollock, David Hockney and Frida Kahlo.
54 – Dennis Severs’ House
This unusual house museum has been open to the public since 1980. Dennis Severs was a California native that moved to London and bought a decaying house in Spitalfields in 1979.
Over his lifetime he “restored” the house with a very unique vision in mind. Each of its 10 rooms represents a different period in history and is arranged to appear lived in.
This is probably one of the best museums in London for those in search of the weird and wonderful. You probably won’t find a museum like this anywhere else in the world.
55 – Keats House
Once the home of celebrated English poet John Keats, Keats House is now a museum to the writer’s legacy.
The Romantic-era poet lived in the house between 1818 and 1820 and it was here he wrote some of his best-loved works and met the love of his life, Fanny Brawne.
Visitors can see the engagement ring he gave to her as well as Keats’ death mask among other items and tour the house he once called home.
56 – Old Royal Naval College
Home to the awe-inspiring Painted Hall, the Old Royal Navy College has a history that spans back 500 years.
Its Baroque-style interior is so finely decorated it has been described as the Sistine Chapel of Britain.
It is a popular filming location and has appeared in many movies and television shows including Pirates of the Caribbean, The Crown and Les Misérables.
57 – Barts Pathology Museum
Over the course of 200 years, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital and Medical College gathered thousands of anatomical specimens which are now collected together in its Pathology Museum.
For literature fans, St. Bartholomew’s was the spot where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson met for the first time, adding an extra layer of interest to the site.
The museum is not open on a regular basis but can be visited during organized events. You can check the website to see what’s happening.
58 – Burgh House
Burgh House is a museum, gallery and event space in Hampstead that has been a notable landmark of the area for nearly 300 years.
It was a house up until the 1940s and was occupied by some notable residents, including Elsie Bambridge the daughter of author Rudyard Kipling.
It is now a lively community hub and its museum houses thousands of objects related to the history of the area from prehistoric times to the present day.
59 – Barbican Art Gallery
The Barbican is a cultural complex in the city and is home to two exhibition spaces that display some of the best current art and design works in the city.
The Curve is a central exhibition space that focuses on contemporary artworks and the main Art Gallery displays everything from award-winning art to architecture.
While you’re there you can check out The Barbican’s awesome tropical conservatory and one of its three cinemas.
60 – The Royal London Hospital Museum
The small but interesting Royal London Hospital Museum is located on the grounds of the hospital.
It has an exhibition on the history of nursing and the development of the institution.
It also features information about Joseph Merrick, the so-called Elephant Man, who was a long-term resident of the hospital until his death in 1890.
61 – Islington Museum
For a specific look at the history of the borough of Islington, Islington Museum has a lot of information.
It is home to some historic artifacts including a bust of Vladimir Lenin who lived in the area around the turn of the century.
It also hosts regular temporary exhibitions related to local life and community with topics including Black Lives Matter, stories of refugees, local industry and tales from world War II.
62 – Sambourne House
The remarkable Sambourne House museum was once home to one of Victorian Britain’s most beloved illustrators, Linley Sambourne.
The house retains the fashionable Victorian style and decor from when Sambourne and his wife lived there.
Visitors can get a first-hand glance into the lives of middle-class Londoners in the mid-19th century.
The stylish William Morris wallpapers and hand-painted decorations as well as the huge amount of furniture and ornaments make this an amazing time capsule for those interested in the Aesthetic style.
63 – Royal Academy of Music Museum
Home to a collection of important musical instruments as well as written music, artworks and memorabilia, the Royal Academy of Music Museum is sure to be a favorite among music lovers.
Discover its piano and violin galleries that hold rare instruments, including a Stradivarius violin played for Marie Antoinette as well as historic harpsichords and Steinway Pianos.
64 – Hayward Gallery
Located in the bustling Southbank Centre, the Hayward Gallery displays a wide variety of works by artists from all over the world.
With no permanent collection of its own, the gallery’s program includes a few major exhibitions each year.
Previous exhibits often focus on vibrant contemporary art and have featured works by Antony Gormley and Andy Warhol as well as many more.
65 – Institute of Contemporary Arts
The Institute of Contemporary Arts, or ICA as it is commonly known, has been at the forefront of the city’s cultural scene since its inception in 1947.
It has hosted exhibitions of many well-known artists early in their careers, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cindy Sherman and Steve McQueen.
It has also held talks by popular authors such as J.G Ballard and Allen Ginsberg and early performances by The Clash and Throbbing Gristle.
