
The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most iconic and interesting museums. Whether you’re looking for a great day out with your family or an educational experience, this article provides a comprehensive guide to the top 9 UK Museums that you won’t want to miss! From the Victoria & Albert Museum in London to the Science Museum in Manchester, discover why these institutions are considered among the best in the UK.
Here are our Top 9 picks for the best museums in the United Kingdom:
1. The British Museum, London
2. The National Gallery, London
3. The Victoria and Albert Museum, London
4. The Natural History Museum, London
5. The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
6. Tate Galleries, Liverpool and St Ives
7. Imperial War Museum North, Manchester
8. Science Museum, Manchester
9. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow, Scotland
British Museum in London
There are few museums in the world as grand or as iconic as the British Museum in London. Founded in 1753, the museum houses a staggering collection of over 8 million objects from all corners of the globe. From Ancient Egyptian mummies to Roman sculptures, Medieval manuscripts to Renaissance paintings, the British Museum is a veritable treasure trove of art and history.
And it’s not just the collections that are impressive – the building itself is a work of art. The neoclassical façade with its colonnaded portico is one of the most recognisable sights in London. Inside, the Great Court is a stunning example of Victorian architecture, while the Reading Room – once used by scholars and now open to all – is simply breathtaking.
Whether you’re interested in Art, History, or just want to marvel at some of the world’s most incredible artefacts, a visit to the British Museum is a must-do when in London.
National Gallery in London
The National Gallery in London is one of the United Kingdom’s finest museums. Situated in Trafalgar Square, the museum is home to a vast collection of paintings from the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Vincent van Gogh.
One of the most popular attractions at the National Gallery is the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition, which features some of the artist’s most famous works, including the ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘The Last Supper’. The gallery also hosts regular exhibitions of work by contemporary artists, as well as a comprehensive education programme.
Whether you’re an art lover or simply looking for a cultural day out, the National Gallery is definitely worth a visit.
Victoria and Albert Museum in London
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is one of the world’s leading museums of art and design. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and her consort, Prince Albert. The museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from many different periods and cultures, making it one of the most comprehensive collections of its kind in the world.
The Victoria and Albert Museum is particularly well-known for its collections of paintings, sculpture, furniture, textiles, ceramics, metalwork, arms and armour, jewellery, glass, photographs, prints and drawings. It also has an extensive library and archive containing more than 2 million items. The museum is a hugely popular tourist destination, attracting over 3 million visitors each year.
Natural History Museum in London
The Natural History Museum in London is one of the world’s most renowned museums. It houses over 80 million specimens, including some of the most important fossil collections in the world. The museum is home to a number of iconic exhibits, such as the dinosaurs, mammals, and birds galleries. It is also home to the world-famous Darwin Centre, which is dedicated to the study of evolution. The Natural History Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in natural history or science.
National Maritime Museum in Greenwich
The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is one of the United Kingdom’s most important maritime museums. It is located in the heart of Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum tells the story of Britain at sea through a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitions, displays, and events.
The National Maritime Museum is home to Britain’s largest collection of maritime history. The museum’s collections span maritime art, ship models, figureheads, navigational instruments, tools, weapons, and clothing. The National Maritime Museum also has a library and archive that contains over two million items relating to maritime history.
The National Maritime Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission to the museum is free.
Tate Galleries in Liverpool and St Ives
There are two Tate galleries in the UK – one in Liverpool and one in St Ives. Both are world-renowned for their collections of modern and contemporary art.
The Tate Gallery in Liverpool is located in a converted warehouse on the city’s waterfront. It houses an impressive collection of British and international art, spanning the last 200 years. Highlights include works by JMW Turner, Lucian Freud, Damien Hirst and David Hockney.
The Tate Gallery in St Ives is situated in a beautiful seaside town in Cornwall. The gallery overlooks Porthmeor Beach, and houses an extensive collection of paintings by British artists who have been inspired by the Cornish landscape, including Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Patrick Heron.
Imperial War Museum North in Manchester
Imperial War Museum North is one of the most popular museums in Manchester. The museum is dedicated to the history of warfare and conflict from the First World War to the present day. Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive collections, which include weapons, vehicles, and personal belongings of soldiers and civilians. The museum also features interactive exhibits, films, and educational programs.
The Science Museum in Manchester
The Science Museum in Manchester is one of the UK’s finest museums. It is home to over 300,000 items, including some of the world’s most important scientific instruments. The museum tells the story of the development of science and technology from the Industrial Revolution to the present day.
The museum has an outstanding collection of objects that illustrate the history of science and technology. The highlights include a working replica of James Watt’s steam engine, an early computer, and a Apollo Space Capsule. The museum also has a hands-on gallery where visitors can experiment with different scientific principles.
The Science Museum in Manchester is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of science and technology. It is one of the UK’s premier museums and contains some truly incredible objects.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the United Kingdom’s most popular museums. Located in Glasgow, Scotland, Kelvingrove houses a collection of over 22,000 objects spanning art, history, and culture.
Kelvingrove is best known for its extensive art collection, which includes works by Scottish artists such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh and James McNeill Whistler. The museum also has a significant number of European paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Botticelli, and Rubens. In addition to its paintings, Kelvingrove also has a large collection of sculptures, furniture, ceramics, metalwork, and other decorative arts.
History buffs will also find plenty to see at Kelvingrove. The museum’s historical collections include items relating to the Battle of Bannockburn, Mary Queen of Scots, and the Scottish Enlightenment. There are also exhibits on Glasgow’s social history and the city’s shipbuilding industry.
With so much to see and do, Kelvingrove is a must-visit for anyone interested in art or history.