Courtauld Gallery, London
The Courtauld Gallery is one of the finest small art museums in London, renowned for its outstanding collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Nestled within the historic Somerset House, the gallery is situated in the City of Westminster, offering visitors a quiet yet enriching cultural escape in the heart of the capital.
History and Origins
The Courtauld Gallery was founded in 1932 by the industrialist and art collector Samuel Courtauld, whose generous bequest helped establish the gallery’s core collection. His vision was to make great works of art accessible to the public and to promote the study of art history in Britain. The gallery is part of The Courtauld Institute of Art, one of the world’s leading centres for the study of art history and conservation.
In 1989, the Courtauld Gallery moved into the elegant North Wing of Somerset House, a neoclassical building overlooking the Thames. A major renovation was completed in 2021, restoring the building’s grandeur and upgrading gallery spaces, accessibility, and visitor facilities.
What to See at the Courtauld Gallery
The Courtauld is especially celebrated for its world-class collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Among its highlights are:
- A Bar at the Folies-Bergère by Édouard Manet
- Self-portraits by Vincent van Gogh
- Works by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Paul Cézanne
- Early Renaissance works by Botticelli and Cranach
- Drawings and decorative arts from the Medieval to the Modern era
Rotating exhibitions and temporary displays showcase research projects, contemporary works, and items from the Courtauld’s broader collections. The gallery layout encourages an intimate viewing experience, making it possible to enjoy major works without overwhelming crowds.
Location and Address
The Courtauld Gallery is located in the North Wing of Somerset House, with its entrance at:
Courtauld Gallery
Somerset House
Strand
London WC2R 0RN
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 3947 7700
How to Get There
The nearest London Underground station is Temple Station, served by the District and Circle lines. From Temple Station, it's about a 5-minute walk to Somerset House. Simply exit the station onto Victoria Embankment, walk west along the river, and turn right at Somerset House.
Alternatively, you can arrive via Covent Garden or Charing Cross stations, both within a 10-15 minute walk.
Opening Hours
The Courtauld Gallery is open to the public as follows:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:15 PM)
The gallery is closed on 25 and 26 December each year.
Admission Fees
As of 2025, admission prices for the Courtauld Gallery are:
- Adults: £9
- Concessions (senior citizens, students): £7
- Under 18s: Free
- National Art Pass holders: 50% discount
- Friends of The Courtauld: Free entry
Tickets can be booked in advance online, although walk-ins are also accepted subject to availability.
Fun Fact
In 2021, after a three-year refurbishment, the Courtauld reopened its doors with its star painting—Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère—repositioned in a purpose-built gallery under a skylight, giving it the prominence it deserves. This painting, often studied in art history courses worldwide, has been called one of the first truly modern works of art due to its subtle commentary on urban life and identity.
Quick Facts
- Name: Courtauld Gallery
- Location: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN
- Nearest Tube Station: Temple (District and Circle lines)
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Admission: £9 adults, £7 concessions, free for under 18s
- Known For: Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces
- Fun Fact: Home to Manet’s iconic A Bar at the Folies-Bergère
- Founded: 1932 by Samuel Courtauld
- Website: www.courtauld.ac.uk/gallery
Painting of Courtauld Gallery, London