In London most museums and galleries are free. Here are some of my favorites.
British Museum.
The museum is literally around the corner from my dorm so it was one of the first places I visited in London. Highlights of the museum include the Rosetta Stone, a Greek Temple, and a lot of other stuff the British stole as imperialists around the world.
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).
Located in South Kensington which is a bit of a tube ride from my dorm in Holborn but it is definitely worth it. In my opinion, the most impressive part of the museum is actually the architecture of the building. There is an interesting mix of Asian and European art.
National Gallery.
Located right at the head of Trafalgar Square. It is not one of my favorite museums in London but its free so it is worth a visit. There is an impressive collection of Hogarth’s work including my favorite series Marriage a-la-Mode.
Marriage a-la-mode
National Portrait Gallery.
Basically right around the corner from the National Gallery is the best museum ever (also coincidentally adjacent to the London Kaplan Center) !! I can’t say that I am incredibly intrigued by art in general. I do not care to sit and analyze the artist’s intent, etc. I more concerned with the art’s historical significance and will appreciate something if it is famous. This is why the National Portrait Gallery is perfect. The art is not meant to speak for itself but is instead only there for the sake of the person in the painting. There is a great collection of portraits and sculpture of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert (I recently saw the movie Young Victoria so I am currently obsessed with their love). Also while I was there the feature exhibition was entitled “An Englishman in New York.” I was a little jealous of all of the featured British people who now live in NYC.
Tate Modern.
If you take the Millennium Bridge (think Harry Potter) across the Thames you would immediately find yourself in front of one of the best modern art museums. I find it to be a bit edgier than MOMA but really cool. There are different levels and wings that reflect different time periods. A few pieces seemed to be a bit too modern for me and seemed ridiculous.
