London's Best Art Galleries FEATURE

Located in England's capital city, London, are some of the world's best collections of art, including the Tate galleries, National Portrait gallery, and The National Gallery. We take a look at some of London's best Art Galleries.

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The Tate galleries are two of London's best art galleries. Tate Modern, with its forbidding powerhouse look, perhaps has the edge over its sister gallery, Tate Britain where popularity is concerned. Tate Modern's central location on the south bank of the River Thames might also just help to put it above Tate Britain, as might its seemingly constant references in the London listings magazines.

Tate Modern opened in 2000 to house the increasing over-spill from Tate Britain, and displays a collection of international modern art since 1900. The original gallery, Tate Britain, is a lot older than the Modern, having opened in 1897. Although it isn't as centrally located as Tate Modern, it is perhaps what the average tourist expects from a London gallery: tall stone pillars on the outside and exquisitely colored, high-ceilinged rooms inside (and that's before you even start looking at the contents!). And any visitor expecting it to be stuffy in any way is in for an added treat. Tate Britain's collection comprises British art from 1500 to the present day, and international modern art pre-1900. Tate Modern also includes British art where it contributes to the story of modern art, so major modern British artists may be found at both Tate galleries.

Another wonderful gallery in London very much worth a visit is the National Portrait Gallery. Located in St. Martin's Place, very close to Trafalgar Square, the gallery's collection shows the most influential people in British history portrayed by the finest artists of their generation. There are over 10,000 works in the gallery's primary collection including portraits by Millais, Cecil Beaton, and David Bailey. Works include paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings, and photographs. Admission is free, which is the case where almost all the museums and galleries in London are concerned.

Literally a few steps away from the National Portrait Gallery, is the National Gallery. This is another one of London's big galleries, which is almost certainly on the "must see" list of any visitor to the city. The National Gallery houses one of the world's greatest collections of western European paintings. As well as the permanent collection, the gallery usually has at least one exhibition running throughout the year. The National Gallery was established for the benefit of all and not just for the privilege of the rich. Down the years, the gallery has ensured its collection can be enjoyed by as many people as possible. It is committed to education, and its current education program caters for students, children, and the general public, and includes free public lectures, tours, and seminars.

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