A brief history of London’s art ecosystem
London, a city that warmly welcomes art enthusiasts, is home to several majestic museums, art galleries, famous artists and paintings, and more. London’s art history is a fascinating tale tied to religious art and the influence of continental European style during its early evolution. The establishment of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1768 was a significant turning point in the 18th century as it concretized London’s role in terms of exhibitions and art training.
“A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts,” by famous artist Joshua Reynolds, Influenced the development of British art history. Whereas prominent institutions like London museums, such as the National Gallery, which opened in 1824, housed paintings by famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, and Jan van Eyck. Later, the Tate Gallery, which opened in 1897, expanded public access to British and international art.
Moreover, artistic movements like the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in the 19th century also challenged the established traditional norms with young rebellious artists like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John Everett Millais. They painted detailed works with vibrant colours, influenced by romantic poetry, keeping in mind the sense of high Anglican Christianity and their imagination of the medieval world. Just as the Pre-Raphaelites sought to break from convention and showcase unique artistic visions, Elisium Art also champions emerging artists from around the globe, providing a platform to express their distinct contemporary perspectives. While the Pre-Raphaelites drew inspiration from the past, Elisium Art focuses on the present and future of art, connecting collectors with exceptional, museum-quality pieces.
Just like Edgar Degas once said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” and today, London’s art ecosystem is a vibrant tapestry of diverse experiences. The city offers a wide range of creative experiences, from the historical collections in museums like the British Museum to the cutting-edge art shows at the Tate Modern. The city’s ongoing efforts to promote a varied and dynamic artistic environment include international art fairs, many art galleries, and even public art walls. Whether you’re drawn to modern art, iconic masterpieces, or art history, London definitely has something for everyone.
Must visit museums for art lovers in London
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The British Museum
Location: Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG.
Admission: Free
The British Museum showcases some of the world's most iconic pieces, the Egyptian mummies, Parthenon Sculptures, the Rosetta Stone, the Bust of Ramesses the Great, and more. It offers regular exhibitions focused on people, places, and stories from the past. Although the entry fee is free, timed-entry tickets must be booked in advance, and fees apply for special exhibitions.
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The National Gallery
Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
Admission: Free
Take a glimpse of masterpieces like Van Gogh's "Sunflowers," Michelangelo's "The Entombment," and Botticelli's "Venus and Mars." It also houses a collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
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Tate Modern
Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom
Admission: Free
Visit London's second most popular attraction, the Tate Modern, a leading art institution. It displays paintings, sculptures, and large-scale installations by artists around the globe, including Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama, and Henri Matisse.
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Victoria and Albert Museum
Location: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
Admission: Free
Explore the iconic V&A, the largest museum in the UK. The highlights include the Cast Courts, Tipu’s Tiger, Raphael Cartoons, and its renowned fashion collections.
Explore Elisium Art’s most loved artworks in London
Feeling inspired? Looking to add a piece of London’s vibrant energy to your collection? Elisium Art can connect you with a global network of artists, so you can find the perfect piece to turn your home into your personal art museum!
Explore Elisium Art’s most loved artists in UK
Sambit Panda
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🇮🇳 India
Apurba Karati
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🇮🇳 India
London Art Adventure: A 2-Day Binge for Art Lovers (and Secret Deal Hunters!)
London's world-class scenery, featuring famous paintings, works by prominent artists, and art walls, attracts art enthusiasts from around the world. At Elisium Art, we have carefully and mindfully designed this two-day art binge itinerary to offer art lovers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of exploring London’s artistic heart.
Day 1: Royal Grandeur and Modern Masters
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Morning
Start your journey at the British Museum to explore its rich history, art, and culture. Admire the treasures of Rembrandt, Vincent Van Gogh, and other famous European artists at the renowned National Gallery. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and make the most of this incredible location. Experience a delightful breakfast at the Great Court Restaurant in the British Museum, where you can enjoy its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.
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Afternoon
Take a stroll to the National Portrait Gallery (NPG), arguably the world’s first national public gallery dedicated to portraits. Immerse yourself in British history as you view portraits of significant figures, like Queen Elizabeth l, King Henry Vlll and more. So, don’t miss the chance to see the renowned Chandos Portrait, the famous portrait of William Shakespeare.
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Mid-Afternoon
Visit the Tate Britain during mid-afternoons in Millbank, which showcases British art from the 16th century to the present day. It is a part of the Tate network of galleries in England. It features significant works of J.M.W. Turner and a notable collection of the art of the UK since the Tudor period. Then you can also grab your lunch at Morpeth Arms, a place with vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
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Evening
Head to the South Bank area, home to the Tate Modern, which has a collection of artworks by Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso. Check online to see if it’s a late opening day or if special exhibitions are available. Wrap up your day by visiting Spitalfields Market in East London, a place for traders, food, and art markets. It features an array of independent stallholders showcasing handcrafted goods, art pieces, and other unique items.
Day 2: Contemporary Vibes and Hidden Gems
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Morning
Take your art tour to the next level on day 2 by exploring Shoreditch, a place of young creatives and trendsetters that fills the fashionable clubs and bars, famous for its vibrant street arts like graffiti and street murals, independent galleries in BoxPark Shoreditch, this pop-up mall features a rotating selection of independent galleries and dynamic art scene. Shoreditch has been considered the centre of entertainment since the 16th century.
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Afternoon
Visit the Whitechapel Gallery, a renowned public art gallery known for showcasing the works of world-class artists such as Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Jackson Pollock. The newly expanded gallery also offers inspiring art courses. While general admission is free, a fee is required for selected exhibitions.
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Mid-Afternoon
Don’t miss out on visiting Mayfair, known for its elegant Georgian townhouses, upscale shopping streets like Bond Street, world-class art galleries, and exclusive hotels. You can also experience a chocolate tour in Mayfair by exploring high-end chocolate shops and boutiques and tasting premium-quality chocolates along the way.
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Evening
Consider attending a performance at the Barbican Centre, a renowned arts centre. It hosts classical music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. This provides a different artistic experience to round off your trip.
Tips To Improve Your Experience
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Bonus Tip
Your London extravaganza can never finish in two days. New exhibitions, galleries, and events continue to appear on the art scene. One of the best trips for all budget travellers in London is to utilise the city’s amazing public transport system. The Oyster card or contactless payments make travelling through the Tube (Underground) and buses affordable and efficient.
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Pro-Tip
A pro tip for all visitors is that walking is also a great way to discover hidden gems and to enjoy the city’s atmosphere, especially between nearby art galleries. Most museums open around 10 AM, so arrive early to avoid the crowds. Don’t miss out on taking advantage of London’s free museum entries and weekday discounts for special exhibitions.
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Secret Weapon
Thinking of buying art? Explore the vibrant independent gallery scene in hidden corners of the city. You might just discover a unique masterpiece and connect with the artist behind it.
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Expand Your Artistic Horizons
While London offers a world of artistic experiences, expanding your collection and discovering new talent can be challenging. And that’s where Elisium Art steps to bridge this gap, connecting collectors from around the globe with artists from emerging countries. Our curated online gallery offers a selection of museum-quality paintings, providing a seamless and personalized way to buy fine art. Whether you’re seeking to invest in promising talent or expand your artistic horizons, Elisium Art allows you to explore and acquire stunning art from around the globe, growing your collection beyond London’s exciting art scene.
