We have all heard of the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum. We have all gazed at the wonders in the Tate Modern. These major attractions help to define the rich artistic culture of London and generate plenty of tourism for the city. Yet, London is home to many smaller museums and galleries that focus on more specific elements of history and lesser-known art. This list compiles some of the most intriguing lesser-known museums and galleries that you can find in the capital city.
- Charles Dickens Museum
Charles Dickens was a generation defining storyteller. His novels such as Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol, became instant classics and are still referred too in pop culture today. His vivid characters and unique style of social criticism earned him a place in the writer’s hall of fame. With this in mind, it is no surprise that The Charles Dickens Museum was opened to the public in 1925 and has since been a museum showcasing his home and his life. The Museum is situated on Dougherty Street, Camden and charges just £12.50 for an adult ticket. So, if you want to immerse yourself into the Victorian culture and see behind the best-sellers, visit the Charles Dickens Museum today.
- Sherlock Holmes Museum
You cannot think of British literature and not think of Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective has been brought to life by this museum, housing authentic Victorian furniture and curiosities relating to the beloved series of who-dunit-o’s. The museum has been created to give visitors an insight into the fictional life of the world’s most famous crime solver. It pays homage to Conan-Doyle’s literary genius and the global impact that his work had. The museum uses its staff, dressed in period costumes, to immerse visitors into Conan-Doyle’s fictional world, and shows how some of the most famous cases came to Holmes and Dr Watson. The museum is situated in Marylebone, on Baker Street.
- God’s Own Junkyard
Contrary to its unique name, the God’s Own Junkyard Gallery is home to hundreds of different forms of memorising neon coloured art. It is truly captivating as you walk in and surround yourself in the bright, funky lights and signs designed by Chris Bracey (The Neon Man). Bracey has been designing his artwork for around 37 years, amassing a large following with his mostly recycled works. The gallery is in Walthamstow on Shernall Street and encourages using its amazing atmosphere to snap a few pictures for social media. An added perk of this urban gallery is its free entry and shop in which you can purchase the neon artwork to have in your own home.
2. Freud Museum
This museum explores the founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud and immortalizes his important work through its display of archives and photo collections. The museum also features limited time exhibitions, all centring around psychoanalysis and the human mind. The museum is proud to showcase Freud’s own famous psychoanalytic couch, the centre piece of his work and what has become a symbol for psychotherapy. Alternatively, they offer free virtual visits of the museum which you can access online to take a tour around the home of Freud.
3. Museum of Brands
This quirky museum delves deep into consumer culture and explores the progression of some of the nations most iconic household brands. From jigsaw puzzles to marmite, this museum is sure to immerse you in nostalgia. The museums ‘time tunnel’ places some of the most beloved products into their historical contexts. This includes products from wartime Britain and the Victorian era. In addition to their permanent time tunnel, the museum holds temporary exhibitions. The latest of which marked the queen’s platinum jubilee, which featured packaging from brands which have honoured the royal family in her reign. The museum can be found in Notting Hill on Lancaster Road.
4. The Old Operating Theatre
The Old Operating Theatre, located on St Thomas Street, takes visitors on a historical journey through the evolution of science and medicine. The exhibition is situated in the attic of an 18th century church which, in 1822, was home to an operating theatre. Explore the eerie world of Victorian medicine by watching one of the live demonstrations put on by the museum. In which they talk you through some of surgeries performed in that very operating theatre many years ago. The public are encouraged to explore the building and look at the many artefacts and novelties that the charity displays. You can find the Old Operating Theatre by the Thames, right in the heart of the city centre.
5. Serpentine Gallery
The Serpentine Gallery is spread across two sites, one located deep into the popular site of Hyde Park, and the other in the beautiful Kensington Gardens. The site in Kensington Gardens features permanent exhibits, whereas the Hyde Park building is home to the gallery’s temporary exhibitions. Both of the gallery’s sites are situated in the centre of the capital. The gallery hosts unique and imaginative exhibitions for the public as well as a variety of different online exhibitions also. The gallery features mostly contemporary art, including the exploration of extra-terrestrials through the artwork of Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster. The gallery is surrounded by picturesque gardens and would make for the perfect day out in central London.
So, as you can see, there are a vast number of museums around and across London. You may want to visit as part of a day trip to London or during a holiday, but whatever the reason for your visit, you may be wondering the best way to get across the capital. Post-pandemic, hailing a taxi isn’t as easy as it used to be, and you may not feel comfortable travelling with crowds on the tube. Why not treat yourself to luxury chauffeur service to take museum and gallery hopping to the next level. You can avoid the hustle and bustle of London’s hectic public transport links and get to your destination in style! With the current COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, health and safety is of the utmost importance. Now is the time to invest in your safety and comfort whilst travelling around the busy city of London.
