Alex Untola
As a globally recognized cultural epicenter the British capital is home to some of the world's most illustrious museums. The city's must-visit museums for first time visitors are as follows.
Affectionately known as the V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum is the British capital's most prolific institution when it comes to decorative art work. Dedicated to the memory of British monarch Queen Victoria and Prince Albert the leek confines of this reputed museum houses exquisite examples of ceramics, miniaturized portraits, photography and sculpture. Documenting the country's design history in great detail the British Galleries trace the evolution of decorative art and designs in the country from the period of Henry the VIII to the venue's namesake monarch Queen Victoria.
Renowned as one of the most ancient museum spaces in the world the British Museum is home to some of the most iconic historic relics from all corners of the world. From Egypt's Rosetta Stone to Sutton Hoo Ship Burial the museum's most popular exhibits include Egyptian mummies and the Lindow Man while the Lewis Chessman also counts among the more than one million objects housed within the complex. Displayed on rotation due to the sheer volume of the museum's acquisitions a visit to this illustrious institution is a must for first time visitors.
Regarded among the world's leading modern art museums the Tate Modern is housed within an iconic industrial style structure. Exploring the length and breadth of modern art with eye catching installations and awe inspiring large scale exhibits the permanent artwork on show at the Tate Modern includes works by master painters such as Rothko, Twombly, Beuys, Matisse and Bacon. Visitors in search of a London long stay apartments in close proximity to the Tate Modern and other museums should select Citadines St Marks London as their base.
Known as an interactive space that is engaging for both children and adults the British capital's Science Museum contains seven floors of edutainment exhibits that inform as well as entertain. Some of the key highlights include the Medical History Gallery found in the venue's attic which showcases a truly awe-inspiring collection of medical history relics. The command module and flight simulator for the Apollo 10 space craft is also on-site as well as exhibits reflecting other advancements made in medicine, science and information technology on display in the Welcome Wing.
Established as early as 1824 the National Gallery holds the distinct honor of being Britain's foremost art gallery. Having started with a humble collection of no more than 36 paintings the venue now showcases more than 2000 artworks representing every identified school of European art. Must-visit highlights include the newly opened Sainsbury Wing where the venue's earliest acquisitions such as paintings by Piero della Francesca and Giotto are housed.
Housed within a historic structure dating back to 1815 the Imperial War Museum is a renowned war museum located in what was once known as the Bethlem Royal Hospital. Documenting the cultural legacy of World War One and WWII the locale's impressive collections of exhibits includes weaponry, war literature, personal relics of combatants, official communiqués and 20th century art.
