The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London
Discover world-class art masterpieces from the Middle Ages to Impressionism in the historic Somerset House setting.
The Courtauld Gallery, nestled within the historic Somerset House on London's Strand, houses one of the world's finest collections of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Renowned for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by artists like Manet, Van Gogh, Monet, and Cézanne, the gallery offers an intimate and richly curated experience. Visitors can explore a range of periods including Renaissance, Baroque, and the Bloomsbury Group, all displayed in elegant, thoughtfully restored historic spaces.
A brief summary to The Courtauld Gallery
- Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 0RN, GB
- +442039477777
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays to enjoy a quieter experience and more time with the artworks.
- Book tickets online in advance for temporary exhibitions to secure entry.
- Don’t miss the LVMH Great Room, London’s oldest purpose-built exhibition space.
- Explore the on-site Art Café for refreshments without needing a gallery ticket.
- Use the small lockers available for bags; larger luggage is not permitted inside.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Temple Station (Circle and District lines), approximately a 5-10 minute walk to Somerset House. Alternatively, Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly line) is about a 10-15 minute walk. Buses serving the Strand area include routes 6, 9, 11, and 15. Tickets cost £2.90 per single journey with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber can drop you directly at Somerset House on the Strand. Travel times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in central London to range from £8 to £20.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in central London, walking to The Courtauld Gallery is pleasant and straightforward. From Trafalgar Square, it is about a 10-minute walk along well-paved streets with accessible routes suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
The Courtauld Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Courtauld Gallery
A Historic Setting for Artistic Treasures
The Courtauld Gallery is uniquely situated within Somerset House, a grand neoclassical building on the Strand in central London. This historic landmark provides a magnificent backdrop for the gallery’s extensive collection, blending architectural grandeur with cultural significance. The gallery’s location overlooking the River Thames adds to its charm, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in both art and history.A Collection Spanning Centuries
The Courtauld’s collection spans from the Medieval and Early Renaissance periods through to the 20th century. The first floor showcases Medieval and Early Renaissance works, including notable pieces such as the intricately decorated Courtauld Bag and predella panels by Fra Angelico. The second floor features Renaissance and Baroque art, with dedicated rooms for Peter Paul Rubens and his contemporaries. The collection also includes decorative arts, furniture, and sculpture, providing a comprehensive view of European art history.Masterpieces of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
The gallery is especially celebrated for its remarkable Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Visitors can admire iconic works such as Édouard Manet’s "A Bar at the Folies Bergère," Vincent van Gogh’s "Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear," and the UK’s most significant collection of Paul Cézanne’s paintings. These masterpieces are displayed in the spectacularly restored LVMH Great Room, London’s oldest purpose-built exhibition space, offering a unique setting to appreciate these influential works.Elegant Exhibition Spaces and Temporary Displays
The Blavatnik Fine Rooms, a suite of six galleries on the second floor, provide an elegant setting for Renaissance through 18th-century art, including Botticelli’s large-scale "The Trinity With Saints." The gallery also hosts critically acclaimed temporary exhibitions in the Denise Coates Exhibition Galleries, showcasing contemporary and historical art that complements the permanent collection.An Engaging Experience for All Visitors
The Courtauld Gallery offers a welcoming atmosphere for all levels of art knowledge. Its manageable size allows visitors to explore comfortably without feeling overwhelmed. Alongside the permanent collection, the gallery provides educational programmes, curator-led talks, and family events, encouraging deeper engagement with art history and conservation. The on-site Art Café and shop enhance the visitor experience, making it a perfect cultural destination in London.Practical Information and Accessibility
Open daily from 10am to 6pm with last entry at 5:15pm, the gallery offers tickets for permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, with concessions and free entry for under-18s, students, and Art Fund members. The gallery is cashless, accepting a wide range of electronic payments. Lockers are available for small bags, and the location is well served by public transport. Its central London setting makes it easily accessible for visitors exploring the city’s cultural landmarks.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Old Watch House
0.1 km
A quaint early 18th-century parish watch house on London’s Strand, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Metropolitan Police community policing.
