London Transport Museum charts the evolution of Londons transport from its beginnings in 1829 with the very first Shillibeer’s Horse Omnibus. The history of the underground is also featured, and the the museum also includes the oldest tram system with many examples of electric trams. A great day out for the young and old alike. Admission fees apply and concessions are available. Private and corportae events for up to 400 people can be hosted at the museum.
Note: Owing to temporary closures the times below may not accurately reflect current opening hours.
Somerset House is the Courtauld Gallery of world famous paintings. There is a public promenade that hosts an open air cafe and restaurant. Admission is free of charge as well as the surrounding public areas of Somerset House. Perfect for educational and group visits. It has recently been extended to include the Hermitage rooms, housing five galleries decorated in the style of St Petersburg’s famous State Hermitage Museum. Admission is one pound which goes straight to the Hermitage foundation.
The National Gallery is home to around 2000 pictures from Western European painters dating as far back as the early 13th century including Turner, Van Gogh and Picasso. Admission to the museum is free.
Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery is home to a large collection of portraits of famous people, dating from the Tudor period. Paintings include Henry VIII, Edward VI, William Shakespeare and Oliver Cromwell. Admission is free.
John Soane was a famous architect, his most famous building being the Bank of England. The museum is home to art and antiquities. The museum itself was actually his home and is arranged just as he left it, with an ingenious ground plan and an informal treasure hunt atmosphere. His main exhibits are the Egyptian sarcophagus of Seti I, medieval casts and gargoyles. Admission is free.
The British Museum stretches over 14 acres and has over 90 rooms, some with permanent exhibits including the Egyptian mummies as well as coins and medals dating from the Roman period. The museum also has a range of prints and drawings from Botticelli to Bonnard. In the later part of 2000 the museum underwent various significant changes. A whole new wing has been added, with many more exhibits and with the museum still being free of charge millions of people come and marvel.
