Art galleries in London are full of hidden fortunes. Whether you love contemporary art, impressionist paintings, modern sculpture, photography or multicultural art exhibitions, there is something to impress even the most astute art lover. Here are some of the intimate art spaces to check out. If you are travelling in a group, choose cheap coach hire in London to save even more on your travel costs!
The Royal Academy of Arts
Founded in 1768, the Royal Academy of Arts is the oldest arts institution in the country, situated in the heart of West End. It is widely renowned for being home to some of the finest exhibitions, including the annual summer exhibition, displaying select work from emerging artists. Among the notable paintings are those of Angelica Kauffman and Benjamin West in the entrance area. The centre houses The Graces unveiling Nature, surrounded by panels depicting elements like air, fire and water. Taddei Tondo by Michelangelo is certainly the most prized possession of the academy. Right at the entrance portico, there are a couple of war memorials, commemorating those who lost their life during periods of war.
Somerset House
Sitting right in between the River Thames and the Strand, this amazing neo-classical building of Somerset House is located in the heart of the city. The venue with an ice skating rink and 55 fountains in the courtyard is always open for modern art and culture exhibitions, guided tours, workshops and open air concerts. Maintenance of this property is of the highest standards, being a centre of excellence for arts and culture.
Tate Britain
Tate Britain is home to a massive collection of British art right from the 15th century to the current date. You will find masterpieces by whistler, Millais, Hogarth and Gainsborough, as well as exceptional modern day artists such as Damien Hirst, Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon. It also houses a huge collection of artworks by the popular English landscape painter, Joseph M.W Turner.
There is plenty to rejoice for the art lovers as they get an opportunity to witness the ancient British art, and how it evolved over time. There are separate rooms dedicated for masterpieces crafted by legendary artists, such as Marcus Gheeraerts II, Sam Taylor-Wood, Douglas Gordon, John Latham and Tracey Emin.
Whitechapel Gallery
Set nicely in the heart of East End, this cultural venue was founded in the year 1901 with an objective to present some exceptional art to the citizens of east London. Over the century, it has immensely succeeded in doing so. Guernica, the masterpiece by Pablo Picasso was the first major work to be placed here in 1939. A lot of big names followed after that, including the likes of Nan Goldin, Cindy Sherman, Sol le Witt and Jackson Pollock. Today, this gallery puts London on the world map, inviting modern and emerging artists to showcase their talent. London Open is held every three years, conducting a modern exhibition, open to all artists in the capital.
Barbican Art Gallery
Set in an ambitious development, this dynamic arts venue presents an eclectic mix of national and international works. Some of the cutting edge artists and designers like Avar Alto, Charles and Ray Eames and Le Corbusier frequently hold a vibrant program of displays for public. This art gallery was founded in 1982 with a goal to bring more clarity to leading modernists of 20th century, while also pursuing a modern agenda. The Curve Gallery encourages young emerging artists to craft some classic pieces, while the past artists have included the Conceptual artist Bedwyr Williams and techno-pioneer Rafael Lozano-Hemmer.
Serpentine Gallery
This fantastic venue for modern art is set in the beautiful backdrop of the Kensington Gardens. It was in the year 1970, when the Serpentine Gallery was opened in a tea pavilion somewhere inside the gardens. Its isolated location along with ease of access to Kensington Street, makes it a preferable attraction for the visitors. Recently, a Sackler Gallery has been added to the armoury, right over the bridge, providing an extra space for hosting art exhibitions. With the shrewd Julia Peyton-Jones and Hans Ulrich Obrist at the controls, the gallery has witnessed some great artists over the years, including Christan Boltanski, Dinos Chapman and Shirin Neshat.