One of London’s most visited boroughs, Kensington & Chelsea is home to Exhibition Road’s trio of world-class museums.
The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) are three of London’s most famous museums. Each is worthy of a day in its own right, and a must-visit for any first time visitor to London. All three also put on exceptional temporary exhibitions, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on what they’re putting on.
But Kensington and Chelsea has far much to offer than these three big hitters. The excellent Design Museum is one of London’s best, its temporary exhibitions always cutting edge and worth checking out. There’s also the Leighton House Museum, home to the stunning Arab hall, and a host of other specialist collections.
If you’re interested in art, Kensington and Chelsea is home to the Saatchi Gallery, one of London’s foremost major contemporary art spaces.
Overall, there are 15 museums across Kensington and Chelsea. Explore all of them below. You’ll also find museums in nearby boroughs further down the page.
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Carlyle’s House
A Chelsea townhouse which was home to essayist and philosopher Thomas Carlyle and his wife Jane in the mid-19th century.... -
Chelsea Physic Garden
One of Europe's oldest botanic gardens, founded in 1673 . It was originally created by The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries... -
Design Museum
A world-leading museum of design, covering everything from graphics to fashion, furniture to technology. Its permanent exhibition, Designer Maker User,... -
Japan House
Area: West Borough: Kensington & Chelsea Size: 2? Entry Free entry Opening Days Seven days a week What it is... -
Kensington Palace
A historic royal residence in Kensington Gardens, most famous as the childhood home of Queen Victoria. A visit explores opulent... -
Leighton House Museum
The former home of Victorian artist Lord Leighton, showcasing paintings, sculptures and is studio. The highlight, though, is the Arab... -
Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising
A museum tracing 150 years of consumer culture. Its centrepiece is the Time Tunnel, with plenty of historic packages, consumer... -
National Army Museum
The British Army's national museum, with a collection of over a million items going back 600 years. Explores how the... -
Natural History Museum
One of the world's top museums in an utterly stunning Victorian building envisaged as a 'Cathedral to Nature'. Home to... -
Paradox Museum
An immersive museum offering over 50 interactive exhibits that play with perception, including a Zero Gravity Room and Infinity Well. -
Royal Hospital Chelsea Museum
A small museum within the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the Chelsea Pensioners (British Army veterans) established in the... -
Saatchi Gallery
A cutting-edge contemporary art gallery, known for large-scale, immersive art exhibitions that often push boundaries and showcase emerging artists, presented... -
Sambourne House (18 Stafford Terrace)
The perfectly preserved Victorian family home of cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne, with beautiful interiors in the 'aesthetic style'. Stunning stained... -
Science Museum
A world-famous museum of science and innovation, spread across seven floors of interactive exhibits. Very hands-on and great for kids,... -
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
One of London's greatest museums, and possibly its most eclectic. Amogng the world's largest and best collections of art, design...
Museums near Kensington & Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea’s central location means you’re just minutes from the rest of London’s magnificent museum offerings. Explore 80+ of central London’s best museums – from world-famous institutions to hidden gems – in our complete Central London guide
To the West are many more lesser-known and unique museums to explore.
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