Check out this vital and always fresh contemporary arts museum while you’re in London.
66 – Guildhall Art Gallery
The Guildhall Gallery houses the artworks belonging to the City of London, including an impressive piece by John Singleton Copley.
The building is connected to the Guildhall, a very old building complex that is the historic home of the city’s government.
As a sort of two-for-one, you can also visit the 2000-year-old remains of London’s first Roman Amphitheatre in the basement of the Guildhall Gallery.
67 – Golden Hinde
The Golden Hinde is by far one of the best museums in London — as well as the most fun.
This full-size replica of the first British ship to sail around the world is docked in the historic center of the city near London Bridge.
Discover the traditional materials and techniques used to create this authentic galleon from the Elizabethan era of global exploration.
68 – Chelsea FC Museum
The Chelsea Football Club Museum is based in the team’s iconic home grounds at Stamford Bridge Stadium.
The historic London team has been wowing fans for over 100 years and football fanatics are sure to enjoy the club’s museum.
Visit the trophy room to see the collection of Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League awards.
Discover the history of the club and learn a little more about your favorite player.
69 – Sir John Soane’s Museum
Visit the fascinating and beautiful former home of famed British architect, Sir John Soane.
The Sir John Soane Museum houses the large collection of drawings, models and artworks collected by him throughout his lifetime.
Many of the pieces explore classical architecture and there are some curiosities also, including an Egyptian sarcophagus that once housed the body of Pharoah, Seti I.
70 – Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace has been one of the most famous Royal addresses in the city for nearly 300 years.
The palace is still in use today and is the home to TRH the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children.
Visitors can tour the impressive King’s and Queen’s State Apartments and the rooms where Queen Victoria, among many other young royals, lived as a child.
71 – Dr Johnson’s House
This small yet well-preserved house museum was once occupied by Samuel Johnson, one of 18th-century London’s leading literary figures. He lived at 17 Gough Street between 1755 and 1759.
Johnson most famously authored the Dictionary and is widely quoted as saying “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”.
The museum holds a collection of artifacts related to Johnson and his work, including a first edition print of his poem London as well as dozens of manuscripts and furniture.
72 – Faraday Museum at The Royal Institution of GB
If you’re looking for the history of scientific investigation in Britain, look no further than the Faraday Museum.
It covers over 200 years of world-class scientists and groundbreaking discoveries across its three floors.
See Faraday’s magnetic laboratory from the mid-1800s as well as a modern nanotech lab.
Learn about early computer programmers and find out the wide range of world-changing discoveries made at the Royal Institution.
73 – The Fusilier Museum
Based in the Fusilier’s headquarters at the Tower of London, The Fusilier Museum tells the story of the historic regiment, which was created in 1685 at the request of King James II.
The Fusilier’s original role was to guard the Royal arms and ammunition but it has since expanded to see them fight in many of Britain’s biggest conflicts.
The museum features uniforms and photographs as well as weapons and information covering the story of the regiment from its inception to the present day.
74 – Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
The only museum in Britain dedicated to modern Italian art, the Estorick Collection contains important paintings from the Futurist movement.
Here you can check out vital works by Umberto Boccioni and Gino Severini as well as by diverse early 20th-century Italian artists, including Amedeo Modigliani.
The collection also has a library with a lot of literature related to Italian art of the period.
75 – Dulwich Picture Gallery
Home to a “Royal Collection” of paintings originally gathered for the King of Poland, Dulwich Picture Gallery is a must-see for lovers of Baroque art.
It has one of the most impressive arrays of artworks in the world, with many works by the Old Masters, including Gainsborough, Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck.
Admission is free.
76 – The Photographers’ Gallery
The Photographers’ Gallery, on Ramillies Street, is the best place to visit in the whole country for those interested in the art behind the photograph.
This gallery space allows visitors to discover and learn all about photography, understand the medium and what can be accomplished with it.
It also runs regular workshops and has a cafe and shop selling photography books and related items.
77 – The Clockmakers’ Museum
The oldest museum of its type in the world, The Clockmakers’ Museum is one of the best museums in London for engineering and history fans.
Home to a selection of over 1,400 pieces, including 600 watches and 90 clocks, the museum’s collection mainly covers the period from the 1600s to 1850.
Here you can see examples by the finest watchmakers in British history, from huge church clocks to watches that have been on mountain expeditions and belonged to royalty.
78 – Benjamin Franklin House
The only surviving home of Benjamin Franklin anywhere in the world, 36 Craven Sreet is now an important historical residence.
Benjamin Franklin House was occupied by the American founding father, inventor and diplomat between 1757 and 1775.
Visitors can learn more about this fascinating man and his time in London through there museum’s regular exhibitions, tours of the house and of artifacts from the era.
79 – Camden Art Centre
Camden Art Centre is a great place to see contemporary art in the city.
It exhibits up-to-date works that are both relevant and challenging.
Visitors can also take part in courses, workshops and events and check out the work of artists in residence at this vibrant and lively art centre.
80 – The Guards Museum
The Queen’s Guards with their black bearskin hats and red jackets are an iconic sight around the Royal palaces. The Guards museum tells us the history of the regiment, which was formed in 1660.
The museum is open to the public but was originally created as a way to teach new guardsmen about the regiment’s legacy.
There are some amusing tales to discover here along with paraphernalia and artifacts dating back over 300 years.
81 – Camera Museum
Located near to the British Museum, the newly opened Camera Museum is an interesting rarity in the city.
This casual cafe/museum features a wide selection of photography equipment from the 1800s to the present day and also includes a repair service for high-end cameras.
This is a must-see for photographers and film enthusiasts.
82 – Alexander Fleming Museum
In 1928, St. Mary’s Hospital, London was the site of one of the most groundbreaking discoveries in the world of science.
It was here that Alexander Fleming discovered the antibiotic, penicillin that revolutionized medicine and gained him a Nobel Prize for his efforts.
The Alexander Fleming Museum allows visitors to see the scientist’s laboratory on the hospital grounds and learn about this world-altering discovery that has saved countless lives.
83 – National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum tells the story of courageous endeavors and sea voyages to all corners of the globe.
Discover the nation’s maritime history through paintings, photographs and artifacts from some of the most perilous journeys ever undertaken.
See historic navigation instruments, ships furniture, naval uniforms and medals.
There are also artifacts from the famous polar missions made by the Franklin expedition in 1845 and Ernest Shackleton in the early 1900s.
84 – Royal Air Force Museum London
For fun and interesting exhibitions in the city, the Royal Air Force Museum has to be one of the best museums in London.
Explore historic aircraft in its hangars and uncover the facts about the First and Second World War, when the RAF was still in its infancy.
Climb inside a historic Spitfire fighter jet and see a Lancaster Bomber up close. There are loads to see and do here.
85 – World Rugby Museum
Located in the world´s largest rugby union stadium Twickenham, World Rugby Museum holds a growing collection of memorabilia — from jerseys, boots and balls to tickets and assorted paraphernalia.
Check out the “Play Rugby Interactive Zone” and take a tour of the stadium, including the England team’s dressing room.
Discover the 150-year history of the rugby union and how it has spread to all corners of the world.
86 – London Transport Museum
Mind the Gap! London’s transport system is one of the most easily recognizable in the whole world.
Its famous black cabs and red double-decker buses have been a familiar sight on the city streets for a century.
The London Underground railway is the oldest in the entire world and first opened for use in 1863.
You can discover all about the city’s most vital services at the London Transport Museum.
87 – Brooklands Museum
The home of British Motor Racing and aviation, Brooklands Museum celebrates the early days of speed and petrol-powered fun.
Visit the workshops to learn about the engineers behind the first British Grand Prix races and explore the aircraft factories and the world’s only Concorde flight simulator.
This is a must-visit for motorsport and engineering fans.
88 – Museum of London Docklands
London’s docklands were once the beating heart of the city and a major global trading hub.
The docks date back to Roman times and were in commercial use until 1982. Many of the ships docking here would have brought precious cargo from India and China including tea and spices.
The docks also have links to the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the trade of sugar from the West Indies.
You can discover all about the area at the Museum of London Docklands.
89 – Museum of Brands
The Museum of Brands tells us more than just the story of British products but also about society itself.
Discover the most popular items from different time periods from the Victorian era to the present day.
See nostalgic everyday items from food packages to toys and games that are sure to bring back lots of fond memories.
This is one museum that you will want to return to again and again.
90 – The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
Since 1961, Roald Dahl has enchanted children the world over with his unique stories, such as Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The Roald Dahl Museum lets us discover more about the man behind the stories, including his exciting life as a spy and fighter jet pilot.
See his famous writing hut and much more.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy a trip to the Roald Dahl Museum.
91 – Cutty Sark
Make your sailor dreams come alive on the historic ship, Cutty Sark, in Greenwich.
