International Museum Day has been celebrated on May 18 since 1977. Raising awareness about the importance of the role museums play in cultural enrichment and developments, there really is no better way to celebrate the day than to take a trip down to a nearby museum, either alone, with friends or kids. With this year’s theme being “Museums, Education and Research,” today highlights the need for a more conscious and inclusive world.
London no doubt has some of the best museums in the world. The best part is – most of them are completely free to go and visit (donations are of course encouraged)! So, if you find yourself with no plans and nothing to do this weekend, why not go exploring? Here’s our rundown of some of the best free museums to visit in London:
British Museum
The British Museum is most definitely the OG of museums in London. Despite the name, this world-renowned institution in London’s academic Bloomsbury district homes a vast collection spanning over two million years of human history, culture and art. Its neoclassical architecture, and iconic artefacts, such as the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles, make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
📍 You’ll find the British Museum at Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG. Nearest stations are Holborn and Russell Square.
🕒 The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm.
Natural History Museum
Located in South Kensington, the museum is most famous for the stunning Hintze Hall. Not to forget the suspended skeleton of Hope the Whale. Showcasing the diversity of life on Earth through an extensive collection of over 80 million specimens like fossils, minerals, plants and animals – expect the most stunning interactive and educational displays.
📍 You’ll find the Natural History Museum at Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD. Nearest station is South Kensington.
🕒 The museum is open daily from 10am-5.50pm.
Victoria & Albert Museum
Documenting 5,000 years of art and design, the free Victoria & Albert Museum . Head here for amazing outfits, glittering jewellery, intricate mosaics and ancient sculptures in their constantly changing collection. This year sees ‘Japan: Myths to Manga’ and ‘Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection,’ so don’t miss out!
📍 You’ll find the Victoria & Albert Museum at Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL. Nearest station is South Kensington.
🕒 The museum is open Monday to Sunday from 10am-5.45pm.
Design Museum
Design enthusiasts, assemble! A stunning space that celebrates all things design. At the Design Museum, the core ‘Designer Maker User’ collection is free to visit, but make sure to check out other exhibitions, including current openings ‘Skateboard’ and of course the entire Barbie exhibition which is set to come this summer.
📍 You’ll find the Design Museum at 224-238 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6AG. Nearest station is High Street Kensington.
🕒 The museum is open from Sundays to Thursdays from 10am-6pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-9pm.
Sir John Soane’s Museum
Sir John Soane’s Museum in Holborn holds over 45,000 fascinating items amassed by the 19th-century architect Sir John Soane, and is a true smorgasbord of art and culture. Which makes total sense as it’s been around for almost 200 years. Current exhibitions include ‘Georgian Illuminations’ and ‘The Architecture Drawing Prize’.
📍 You’ll find Sir John Soane’s Museum at 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BP. Nearest station is Holborn.
🕒 The museum is open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am-5pm.
So if you ever find yourself short of plans or struggling on the money front, this is your reminder that London is full of free things to do and often the best things to do. So get out there and get exploring!