London has one of the richest museum landscapes in the world. From vast national institutions to tiny volunteer-run collections tucked away in corners of the city, there’s something here for every kind of curiosity.
When I began putting together my London Museum Guide, I thought of it as a practical tool to help people decide where to visit. But as I dug deeper, I realised I was also building up a pretty comprehensive picture of London’s museums: how many there are, what stories they tell, and why this city has such a unique museum culture.
This page pulls some of that research together – such as how many museums London actually has, where they’re most concentrated, which are the oldest, and which ones draw the biggest crowds. Here’s a quick guide to the facts and figures behind the capital’s museums.
On this page:
How many museums are there in London?
There isn’t a single “official” number for the amount of museums in London, because it depends on what you count as a museum.You’ll see a few different figures knocking about, for example:
- The Greater London Authority says there are over 192 museums across the city, including 11 national museums.
- There are 133 London museums accredited by the Arts Council – accounting for 8% of all accredited museums in the UK. But this doesn’t account for all museums, as there are many reasons museums might not be accredited.
- My London Museum Guide – which includes museum-like destinations, such as historic houses with a focus on exhibitions and small community run galleries – counts more than 240 museums in the city.
Either way, London has far and away more museums than any other UK city. And by many counts, it has more museums than any other city in the world.
Why are London’s museums so famous?
As well as the sheer number of museums in London, the city is famous for its breadth of world-class collections. Museums like the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the V&A (to name just a few) are among the best and most visited in their field, anywhere on Earth. And unlike in a lot of cities, these collections are free to visit.
London is also famous for the diversity of its museums. With more than 240 of them, they cover pretty much every aspect of human culture and history – from transport to the Freemasons, the horrors of conflict to cutting-edge healthcare technology And some museums in London really are one of a kind – such as the Fan Museum in Greenwich, the only museum in the world dedicated to the history of the fan. There’s so much choice – you can see the full breadth of diversity by exploring my London’s Museum Guide.
Architecture is another reason why London’s museums are special. The Natural History Museum is often described as a “cathedral to nature,” its vast Romanesque building one of the great Victorian landmarks of the city. The Tate Modern, by contrast, is housed in a converted power station on the South Bank, its modernist industrial bulk now a beloved cultural icon and one of my personal favourite spots in the city. And then there are intimate spaces like Sir John Soane’s Museum, preserved just as the eccentric architect left it in 1837.
Closures and openings
London’s museum landscape is not static. New museums open and, sadly, long-standing museums close – especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and its financial pressures.
Recent major changes include:
- In December 2022, the Museum of London closed its long-standing London Wall site and will reopen in 2026 as the new London Museum at Smithfield.
- The Jewish Museum London closed its Camden site in 2023
- The Young V&A (formerly the Museum of Childhood) reopened in 2023 after a major redevelopment.
I aim to keep the London Museum Guide up to date with all new developments – but if you notice something missing or out of date, please let me know.
How many of London’s museums are free?
One of the joys of visiting London is that many of its greatest museums are free. The British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A, National Gallery and Tate Modern all offer free entry to their permanent collections. As do many smaller, local and specialist museums. In total, 118 of the museums on London’s Museum Guide are free – just under half of London’s museums.
Explore all of London’s free museums on my Free London Museums Guide.
Where are London’s museums?
London has museums spread across the entire city. But most museums are found in central London boroughs. Camden and Westminster are London’s tourist hotspots – with more than 30 museums each, which is more than most other cities in the UK! Several other boroughs only have one or two museums, such as Wandsworth.
Explore how many museums are in each London borough in the interactive map below. You can also explore a map of all of London’s museums here.
Frequently asked questions about London’s museums
What is the most visited museum in London?
The British Museum tends to top the list for the most visited museum in London, and in the UK in general. In 2024, it received 6.5 million visitors – in second place was the Natural History Museum with 6.3 million.
London’s museums make up the bulk of the list of the most visited museums in the UK. In 2024, 9 of the country’s 10 most visited museums were in London. ALVA publishes a list of the most visited attractions every year.
What is the oldest museum in London?
The Royal Armouries at the Tower of London, which has been open to the public since the 17th century, is the oldest museum in Britain. You can find a full timeline of London’s museums here.
Are London museums family-friendly?
Yes – many of Lonodon’s museums are very family friendly, with interactive galleries or family trails. Some of the best museums for kids include the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.
How late are London museums open?
Most London museums close around 5–6pm, but some offer late openings once a week (e.g. British Museum on Fridays, Tate Modern on Fridays/Saturdays).
Keep exploring
Head to London’s Museum Guide to explore all of London’s 240+ museums split by theme, location and price.
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