Must See Galleries & Museums In Kensington

Last Updated on 20 November, 2022

As one of the most luxurious London districts, Kensington is one of the areas in London that is very much worth exploring.

Home to many international consulates and embassies, as well as the residential homes of British politicians and royalty, the neighborhood will impress you with its wide streets lined with massive stunning townhouses.

The commercial area of the district is also known for the numerous fantastic Kensington Museums and Galleries.

If you are wondering what type of exhibits and art pieces you can admire while in the area, we have prepared a full list for you with the best museums in Kensington and Chelsea to visit.

Best Museums And Galleries In Kensington

There are plenty of cool things to do in Kensington as well as cool spots in Chelsea too. South Kensington alone is home to V&A, Science Museum and Natural History Museums so yes there are plenty of amazing museums in Kensington that should be on any London itinerary.

The list below includes museums near South Kensington as well as those in Sloan Square, Chelsea but basically museums you will find in Kensington and Chelsea borough.

To make deciding easier, we have also included entry fee details in addition to those free Kensington museums.

Natural History Museum

As one of the most popular and pristine museums in London, Natural History Museum is a place that deserves to be visited. From the impressive building to the numerous exhibits with artifacts that will take you on a trip throughout the centuries, visitors can easily spend an entire day in the museum.

Even with the first steps you will be overwhelmed by the enormous dinosaur skeleton situated at the middle of the central hall. After exploring the fossils and learning more about the paleontology, you can head to one of the four massive collections – zoology, mineralogy, entomology or botany.

Make sure to stop by the Gallery demonstrating the Human Evolution and the Earth’s transformation during the years as well. Not only will you be able to touch various specimens of minerals and rocks, but you will also learn more about volcanoes and earthquakes.

Saatchi Gallery

Since 1985, Saatchi Gallery has been one of the best contemporary art galleries in London. The founder of the gallery is Charles Saatchi, who initially opened it with the intention to show his own massive collection of art pieces to the public. Nowadays, visitors can admire paintings from some of the most popular US minimalist artists, works created by the Young British Artists Association, as well as, some intriguing and extraordinary Chinese contemporary art pieces. During the years, though, Saatchi Gallery has severed with great influence and guidance to the modern British art and the careers of many young artists have been launched through exhibits at Saatchi Gallery.

Address: Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4RY, United Kingdom

Admission Fee: £3

Working Hours: re-opening on 3^rd September 2020

Pontone Gallery

Home of Albermarle Gallery and Shine Artists, Pontone Gallery holds stunning contemporary fine art exhibitions throughout the year from a range of artists.

Address: 43 Cadogan Gardens, SW3 2TB

Admission: Free

Victoria and Albert Museum

Home to more than 2 million different objects demonstrating the decorative design and art, the Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the most interesting and unusual Kensington Museums and Galleries.

The beautiful main entrance will certainly inspire you to pay a visit and explore the 145 galleries spread at more than 12.5 acres. With art pieces from Europe to North America, visitors can enjoy exhibits of glass, silver, costumes, jewelry and so much more.

Additionally, the museum is also home to the biggest collection of post-classical sculptures, many of which are dating back to the Italian Renaissance.

With history of more than 160 years, the museum is now considered one of the world’s largest museums, as well as a leading example of art and design exhibits.

Address: Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom

Admission Fee: Free

Working Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Science Museum

With more than 3 million people visiting the Science Museum in Kensington every year, it is one of the main tourist attractions within the city.

Opened during the 1850s, the Science Museum was once part of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Throughout the years, though, the collection grew massively, and visitors can now explore more than 300,000 different items from steam engines to clinical medicines.

Besides, the first jet engine and the Apollo 10 command module, however, the museum is widely known for its interesting interactive exhibits.

The Wonderlab is fantastic, especially if you are planning on visiting with your children, as they will be able to get a hand-on experience on scientific phenomena.

Make sure to also check the IMAX 3D Cinema within the museum, which shows a number of short documentaries about the beauty of science and maths, as well as the nature surrounding us.

Address: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD, United Kingdom

Admission Fee: Free

Working Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00PM

The Design Museum

Known as the world’s leading exhibit of contemporary design, The Design Museum is a must-visit when exploring the Kensington area.

Opened in 1989, the museum was once just a small collection of design pieces housed in an old warehouse. In 2018, however, it won the award for the European Museum of the Year.

Visitors can now explore modern design in all its forms from architecture to fashion. Besides the galleries showcasing products, furniture, graphic and industrial designs, the museum is also home to the world’s famous Swarovski Foundation Center for Learning.

Often hosting seminars, talks and events, the museum offers design studios and creative workshops used by students, researchers and designers.

Address: 224-238 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 6AG, United Kingdom

Admission Fee: £14.50 for adults; £7.25 for children

Working Hours: 10:00 AM – 09:00PM

Michael Hoppen Gallery

Established in 1991 in Chelsea, Michael Hoppen Gallery is renowned for nurturing the careers of new and interesting artists and exhibiting them alongside acknowledged 19th, 20th and 21st-century photography masters.

Address: 3 Jubilee Place, SW3 3TD

Admission: Free

Serpentine Gallery

Situated at the heart of Kensington Gardens in Hyde Park, Serpentine Gallery consists of two contemporary art museums. The gallery is housed in a tea pavilion from the 1930s and is surrounded by the endless green gardens of the park, as well as the Serpentine Lake.

It is not just the unique location, though, that makes the museum a must-see. Visitors can admire the beautiful pieces created by world-famous artists.

For example, the gallery has hosted the works of Henry Moore, Christian Botanski, Man Ray, Jeff Koons and many others. The best time to visit the Serpentine Gallery is probably during the summer, when a temporary pavilion is created by a leading contemporary architect.

Address: Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA, United Kingdom

Admission Fee: Free

Working Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00PM; closed on Mondays

National Army Museum

The principal authority on the history of the British Army and first class museum that moves, inspires and challenges, educates and entertains.

Address: Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4 HT

Admission Fee: Free

Flying Colours Gallery

Originally founded in Scotland but has now been based in Chelsea for well over 30 years. The gallery plays host to the finest contemporary art and promotes both emerging talents and established names in the art world.

Address: 6 Burnsall Street, London SW3 3ST

Admission Fee: Free

Kensington Museums Map

Below is a map of the museums in Kensington to give you an overview of how close they are.

If you are visiting London on a rainy day and unsure how to spend your time, you can head to one of these fantastic Kensington Museums and Galleries.

From ancient artifacts to contemporary art there is so much to explore. Which one of above mentioned Kensington Museums and Galleries would you like to visit first?

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Must See Galleries & Museums In Kensington