Museums & galleries
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Royal Academy of Arts
The Royal Academy of Arts has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate. The Academy was founded by George III in 1768. The 34 founding Members were a group of prominent artists and architects including Sir Joshua Reynolds and Sir William Chambers who were determined to achieve professional standing for British art and architecture. They also wanted to provide a venue for exhibitions that would be open to the public; and to establish a school of art through which their skills and knowledge could be passed to future generations of practitioners.
The Academy today continues to aspire, in the words of its eighteenth-century founders, ‘to promote the arts of design’, that is: to present a broad range of visual art to the widest possible audience; to stimulate debate, understanding and creation through education; and to provide a focus for the interests of artists and art-lovers. The Academy has held an annual Summer Exhibition of works for sale since its formation and its first loan exhibition was held in 1870. The Academy now enjoys an unrivalled reputation as a venue for exhibitions of international importance.
Tate Modern
International modern and contemporary art. It includes important masterpieces by both Picasso and Matisse and one of the world's finest museum collections of Surrealism, including works by Dalí, Ernst, Magritte and Mirò. Its substantial holdings of American Abstract Expressionism include major works by Pollock as well as the nine Seagram Murals by Rothko which constitute the famous Tate Rothko Room. There is an in depth collection of the Russian pioneer of abstract art Naum Gabo, and an important group of sculpture and paintings by Giacometti. Tate has significant collections of Pop art, including major works by Lichtenstein and Warhol.
Bankside020 7887 8888
Open Sunday – Thursday 10.00–18.00
Open Friday and Saturday 10.00–22.00
The Museum of St. Bartholomew's Hospital
This unusual and well set out exhibition traces the history of St Bartholomew's hospital from 1123 until the present day. Filled with interesting artefacts and medical instruments that have survived the centuries, it provides a remarkable insight into the development of medical knowledge and skill as well as the treatment of the sick over the ages.
The Museum of St. Bartholomew's Hospital is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am. - 4 pm. except bank holidays. Admission is free.
Guided tours of the entrance hall and Great Hall of the hospital are conducted on Fridays at 2 pm. Meet at the King Henry VIII gate on Smithfield. Admission £4 or £3 concessions.
Nearest tube: Chancery or St. Paul's (Central Line)
The Wallace Collection
Manchester Square, W1
As gifts to the nation go, one of the finest and most generous must be the Wallace Collection - an exhibition of objects d'art so magnificent that it ranks as a miniature Louvre. Masterpieces from Titian, Rubens, Reynolds, Van Dyke and Canaletto line rooms filled with fine furniture and porcelain, all kept as if they were still for the personal pleasure of one family. In fact, part of the charm of visiting the Wallace Collection is the homey atmosphere, it feels as if Lord and Lady Wallace still live there.
The Wallace Collection is open Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm. Sunday 2 pm- 5 pm except for Good Friday, May Day bank holiday and between December 24 - 26. Entrance to the Wallace Collection is free, although visitors are urged to make a donation as the upkeep of the collection is completely dependent upon public contribution.
Nearest tube: Bond Street (Central & Jubilee Lines).
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