Last updated November 29th, 2020
Barbican Art Gallery offers a wide variety of exhibitions all year round, several of which are free to enter. They also host music and theatre performances. Please check for details regarding admission fees for entry into some exhibitions.
Note: Owing to temporary closures the times below may not accurately reflect current opening hours.
The Museum of London is made up of 14 galleries dealing with aspects of life in London over the last 2000 years. This museum has captured them and put together a comprehensive time line of London’s history. The Great Fire of London in 1666 saw the destruction of Medieval London, and with it some parts of the museum. The parts had to be built up from scratch. Admission is free
The Guildhall Art Gallery opened in 1999 and displays 250 works of art alongside smaller temporary exhibitions that explore different themes. Admission fees apply and concessions are available.
The ‘Old Lady of Threadneedle Street’ is the national bank of the United Kingdom. The national gold reserves are kept in its vaults. The Bank of England was incorporated by Royal charter in 1694 as in order to finance the war against Louis XIV of France, and was brought under government control only in 1946. The majestic building which it occupies was designed by Sir John Soane, and was built between 1788 and 1833, although it was completely rebuilt between 1924 and 1939. Admission is free.
The Mother Church of Methodism is an undiscovered jewel of London. Built in 1778, it is John Wesley’s final chapel and home. His tomb is in the graveyard behind the chapel. The museum is closed on Mondays throughout December and January. Admission fees apply and concessions are available.
The New Islington Museum opened its doors in May 2008. Using the collection it has acquired over the past 20 years, the museum explores the borough s history through a number of exciting ways. It is based on objects relevant to the borough s varied and important history from the Roman period through to modern times. The current exhibition celebrates Islington through graphic art.
The Clink Prison Museum is built on the site of the first clink prison. The prison began as a dungeon for disobedient clerics under the Bishop of Winchester’s palace. The exhibition features a handful of prison life tableaux, and dwells on the torture and grim conditions within. Admission fees apply and concessions are also available.