London: Free Museums & Galleries

LondonAlex

London has the most extraordinary collection of free world-class museums of any city on earth — from a 17th-century architect's impossible house to one of the world's greatest modern art galleries.

Made with spotally. · Create your own →

Places(7)

1
The Wallace Collection
A hidden Marylebone mansion with 25 galleries of Fragonard, Rembrandt, Velázquez, Hals, and the finest collection of French 18th-century furniture outside France — all free, all unticketed, open daily 10:00–17:00. Criminally under-visited
More details
2
Sir John Soane's Museum
The architect's house left exactly as it was in 1837 — a three-dimensional puzzle of corridors, mirrors, and 45,000 objects including two Hogarths and an Egyptian sarcophagus. Free, no booking needed. Capacity 90 people. Wed–Sun 10:00–17:00
More details
3
Tate Modern
The permanent collection across five floors — Rothko, Picasso, Bourgeois, Warhol, Beuys — is free, and the Turbine Hall has hosted some of the most ambitious art installations of the past 25 years. Open Sun–Thu 10:00–18:00, Fri–Sat to 22:00
More details
4
National Portrait Gallery
Reopened in 2023 after a major refurbishment — the permanent collection of portraits from Henry VIII to Vivienne Westwood is free, and the rooftop restaurant has one of the best views of Trafalgar Square. Open daily 10:30–18:00, Fri–Sat to 21:00
More details
5
Natural History Museum
Free entry to one of the finest natural history collections in the world — the blue whale skeleton in the Hintze Hall alone is worth the trip, and the Darwin Centre behind it is extraordinary. Open daily 10:00–18:00. Book a timed slot to skip queues
More details
6
Whitechapel Gallery
The East End's major contemporary art gallery — most exhibitions free, 125th anniversary programme throughout 2026. Free Thursday late nights until 21:00. One minute from Aldgate East tube. Open Tue–Sun. Some ticketed shows but the free programme is strong
More details
7
National Maritime Museum
The world's largest maritime museum — free entry, and the collection spans from Tudor warships to moon-landing splashdowns. Combine with the free Queen's House next door (Inigo Jones, 1635) and the Royal Observatory on the hill above. Open daily 10:00–17:00
More details

Create your collection

Your friends already ask where you've been. Now give them the answer

Start for free