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Courtauld Institute Gallery Review

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Courtauld Institute Gallery

Member Rating: ***** 5.0 | Rate It

Fodor's Review:

One of London's most beloved art collections, the Courtauld is to your left as you pass through the archway into the grounds of the beautifully restored, grand 18th-century classical Somerset House. Founded in 1931 by the textile magnate Samuel Courtauld to house his remarkable private collection, this is one of the world's finest impressionist and Postimpressionist galleries, ranging from Bonnard to van Gogh. A déjà vu moment with Cézanne, Degas, Seurat, or Monet awaits on every wall (Manet's Bar at the Folies-Bergère is the star), with bonus post-Renaissance works thrown in. Botticelli, Brueghel, Tiepolo, and Rubens are also represented, thanks to the exquisite bequest of Count Antoine Seilern's Princes Gate collection. German Renaissance paintings, bequeathed in 1947 include the colorful and delightfully wicked Adam and Eve by Lucas Cranach the Elder. There are also some bold and bright Fauvist paintings. Don't miss the little café downstairs. The Courtauld Institute of Art (on the other side of the entrance archway) is part of London University and trains art historians and conservators.

  • Cost: £5, free Mon. 102, except bank holidays
  • Open: Daily 106; last admission 5:15
  • Tube: Covent Garden, Holborn, Temple

Member Reviews & Ratings:

Excellent little museum

Posted by bachslunch from US on 4/2/08
Small, but top quality collection with some must-see Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings. A delight after visiting some of London's bigger museums.

Experience: 5.0 Ease: 5.0 Value: 5.0 Don't Miss: 5.0 RATING: 5.0

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