Smaller London Art Galleries

They may be small, but you can still see everything from Old Masters to the latest modern art in London's smaller art galleries. 

Whether you're into fine art, sculpture, photography, contemporary works or arty events, you will find hidden gems to satisfy your artistic interests in one of London's more intimate art spaces.

From Impressionist masterpieces to contemporary sculpture, their collections offer just as much as London's more famous art galleries.

The Wallace Collection

Located in an historic London townhouse, which was once the grand home of Sir Richard and Lady Wallace, The Wallace Collection is one of the capital's most sumptuous national museums. Inside, you can see furniture, porcelain and a world-class armoury alongside art by Titian, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Velàquez.

Camden Arts Centre

Originally a library, this grade-II listed building became an arts centre in the 1960s, and has been a world-class contemporary visual arts space every since. At Camden Arts Centre you can see up-and-coming as well as established artists, enjoy free exhibitions and take part in artist-led courses and activities.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Dulwich Picture Gallery is England's first purpose-built gallery. Dating back to 1811, the lush interiors are the perfect setting for one of the world's most important collections of European Old Master paintings. Dating from 1600s to the 1700s, the collection includes works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Poussin, and Canaletto.

White Cube

White Cube Gallery in Mason's Yard exhibits a range of works by contemporary artists, including Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Marc Quinn and many other internationally-recognised artists. Sister gallery White Cube 2 shows contemporary art in a larger 1920s industrial building in Hoxton Square, East London.

Courtauld Gallery

Small galleries don't get any better than this. The Courtauld Gallery is home to Impressionist and Post-impressionist masterpieces as well as earlier paintings and drawings. Displayed in the elegant Somerset House, world-famous artists from Monet and Botticelli to Van Gogh sit alongside an ever-changing programme of temporary exhibitions.

Queen's Gallery

Dedicated to works of art from the Royal Collection, The Queen's Gallery was constructed 40 years ago at Buckingham Palace, out of the bomb-damaged ruins of a chapel. In addition to gems from the Royal Collection (which is held in trust by the Queen for the nation), there's a changing programme of temporary exhibitions.

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Pumphouse Gallery

Located on the lakeside in Battersea Park, the Pumphouse Gallery is a visual arts exhibition space. Built in 1861 as a Victorian water tower, the Pumphouse now hosts a changing exhibition programme, which focuses on established and emerging contemporary art. The gallery also runs talks and workshops. Admission is free.

Estorick Collection

If Italian art is your thing, head to the Estorick Collection. Home to a collection of paintings and sculpture by 20th-century Italian artists, there are also Futurist works by Balla, Boccioni and Severini, plus a selection of figurative art and sculpture. The Estorick is housed in a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion; don't miss the relaxing garden cafe.

Louise T Blouin Institute

The Louise T Blouin Institute in Shepherd's Bush exhibits temporary exhibitions, installations, performances and screenings by established and emerging artists, and also runs lectures, debates and events. A philanthropic organisation, the institute's aim is to use culture and creativity as a catalyst for positive change. Admission is free.

South London Gallery

With an international reputation for its programme of exhibitions and live art events, the South London Gallery is one of London's most important contemporary art spaces. A renowned platform for young artists, the gallery has also shown the likes of Tracey Emin, Mark Quinn and Julian Schnabel. Exhibitions and many events are free.

Marlborough Fine Art

One of the world's leading contemporary art dealers, Marlborough Fine Art deals in paintings and sculpture by prominent international artists, and holds up to eight annual exhibitions. Founded in 1946, it was one of the first galleries in the Western world to exhibit contemporary art from China.

Calvert22

Dedicated to contemporary art, Calvert22 is the first London-based, not-for-profit organisation to promote works from Russia and Eastern Europe. Founded by the Russian art collector, Nonna Materkova, Calvert22 is committed to bring exciting established and emerging artists from this region to the London art scene.

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