Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Lambeth

"The British Museum in London’s Bloomsbury was founded in 1753 and was the first national museum in the world to cover all fields of human knowledge. The impressive museum now has a permanent collection of over eight million artefacts which span two million years of human history, art and culture. And if the museum’s extensive free collections aren’t enough to draw you in, then its architecture certainly will."

"The British Museum is one of the world’s largest and most important museums of human history and culture. The building’s courtyard features an impressive glass-and-steel roof, which manages to respect the classical architecture of the building but also provide a modern touch. Our photographer duo recommends to make sure to visit early in morning or in the late hours to avoid the crowds and harsh lighting."

"Two million years worth of artifacts, sculptures and antiquities—including Egyptian mummies, the Elgin Marbles and the hieroglyph-busting Rosetta Stone—call the British Museum home. Don’t be surprised if your family’s history buff goes missing for several days. Psst—here are 20+ history lessons your teacher lied about."

"The V&A can be found in South Kensington close to the Natural History Museum and Science Museum. With free entry, the large gallery is the world’s leading museum of art and design. The museum houses a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects spanning 5,000 years of art, design and sculpture from cultures all around the world, with exhibitions on textiles, costumes, jewellery, furniture, drawings, printing, photography, ironwork, ceramics and more."

"The Victoria & Albert Museum, locally known as 'the V&A', is the world leader in exhibiting art and design, showcasing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects. Go back in time to discover art through the ages, some of which dates back 5,000 years. Discover fashion, sculptures, photography, books, and more."

"Once collectively known singularly as the Tate Gallery, London now has two Tate art galleries: Tate Britain and Tate Modern. Comprising one of the world's most important art collections, the original gallery opened in 1897 as the basis of a national collection of significant British art, and continued to make acquisitions, needing more space to properly display its collections. The end result was the establishment of Tate Britain, in Millbank on the north side of the Thames, as home to its permanent collection of historic British paintings."

"London's museum of modern art is located directly at the bank of river Thames. It offers besides several abstract masterpieces also the possibility to enjoy a great view over the city and there is no entrance fee. Find out which artworks you can admire here and where you have to look for the fantastic view ...Images, Info & Tips"

"If you’re into contemporary art then Tate Modern is the place to come and the Switch House galleries are well worth a look. Best shot: from the viewing terrace on the top floor of Switch House. The views of the River Thames and the Northbank are spectacular."

"Located in a beautiful Grade I listed Neoclassical building on the edge of Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery is one of London’s most important art galleries and is completely free to visit. The museum contains over 2,300 works from between the mid-13th century to 1900, with famous pieces by artists including Michelangelo, Velázquez, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet and Van Gogh."

"A day is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights: Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay. Learn about Welsh history, culture, and language on a walking tour or by talking to locals. Spend the evening in Cardiff."

"PRACTICAL INFORMATION: The National Gallery is open every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. It closes at 9:00 pm on Fridays. It’s closed on 1 January and from 24 to 26 December."

"Founded by sugar merchant Sir Henry Tate – who also founded the other Tate galleries – the Tate Britain is a wonderful museum to visit, with lots of fantastic British artwork on show. With a huge catalog of work from contemporary times all the way back to the 1500’s, the Tate Britain’s masterpieces include works by William Blake, Francis Bacon, and J.M.W. Turner, among others. Housed on the banks of the Thames, wandering around the exhibitions and galleries is a lovely way to spend the day."

"The oldest of the country’s network of Tate galleries, and one of two in London, the Tate Britain is the home of British Art from 1500 to present day. Its miraculous dome and grand, porticoed entranceway set the scene for what is sure to be a splendid afternoon exploring British history through art. And you’ll often find this beautiful building boasting works of art inside and out – see its most recent transformation into a beautiful winter temple!"

"Also known as the National Gallery of British Art, it holds the country’s most extensive collections of national historic art, as well as contemporary. The gallery is also known for holding the prestigious and career-defining Turner Prize exhibition, which features the work of its four winning British visual artists each year. Catch it if you can to be among the first to see the next national treasure of the art world."

"A little bit of history for you here: Dulwich Picture Gallery is the world’s very first purpose-built public art gallery. Sir John Soane was the legendary architect who worked on it, designing it in a groundbreaking way that allowed oodles of natural light into the exhibition space. Under its roof you’ll find works by Old Masters of the 18th and 19th centuries, including Rembrandt, Murillo, Van Dyck, Poussin, Gainsborough and Constable."

