Basinghall St, London EC2V 5AE
Guildhall Art Gallery
The Guildhall Art Gallery houses the art collection of the City of London, England. The museum is located in the Moorgate area of the City of London. It is a stone building in a semi-Gothic style intended to be sympathetic to the historic Guildhall, which is adjacent and to which it is connected internally.
Location
About
Guildhall Art Gallery is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts visiting London, England. Located in the heart of the City of London, the gallery boasts a vast collection of works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, that date from the 17th century to the present day.
One of the gallery's most significant features is the Roman Amphitheatre, which was discovered in 1988 during a construction project. Visitors can now access the remains of the amphitheatre from the gallery's basement level, which provides a unique insight into Roman London.
The main gallery is located on the first floor of the building and showcases the City of London Corporation's art collection. The collection includes many notable works, such as John Singleton Copley's painting of The Defeat of the Floating Batteries at Gibraltar and William Hogarth's A Rake's Progress.
One of the gallery's most famous works is the painting titled The Fair Toxophilites by Sir John Everett Millais. This painting depicts the annual archery competition held by the Toxophilite Society, which was established in 1781 to promote the sport of archery in the City of London. The painting is notable for its intricate details and the vibrant colors that Millais used to depict the scene.
The gallery also has a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions that showcase contemporary art, photography, and installations. These exhibitions often focus on the work of emerging artists and offer visitors the opportunity to see some of the latest trends in the art world.
One of the unique features of the Guildhall Art Gallery is its partnership with the nearby Bank of England Museum. The two museums offer a joint ticket that allows visitors to explore both collections at a discounted rate. This partnership provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history of money and finance in London, as well as the city's cultural heritage.
For those looking for a bit of relaxation, the gallery's café offers a peaceful setting to grab a coffee or light meal. The café has an outdoor seating area that overlooks Guildhall Yard, which is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Overall, the Guildhall Art Gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the arts and culture of London. With its vast collection of works of art, rotating exhibitions, and unique partnership with the Bank of England Museum, the gallery offers a diverse and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
Gallery
Things to do nearby
Guildhall Art Gallery is a popular tourist attraction in the heart of the City of London, featuring an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the city's history. If you're planning a visit to this iconic destination, you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of other interesting places to visit and things to do nearby.
Firstly, take a stroll through the historic Guildhall Yard, the site of the Guildhall, one of London's oldest public buildings. This impressive structure has been the center of civic life in the city for over 800 years, and has played host to many important events throughout history. Be sure to look out for the famous Guildhall Clock, which dates back to 1894 and is a much-loved local landmark.
Next, head over to the nearby St. Lawrence Jewry Church, which is one of the oldest churches in London, dating back to the 12th century. The church was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666, and features a beautiful interior with intricate stained-glass windows and ornate carvings.
For those interested in architecture, a visit to the nearby Bank of England Museum is a must. This fascinating museum tells the story of the Bank of England, which was founded in 1694 and has played a vital role in the development of the British economy. Highlights of the museum include the impressive gold vault, which contains over 400,000 gold bars, and the Bank's original printing presses, which were used to print banknotes.
If you're in the mood for some shopping, the nearby One New Change shopping center offers a great selection of shops and restaurants. The shopping center is also home to a rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline.
For those interested in history, a visit to the Museum of London is a must. This fascinating museum tells the story of London from prehistoric times to the present day, and features a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits. Highlights of the museum include the Roman London gallery, which explores the city's Roman past, and the Great Fire of London gallery, which tells the story of the devastating fire that swept through the city in 1666.
Finally, if you're looking for a relaxing way to end your day, head over to the nearby Barbican Centre. This iconic cultural hub features a cinema, art gallery, concert hall, and theater, and is a great place to catch a show or enjoy a drink in one of the many bars and restaurants.
In conclusion, Guildhall Art Gallery is just one of many fascinating destinations to explore in the City of London. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or shopping, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do nearby. So why not plan a day out in this exciting part of the city and discover all that it has to offer?
Opening Hours
| Tuesday | 10:30 am–4 pm |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 10:30 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 10:30 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 10:30 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 10:30 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 10:30 am–4 pm |
| Monday | 10:30 am–4 pm |