We are trying to decide on which museums to include in our itinerary (we only have time to really see two) and we are leaning (heavily) towards the National Gallery for one. The other is a little more up in the air. The current favorite is the Museum of London, but the British Museum and the National Portrait Gallery are still very much in the running. What is everyone else's favorite museums (and yes, I know taste varies) and why? Thanks to all!

Oops, I forgot to say "favorite museum in London", but it was pretty obvious. Thanks again!

My hands down favorite is the Victoria and Albert. I suppose our nearest equivalent would be the Smithsonian. It is a museum of decorative arts, but also includes fine arts. My favorite gallery was the one with wrought iron. Think wrought iron gates, balconies, grates, you name it, and all so beautifully ornate! Also, textiles, including dresses from all ages, and jewelry. And so much more. There are many ordinary things in this large museum, but it the most beautiful and worthy of these that are on display. In some ways it reminded me of walking into grandma's attic--if your grandma was Queen Victoria!

Depends on what you want to see in terms of their "importance" such as THE Rosetta Stone and THE Elgin Marbles both at the British.

Many folks on this forum are big fans of the Victoria and Albert. Its on my "must do" list for an upcoming trip.

I love the National Gallery, especially late afternoon or on its late evening when it's not very crowded.
Truly a collection of masterpieces,
and not so huge that it takes all day.

The V & A can take all year, but its overview exhibit, a little clothing or furniture or artifact from each era or monarch, is a great introduction and you can get through in a couple of hours.

The Courtauld Institute is a must, if you like Impressionism.

If you want to visit more than one, consider seeing only select areas of each while you visit. At the National Portrait Gallery, we only visited the Royals gallery and some of the literary figure portraits. At the National Gallery, we took in the Impressionists and a few other areas. Same for the British Museum--we spent time seeing the areas we had read about ahead of time. We felt like we did not have to stay for many hours in each place when there are so many other places in London we were also headed to. Travel guides/books are great ways to find out what you'd be interested in.

I'll complicate things by voting for the National Portrait Gallery. The portraits are arranged in chronological order and have wonderful captions with them, explaining the history as well as the art.

My son, afer seeing the famous stuff at the British Museum, commented that the full proper name of the place should be "The British Museum of Colonial Loot." It's far too huge to see in a day or two, you'd have to pick galleries anyway, so why not focus on a museum that's uniquely British while you're in London?

Have you considered the Sir John Soanes Museum? It is not large (and therefore not tiring) but charming and a gem.I visited in January this year after a friend pointed me in the right direction and I'm delighted that I did.
The folding walls with the Rakes Progress were wonderful!

Hmmm...tough choice.
If you are definite about the National Gallery and you want to see something different for your other one (ie: artifacts instead of paintings), I'd cross the National Portrait Gallery off the list. On the other hand, the National Portrat Gallery is my daughter's favorite place in London, and right next to the Nat'l Gallery.
The Museum of London probably isn't as "major" a museum as your other choices, but it is the best place to learn about the history of London.
If I had to make the choice, I'd probably pick either the V&A or the British Museum. At either one of those, I'd look for a guided tour that sounded interesting, since they are so immense.
We were at the V&A in May, and loved the British Gallery for it's look at everyday life from 1500-1900, and the cast courts for their insight into the Victorian mind.
Happy travels -- Annette

this is coming from someone who normally hates the idea of visiting any museum.
i was dragged along by a gay friend who wanted to see victoria and alberts museum because it had a pretty fair replica of the statue of david. you know the one without his pants on.
i was pleasantly surprised how much i liked the museum...yes..like grandmas attic..a hodgepodge of things in a small enough space not to be tiring...check it out.

What you visit is all so personal to YOUR interests..

For a good historical overview to London..I'd do the city of London..

For my second choice ..I'd be torn between the Wallace Collection and Somerset House , especially the Gilbert Collection. BUt then the V&A offers many things I have an interset in. While I enjoyed the Sr J Soanes house..all I could think of was Mrs Soanes must have been a saint to let him have all that Stuff sitting around...on the other hand my husband was totally fascinated with the scope of his interests!

I'd pick and choose what my interst were..and it might entail visiting 4 or 5 places to see just what you want rather than trudging thru looking at everything!


ANONYMOUS... I love your son's comment ! Very perspective child you've raised!!

Don't mean to confound things but here is a vote for the British Museum. Of course, I have to say I really like Egyptian and Greek art which may not appeal to everyone. I enjoyed the National Gallery as well but found the BM more of a thrill. I didn't get to the V&A or the others listed so I can't weigh in on them. I'm sure whatever you choose will be very enjoyable.

I have been to probably 40 or more museums in and around London. If I had to limit myself to 2 on a first visit they would be the V&A and National Gallery with the British being a reasonable alternative to the V&A. But since most have free admission, you can pop in to others for just short visits. You don't have to worry about "getting your money's worth".

So the V&A is just next door to both the Natural History and Science; The National Gallery is next door to the Nat'l Portrait; The British is close to the British Library; the Museum of London is near St Pauls -- and so on. So in you general sightseeing you can at least do a quick overview of several museums.

Some of my favorites are the Geffrye, Sir John Soanes, the Wallace, the Design, Imperial War, etc - but none of these would I recommend for a very brief first visit to London. Most people will want to see the V&A/National/British first time around.

Hi Heather,

Either the V&A or the British Museum. Flip a coin.

I, too, have seen most of those mentioned. The ones I return to most often are the British Museum, the National Gallery and the Tate. The V&A is wonderful but if you are limited to two, I would definitely recommend the British and the National Gallery.

My pick for an art museum is the Courtauld Institute Gallery. Why? It is relatively compact, usually not overrun with tourists, and I like the artwork displayed there.

The British Museum WOULD be my other choice, but you seem to have limited time and the British Museum is huge. The Museum of London is a good choice, especially if you are interested in the history of the London.

Remember, you will also be seeing "museum-like" displays elsewhere...such as the Crown Jewels and armour at the Tower of London.

HeatherH, let me pose 2 questions to you.

What are the museums you and your friend(s) have been to (presumably in the US), which were your favorites and why?

You say you only have time for 2 museums but how much time?

I think I've visited all of the museums mentioned here at least once in my visits but the British Museum gets a stop nearly every time (9 of 10). I'm particularly enamoured of the Assyrian galleries. It is a tie between the V&A and the National Gallery with the nod going to whichever has the most intriguing special exhibition and where we happen to be wandering. It's wonderful to just pop in without an admission fee.

The Courtalds is not only Impressionists but also works by Botticelli, Rubens, Carravaggio, Van Dyck.