Its clipper ship design was the fastest in the 1800s and it is now one of London’s award-winning tourist attractions.
It houses the world’s largest collection of figureheads which are timber carvings that enhance the ship’s bow.
Explore the interactive displays and learn about the man behind the merchant navy collection — Sydney “Long John Silver” Cumbers — and how he got his pirate nickname.
92 – Natural History Museum at Tring
The museum houses a huge range of specimens that were the private collection of Lionel Walter Rothschild.
His zoological collection and the building became part of the National History Museum and was gifted to the nation upon his death. It has well-preserved Victorian charm and a diverse range of interesting exhibits and experiences for both children and adults.
Visit today and discover interesting specimens from all over the world, from the smallest bugs to some of the largest species on Earth.
93 – London Museum of Water & Steam
Learn about the history of London’s water supply with a firsthand experience at the London Museum of Water and Steam.
See the historic machinery and hear the hum of a running water supply engine.
Kids can enjoy The Splash Zone, where they can crank and whirl wheels, pump water, and make their own water supply system with these fun and engaging exhibits.
Take a tour of the museum and learn what helped turn the city into the bustling metropolis that it is today!
94 – The Fan Museum
Established in 1991, The Fan Museum is the world’s first-ever museum dedicated to the preservation of fans.
It is the perfect place to learn about the amazing history of the Art of Fan Making.
The museum houses over 4,000 antique fans from all over the world, ranging in age from the 11th century to the present day.
Discover the practical and symbolic uses for fans at this fascinating London Museum.
95 – Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
Thought to be the biggest of its kind in the world, The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum has everything you need to know about the history of lawn tennis.
Learn about the evolution of the most anticipated annual event, The Championships, since 1877.
See legendary trophies up close and experience the fabrics of Victorian tennis attire.
Visitors can also put their skills to the test in the Batak Wall!
Check it out during your time in the city and see famous artifacts and memorabilia from all your favorite tennis stars.
96 – Royal Observatory
Home to Greenwich Mean Time, the Royal Observatory was built in the 1600s and contains a large selection of historic instruments and tools for observing the stars.
Some of its most important contributions to society have been in practical astronomy for navigation, as well as timekeeping, star position calculation, and almanac publication.
Take a trip through history as you visit one of the most iconic and oldest observatories in the world.
97 – De Havilland Aircraft Museum
With a mission to protect and keep alive the de Havilland heritage, the de Havilland Aircraft Museum is waiting to be explored.
Its exhibits include prototypes of aircraft and artifacts which tell the tale of significant events in the companies history.
Visitors to the museum can explore the cockpits of some of the companies greatest aircraft models including the Mosquito B.MK.35 and Prototype W4050.
98 – Queen’s House
The first classical building in the UK, Queen’s House has sat in the heart of Greenwich for 300 years. It was built as a retreat for Anne of Denmark and was later inhabited by artists and nobles.
Today, Queen’s House is known for its exceptional collection of art, including works by great artists such as Reynolds, Gainsborough, Hogarth and Turner.
See the great artworks and tour this historic early example of classic architecture.
99 – Museum of the Home
See how the other half live in the Museum of the Home through 40,000 everyday objects and photographs collected from across the country.
Discover how our lives and concept of a home have evolved over time. Check out the paintings, furniture and photos of families in their living rooms and kitchens.
Visit a selection of actual living room setups from different times for a fully immersive experience. You might rethink what home means to you.
100 – The Sherlock Holmes Museum
One of London’s best-loved characters, Sherlock Holmes, has delighted and dazzled audiences for generations.
Explore the master detective’s residence at the real-life 221B Baker Street and travel back in time to the murky streets of Victorian London.
See a faithful recreation of Holmes’s lodgings and a collection of scientific instruments from the era.
Visit the museum shop to discover the world’s largest selection of Sherlock memorabilia from books to bowties, and yes, they do sell deerstalker hats!
See also: Sherlock Holmes tours in London
101 – London Bus Museum
Recapture the joys of traveling on the old buses used by those who lived in London!
Take in the sights, sounds and aromas of a bygone era. Experience classic coachwork, leather and upholstery!
The London Bus Museum museum holds the largest London bus collection in the world, depicting 150 years of public transportation in the capital.
Save money with an attractions pass
For the best deals on tickets and fast access to attractions, it’s worth picking up one of the London passes.
We hope you enjoyed this list of the best museums in London to help you plan your next vacation.
Let us in the comments below what museum is your favorite one.
As always, happy travels!