It’s not hyperbole to say that London is home to many of the world’s best museums. Venues such as the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum and Design Museum can justly lay claim to being the best in their field (and most of them are free too). But with so many famous institutions dominating the itineraries of tourists, it can be easy to overlook London’s cornucopia gems. Below is the Top Sights Tours guide for Best museums!
British Museum
Retrace the history of humankind through the British Museum’s amazing collection of artefacts from all over the world. Access to the permanent collection – including highlights such as the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures – is free.
Natural History Museum
Wander through the spectacular halls of the Natural History Museum, as you discover fascinating exhibits from the natural world. Marvel at dinosaur skeletons or gawp at a giant blue whale model.
Design Museum
The Design Museum is the world’s leading museum devoted to contemporary design in every form: from furniture to graphics, and architecture to industrial design. Check out the regular exhibitions dedicated to the rich creativity found in all forms of design, and its importance to our world. Free entry.
London’s Cinema Museum
London’s Cinema Museum is devoted to keeping alive the spirit of cinema from the days before the multiplex. The Museum houses a unique collection of artefacts, memorabilia and equipment that preserves the history and grandeur of cinema from the 1890s to the present day.The Museum is available most days for visits by guided tour but it is essential that these are booked in advance by phone or email.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Tate Modern
See how a power station has been transformed into London’s centre for modern and contemporary art atTate Modern. Find world-class paintings, photographs and performance art, embrace the stunning view of the river from the gallery’s cafe, and explore the newly-opened Blavatnik Building.
Museum of London
The history of the city is at your feet at the Museum of London. Enjoy the interactive displays and follow the evolution of London from prehistoric times, through the Middle Ages and the Victorian era, up to the present day.
Genius Treasure Museum
Open only on Thursday evenings from 5pm-9pm the Genius Treasure Museum is a collection of strange objects and artworks found mainly in flea markets, objects saved from the bin. Sometimes funny sometimes sad the museum is a celebration of ordinary peoples creativity.
Royal Museums Greenwich
Visit the Royal Museums Greenwich and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this UNESCO’s World Heritage site. The complex includes the National Maritime Museum, the Queen’s House, the Royal Observatory (incorporating the Peter Harrison Planetarium) and the spectacular tea clipper Cutty Sark.
Science Museum
From the future of space travel to asking that difficult question: “who am I?”, the Science Museum makes your brain perform Olympic-standard mental gymnastics. See, touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years; and don’t forget the awesome Imax cinema.
Tower of London
Trips to the Imperial War Museum should be obligatory for all world leaders—many of the exhibits are peace-inducingly harrowing. The collection is concerned with modern warfare, from World War I to the present day. Each of the 400-plus objects on display tells a story, usually one of grief. You’ll find the everyday details, letters, shoes, alongside bigger exhibits, such as the chunk of window from the World Trade Center.
Bank of England Museum
National Maritime Museum
Set in historic Maritime Greenwich, theNational Maritime Museum showcases Britain’s naval history, from sea battles to exploratory expeditions. See ancient maps and ship models, and don’t miss the iconic uniform Nelson wore the day of the Battle of Trafalgar.V&A Museum of Childhood
Visiting theV&A Museum of Childhoodis like being a kid again, for one day. Discover a wide collection of childhood objects from the 1600s to the present day: toys, games, dolls and more.Sir John Soane’s Museum
ExploreSir John Soane’s Museum, the former home to the architect of the Bank of England. His historic residence contains a wide collection of paintings, architectural drawings and antiquities, plus the original sarcophagus of Seti.Serpentine Galleries