London's reawakening
Rediscover these cultural institutions which have reopened their doors this summer.
01 Jun 2021
As London reawakens, begin exploring the best of what the capital has to offer.
Keep these attractions in mind for when you are planning your next staycation at one of our London hotels. Please check the attraction's website in regards to booking information and opening times. Our concierge teams are always happy to assist with bookings.
Tower of London
Located on the banks of the Thames, a visit to the iconic Tower of London is perfect for children and adults alike. Explore the fortresses, the White Tower and hear the captivating stories from the Yeoman Warders. Don't forget to marvel at the Crown Jewels which are on display in the Jewel House, protected by her majesty's armed guards!
Location: Tower of London, EC3N 4AB
Japan House
Escape to Japan House this summer, the home of Japanese culture in London. Discover Making Nuno: Japanese Textile Innovation an exhibition showcasing textile designer Sudō Reiko. Reiko's work has received critical acclaim around the world; her work is known for looking at new ways to progress with sustainable manufacturing.
Location: 101-111 Kensington High St, Kensington, W8 5SA
The National Gallery
The National Gallery houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings, spanning centuries from the mid-13th to the 1900s. The Gallery’s latest exhibition Conversations with God:
Jan Matejko’s Copernicus is an opportunity to see one of Poland's most popular works of art.
Location: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
Royal Academy of Arts
Founded in 1768 by a collection of artists and architects, the Royal Academy's first President was acclaimed painter Sir Joshua Reynolds. The artists shared a goal of creating an independent organisation that would provide recognition for the leading artists and architects of the day. On your visit see David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020 which features a collection of work that Hockney created on his iPad during lockdown.
Location: Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD
Queen's Gallery
The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace is located just a short walk from Hotel 41 and Rubens at the Palace. Current exhibitions include Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace which showcases the most iconic pieces from the Royal Collection. Buckingham Palace itself has begun conducting private tours again.
Location: Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA
Tate Modern and Britain
Home to the national collection of British art, encompassing 70,000 artworks, both sites offer free and paid exhibitions of contemporary and international art. At the Tate Britain, explore the Henry Moore exhibit, two rooms dedicated to the sculptor. In the Tate Modern, explore their Media Networks exhibition, a free exhibition that analyses how mass media has shaped our world through different mediums.
Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG (Tate Modern) or Millbank, SW1P 4RG (Tate Britain)
Kensington Palace
The current home of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Kensington Palace is known for its stunning architecture, verdant gardens and compelling history. On your visit, explore private rooms of The King’s and Queen’s State Apartments and delve into the history of Queen Victoria’s childhood who was born and raised in the palace.
Location: Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX
Van Gogh Alive: the experience
Embark on an immersive and multi-sensory experience this summer at Van Gogh Alive: the experience. The production has toured 65 cities globally and for this summer only it is residing in Kensington Gardens, just a short walk from Kensington Palace. Van Gogh's most famous work will surround you in this visual experience with a life-sized representation of Van Gogh's bedroom on display.
Location: East Albert Lawn, Kensington Gardens, SW7 2AP
Design Museum
The Design Museum is world-leading with a focus on contemporary architecture and design. Immerse yourself in Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street, an exploration of the training shoe's impact on the world as well as a look at the most technologically advanced trainers today.
Location: 224 - 238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG
Serpentine Gallery
Located in Kensington Gardens, the Serpentine Gallery offers many free to access exhibitions and live events. Their current exhibition James Barnor: Accra/London - A Retrospective is a look at the photographer's career which spans six decades. His work documents social and political changes in London and Accra.
Location: Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA
National History Museum
Both a research centre and a museum, The National History Museum is perfect for families with children fascinated in all things dinosaur-related. Discover fossils from various mammals, reptiles, dinosaurs and fish in the museum's extensive galleries. Don't forget to look up at 'Hope' the blue whale hanging from the ceiling in Hintze Hall.
Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, SW7 5BD
Victoria & Albert Museum
A world-leading museum in art and design, housing a collection of over 2.3 million objects, the V&A hosts regular free exhibitions. Their latest exhibition Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser looks at the evolution of the popular story. if you're interested in a talk on the exhibit, combined with delicious Afternoon Tea, The Egerton House Hotel is hosting an exclusive afternoon with the curator of the exhibit, Kate Bailey.
Location: Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, SW7 2RL
British Museum
Located just moments away from The Montague on the Gardens, the British Museum was the first national public museum in the world. Upcoming special exhibitions include, Thomas Becket: murder and the making of a saint and Nero: the man behind the myth. The museum also has a range of free exhibitions as well with 60 galleries in total to explore.
Location: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG