We’ve got a rather impressive artistic offering here in London, don’t you think? But whilst the capital city isn’t particularly thin on the ground when it comes to places to head to if you want to gawp at some wonderful works of art, only one of the capital’s culture-crammed crevices boasts the title of being the oldest purpose-built public art gallery on the planet. And that, my friends, is Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Tucked away in a rather unassuming south London suburb, Dulwich Picture Gallery has been intriguing, inspiring, and entertaining Londoners for well over two centuries. Having set up shop back in 1811 when painter and collector, Sir Francis Bourgeois, bequeathed his entire collection of Old Masters to Dulwich College, the gallery (which was designed by architect, Sir John Soane) officialy opened its doors to the public in 1817. And – well… the rest is history, really.
Born from the very simple idea that art is made to be shared, this pioneering public art gallery now houses over 600 works of art – including one of the world’s finest collections of historic paintings. Dulwich Picture Gallery is home to the work of Rembrandt, Rubens, and Gainsborough (just to name a few), and the independent charity that run the gallery continue to find new and inspiring ways to engage and enthrall its visitors.
The gallery hosts a unique programme of cutting-edge exhibitions and continues to have a rather hefty cultural impact on the art world to this very day. The building itself and the mausoleum within it (which is where Francis Bourgeois and his wife, Margaret, are buried) are both Grade II* listed. And all-in-all, Dulwich Picture Gallery is a true twinkling gem in London’s cultural crown – and well worth a visit.
Dulwich Picture Gallery is usually open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Find out more and plan your visit here.
đź“ŤYou’ll find Dulwich Picture Gallery at 14 Gallery Road, SE21 7AD.
🚇 The nearest station is West Dulwich.
