Which London Museums Are Free?

Most of London's big national museums are free to enter. That includes the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the V&A and Tate Modern. You usually pay only for special exhibitions and a few extra attractions. Some museums ask you to book a free timed ticket, and at the Science Museum it is required.

The big free museums

• British Museum: free. Booking a free timed ticket is recommended, because without one entry depends on how busy it is. Open daily 10.00 to 17.00, with later hours on Fridays (check the website for details).
• National Gallery: free. Walk-up entry is available, and a free ticket gets you fast-track entry. Open daily 10am to 6pm, and until 9pm on Fridays.
• Natural History Museum: free. A free ticket guarantees entry. Without one you may queue, especially at weekends and in school holidays. Open daily 10.00 to 17.50, last entry 17.30.
• Science Museum: free, but you must pre-book a free ticket. Your arrival time is printed on it. Open daily 10.00 to 18.00, last entry 17.15.
• V&A South Kensington: free. Open daily 10.00 to 17.45, and until 22.00 on Fridays.
• Tate Modern: the collection is free for everyone. Open Sunday to Thursday 10.00 to 18.00, and Friday and Saturday until 21.00.

What still costs money

Each museum has a free permanent collection, but some exhibitions are ticketed:

• Tate Modern: its exhibitions are paid, and booking is recommended.
• National Gallery: some exhibitions are paid.
• V&A: some exhibitions charge, others are free. Check the listing for the one you want.
• Natural History Museum: some exhibitions are paid.
• Science Museum: interactive galleries such as Wonderlab are paid, and they are cheaper if you book ahead.

Popular exhibitions can sell out, so book these well in advance if one is the reason for your trip.

Booking tips

• Even where booking is optional, a free timed ticket usually means a shorter wait at busy times.
• All of these museums close over Christmas, roughly 24 to 26 December. Check exact dates if you are visiting then.
• Free museums suggest a donation. It is optional.
• Use the late openings: Friday evenings at the National Gallery and the V&A, and Friday and Saturday evenings at Tate Modern. They free up your daytime for sights that close earlier.

Grouping them by area

The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A sit next to each other in South Kensington. You could pick one or two for a day, but trying all three in one day is a lot. The British Museum is in Bloomsbury, the National Gallery is on Trafalgar Square, and Tate Modern is on the South Bank, so they suit different days.

Planning your first trip?

The constantXplorer London 3-day guide puts these free museums on the right days by area and opening hours, so you spend your time looking at things instead of crossing town.