"Dulwich Picture Gallery opened in 1817 in Southwark, southeast London. It is the first purpose-built and London’s oldest art gallery. Nowadays besides the permanent collection of Old Master paintings, the gallery offers a program of temporary exhibitions, as well as public events that engage the community."

"This magnificent neoclassical mansion stands at the northern end of Hampstead Heath in a glorious sweep of landscaped gardens that lead down to a picturesque lake. The 17th-century house was substantially remodelled in the 1760s and rescued from developers by Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh, who donated it and the wonderful collection of art it contains to the nation in 1927. Among its treasures are paintings by Rembrandt (one of his many self-portraits), Constable, Gainsborough and Vermeer."

"This largely Palladian villa offers an escape to a gracious country house with a magnificent collection of Old Masters and beautiful…"

"Not to be confused with the preceding listing, this gallery does what it says on the tin: housing a huge collection of portraits that depict important and famous British people from throughout history. It was the first portrait gallery in the whole world when it opened in 1856, so this place really is the OG. The gallery is set to close for three years, so if you want to see it before 2023, you better get there sharp-ish."

"The gallery houses pictures of the major (and not-so major) figures of the nation’s history from King Henry VIII to David Beckham. It makes a great introduction to British history for both kids and adults. Kid-friendly audio tours are available."

"However, today visitors can still see one remaining section of the palace complex, the Banqueting Hall (fee*) designed by famous architect Inigo Jones with a ceiling painted by Peter Paul Reubens. Today Whitehall is the center of the Government of the United Kingdom and you’ll pass a number of buildings home to various departments and ministries, including the Ministry of Defense and the Cabinet Office. Along this street you’ll also find The Household Calvary Museum (fee*), located in the 18th century stables of the Horse Guards, which gives information on the history of the Household Cavalry and displays a small collection of uniforms and weapons."

"One of the biggest vegetarian names in London, you can bet that Mildred's know how to serve the meat-free among you. From burgers down to pies, their menu is broad, and their selection of London spots are more than just charming."

"A luxurious riverside destination with iconic views, Le Pont de la Tour offers traditional yet innovative French cuisine. An elegant, 19th-century former tea warehouse, the restaurant sits alongside Tower Bridge and offers alfresco dining on the stylish terrace.lepontdelatour.co.uk"

"One of the classics of the south bank of the Thames, this restaurant's terrace has unparalleled views of Tower Bridge. Just be prepared to have passing tourists giving you jealous looks as you toy with your crab and melon salad in the sunshine."

"Hidden amongst the warehouses and walkways of Shad Thames, Le Pont de la Tour gives you stunning views of Tower Bridge. The food is equally luxurious, blending traditional methods with modern innovation."

"East Finchley’s finest sourdough bread, sourdough pastries and babka can all be purchased, as warm and fresh as a YMC shirt, from Margot Bakery. The crack team of egg-cracking experts bake with organic, free-range eggs from Rookery farm which are delivered fresh every week and even the brioche and croissants are leavened with sourdough. It’s that attention to detail and borderline-obsessive focus on the provenance of the ingredients that gives every bake they make an extra layer of depth and richness."

"This East Finchley bakery is the creation of two locals who steadily built up the business to grow a reputation that now brings people across town to them. Sourdough makes an appearance across the board, including in the pastries. Top non-bread draws include their babkas, sourdough brioche cinnamon buns and Danishes, and lots more limited editions."

"Michelle Eshkeri’s neighbourhood bakery in East Finchley specialises in sourdough, as is so current, but her interweaving of the fermented dough into challah, babka, and cinnamon buns makes this sunlit spot an outstanding bakery. Currently operating Wednesday — Saturday, with pre-ordering wise."

"Nearest c2c station: Fenchurch Street change for TFL services. With seven floors of interactive exhibits and even a flight simulator, Knightsbridge’s ever-popular Science Museum remains one of the very best free museums for kids – even the gift shop could be considered among top London attractions, its array of weird and wonderful toys making it near impossible to leave empty handed. The latest gallery, the museum’s biggest and most ambitious to date, is called Information Age: Six Networks That Changed Our World and was opened by the Queen herself – who marked the occasion by sending her first ever tweet."

"The Science Museum in London was founded in 1857 with objects shown at the Great Exhibition held in the Crystal Palace. Today the Museum is world renowned for its historic collections, awe-inspiring galleries and inspirational exhibitions."

"Now in its 53nd year, this unmissable exhibition looks at everything from elephants in their natural habitat to urban foxes peering over fences, and is a sheer delight from start to finish. Date: until 10th September"