London is home to some of the most iconic museums and galleries worldwide. From the majestic halls of the British Museum, where relics of ancient civilizations whisper their tales, to the exquisite masterpieces housed within the National Gallery, London boasts many world-renowned institutions that you wouldn’t know where to start. Besides the big names, the city is also home to eclectic collections where you can discover wonders such as the history of cereal packets and the first edition of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species.
The best way to experience the city’s iconic museums is with a car hire in London. With your own rental vehicle, you can easily navigate and on your own time. A car in London will also allow you to stop and marvel at the city’s unique architecture as you go to its best spots.
Visit the top six museums and galleries in London on your trip.
1. The British Museum
The British Museum houses a remarkable collection that spans over 2 million years of human culture and history. The museum hosts exhibitions featuring rare and unique pieces that you might never see again. These range from collections offering insight into Michelangelo’s later years to those providing a glimpse into the life of the soldiers fighting for the Roman Empire. Here, you’ll also find notable artifacts such as the Pantheon Marbles and the Rosetta Stone.
2. The Serpentine Galleries
These consist of two contemporary art galleries – Serpentine North and Serpentine South – on either side of the Serpentine Bridge in Kensington Gardens.
The Serpentine North was originally a gunpowder store in the early 1960s before it became a gallery in 2013. On the other hand, the Serpentine South opened as a gallery in 1970 and has been showcasing global artistic talent ever since. Both art galleries are free to all visitors and offer a program of architecture, exhibitions, live events, and education accessible on-site and online.
3. The Natural History Museum
This world-famous museum allows visitors to go back 4.6 billion years into the past. Here, you can find the skeleton of the Titanosaur, the rare first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, and even his favourite octopi species perfectly preserved in alcohol. Interestingly, the museum is known to display only a small fraction of the 80 million objects it holds.
4. Camden Art Centre
This contemporary art gallery positions itself as a ‘place for the curious, the novice and the expert alike’. Originally envisioned as a public library, the Camden Art Centre is now an art gallery that combines historic architecture with modern open spaces. Apart from its distinguished collection, it offers visitors a café, bookshop, and a secluded garden.
5. Victoria and Albert Museum
Widely regarded as housing the world’s greatest decorative art collection, London’s largest art museum has over 100 galleries displaying almost everything from photography to jewelry. Get a car hire service in London for a convenient and hassle-free journey when making your way to this historic museum. You will find a vast collection of breathtaking European sculptures, metalwork, and ceramics here.
6. The National Gallery
An hour’s drive from London Heathrow Airport, one of the most comfortable ways to reach this national treasure is by car hire in London. The National Gallery is home to one of the most exquisite collections of paintings worldwide. Some of the notable artists whose paintings grace the walls of this gallery include Jan van Eyck, Paul Cezzane, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to get a closer look at the beasts that roamed the earth before humankind or experiencing art that remains relevant decades after the artist laid down their brush, a visit to London’s museums and galleries promises to be a unique experience.
The best way to visit the city’s top spots is with a car hire in London from Dollar Car Rental. Offering a fleet of car models at affordable prices and from multiple locations in the city, Dollar Car Rental makes it easy to navigate the streets of London.
