Written by Vaania Achuthan, BSc Politics and International Relations
Ever had some time to kill and wanted to explore the plethora of Museums in London? Exploring just a few, could take a month of weekends and then some! Many of the museums have free core exhibitions and add on a fee for special exhibitions. Bellows list of specialised museums is merely a reminder that London is undoubtedly the greatest city in the world. And so the Museum tour begins!
ART MUSEUMS
Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, this is the world’s oldest national public museum; founded in 1753 and opened in 1759, making it older than the USA!. History is well told, with separate wings for Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Rome, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, spread across three floors. And do look up too, for a drop dead gorgeous glass roof covering the stunning Great Court. The British Museum has expanded twice to the NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM in Kensington and the BRITISH LIBRARY in St. Pancras.
The collection tells the entire story of Europe, magnificent artwork after magnificent artwork, in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries! The National Gallery is located at Trafalgar Square, which is perhaps the very core of the city itself. On show 361 days a year, free of charge.
TIP – wear comfortable shoes, and visit the cafeteria for some of the best cakes…ever!
Undoubtedly, the world's greatest museum of art and design; the collections are unrivalled in their diversity, including works of art from many of the world's richest cultures. And the best part – admission is free. The V&A is in Knightsbridge, with its ultra-luxe shopping and the city’s cosiest pubs.
TIP - consider viewing it in multiple visits; do visit the Gamble Room – a restaurant and a stunning work of art in its own right. No pictures!
OTHERS
Other important Art Museums include the TATE – a collection of 4 separate galleries that is the home of British art from 1500 to the present day. Tate Britain holds the largest collection of British art in the world. And the BARBICAN, the largest multi-arts centre in Europe, featuring art, film, music, theatre, dance and education, all under one roof. There's a great choice of eating and drinking at the Barbican. Check out the YOUNG BARBICAN for huge discounts.
FICTIONAL & LITERARY
Step back into the late 19th century and enter 221B Baker Street – quite close to Regent’s Park. Brought to life by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the world’s most famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson, lived in these faithfully preserved Victorian lodgings lit with gas lamps! You can even uncover Holmes’ personal items and stumble upon some of Watson’s belongings.
MILITARY MUSEUMS
With London being at the centre of Two World Wars, this museum theme is obvious.
Founded during the 1st WW, the experiences of ordinary people forced to live in a world torn apart by conflict are brought to the fore. From the wonder of its world-famous atrium to the countless discoveries, it is a place filled with the power to move and inspire. And it is free too!
TIP - Take in the Holocaust Galleries, the original Enigma machine and use the coding system – the beginning perhaps of everything crypto! Skip the restaurant.
London’s warship experience, the HMS BELFAST, is spread over all 9 decks and permanently moored on the Thames, 5 minutes off London Bridge.
TIP -The on board café is scrumptious! Lots of steep steps and ladders to work up that appetite!
And then, THE ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM LONDON to explore the first 100 years of the RAF, its role today and imagine its future contribution and technology. Visit the multi award-winning First World War in the Air Galleries, the Historic Hangars and the Bomber Command Hall.
TIP - Forget the ‘experiences’ – expensive and of very short duration. Nourish yourselves elsewhere.
THE WEIRD, QUIRKY & BIZARRE
Only in London would you find a VAGINA MUSEUM that celebrates gynaecological anatomy, health and human rights through thought-provoking exhibits and informative events;
THE OLD OPERATING THEATRE MUSEUM that is home to fascinating (and slightly creepy!) furniture, surgical instruments and other pharmaceutical objects;
The BRITISH DENTAL ASSOCIATION MUSEUM with its gruesome but gripping specimens, including old dental chairs and blood-curdling tooth-extraction instruments;
The ANAESTHESIA HERITAGE CENTRE, with more than 2,000 objects dated from 1846 to the present day, that played a part in historical advancements in medicine and pain relief;
The MUSEUM OF BRANDS, which looks at history through the things that generations of families have thrown away
And of course, THE ARSENAL MUSEUM, which is, of course, self explanatory!
ON CAMPUS
Hey! And for those who did not know, there are 3 very diverse Museums right here on the UCL Campus! The first of these is the UCL Art Museum located in the Wilkins Building South Cloisters, with sculptures, paintings, drawings and prints from 1490. The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology houses perhaps the greatest collection of Egyptian and Sudanese archaeology in the world! The GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY located in the Rockefeller building spans more than 200 years, takes you under the skin of more than 68,000 specimens – including the famous jar of moles, which even has its own Twitter account!
Also do check out what’s on at BLOOMSBURY THEATRE AND STUDIO for drama and musicals with discounts for students. A monthly bucket list, perhaps!
Caveat –Many of the Museums mentioned, while being free for entry, have a timed entry ticket to control the crowds. Check and make your reservations online.