Strand
0.2 km
Historic London thoroughfare linking Westminster and the City, famed for grand hotels, cultural landmarks, and hidden historical treasures.
Bomber Harris Memorial
0.3 km
A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
Richard D’Oyly Carte Monument
0.3 km
A sculptural homage to Richard D’Oyly Carte’s theatrical and hospitality legacy, nestled in the serene Victoria Embankment Gardens.
St Clement Danes Church
0.3 km
Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
Waterloo Bridge
0.3 km
Waterloo Bridge, London’s elegant Thames crossing, famed for its wartime women builders and breathtaking panoramic city views.
Plaque: David Garrick
0.3 km
Honoring David Garrick, the 18th-century actor and theatre innovator, with a commemorative plaque in London’s historic theatre district.
Henry Fawcett Monument
0.3 km
A serene Victorian fountain memorializing Henry Fawcett’s pioneering spirit in social reform and women’s suffrage, nestled in tranquil Embankment Gardens.
Bow St
0.4 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
John Adam St & Adam St
0.4 km
Explore John Adam Street & Adam Street, heart of the Adam brothers’ neoclassical Adelphi development, blending Georgian elegance with modern London vibrancy.
Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
0.4 km
A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
Cleopatra's Needle
0.4 km
An ancient Egyptian obelisk on London's Thames Embankment, bridging millennia of history and mystery in the heart of the city.
King's Reach commemoration memorial
0.4 km
Historic riverside memorial honoring King George V’s Silver Jubilee and the naming of London’s Thames stretch as 'King’s Reach'.
Prince Henry's Room
0.5 km
Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.
York Watergate
0.5 km
Discover the York Watergate, a rare 17th-century gateway marking the old Thames riverside and London's vanished aristocratic waterfront.
Unmissable attractions to see
Somerset House
0.1 km
Historic neoclassical landmark and vibrant cultural hub on the Thames, blending art, performance, dining, and innovation in central London.
St Mary le Strand Church
0.1 km
Discover the exquisite Baroque beauty and rich heritage of St Mary le Strand Church, a tranquil sanctuary and landmark in the heart of London’s Strand.
King's College Chapel
0.1 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich history of King's College Chapel, a must-visit Gothic masterpiece in the heart of London.
King's College London
0.1 km
Historic riverside campus blending classical architecture with modern academia in central London’s vibrant cultural heart.
National Trust - Strand Lane "Roman Bath"
0.1 km
Discover London’s hidden Tudor-era cold bath beneath the Strand, where myth and history intertwine in a unique urban relic.
Mamma Mia!
0.1 km
Experience the joyous ABBA musical Mamma Mia! at London’s Novello Theatre, a timeless West End celebration of love and laughter.
Novello Theatre
0.1 km
A classic West End theatre on Aldwych, home to Mamma Mia! and a refined Edwardian auditorium with excellent sightlines and intimate charm.
Hidden London - Aldwych Station
0.1 km
Step into London’s hidden past with exclusive tours of Aldwych Station, a disused Tube shelter rich in history and wartime stories.
Duchess Theatre
0.2 km
Discover the intimate charm and rich history of the Duchess Theatre, a West End treasure since 1929 with iconic productions and timeless elegance.
Aldwych Theatre
0.2 km
Experience timeless elegance and captivating performances at London’s historic Aldwych Theatre, a West End treasure with Art Deco charm.
Lyceum Theatre
0.2 km
Experience world-class West End theatre in the historic Lyceum Theatre, home to The Lion King and a jewel of London’s cultural scene.
Victoria Embankment
0.2 km
Explore Victoria Embankment, a historic riverside promenade in London featuring iconic views, tranquil gardens, and rich Victorian heritage.
Michael Faraday Statue
0.2 km
A bronze tribute to Michael Faraday, celebrating his revolutionary discoveries in electromagnetism at the heart of London’s engineering heritage.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
0.2 km
Experience London's oldest theatre site, where 350 years of theatrical history come alive in a stunning 1812 West End landmark.
Temple Station
0.2 km
Step into history at Temple Station, a Victorian-era gateway to London’s medieval Knights Templar district and legal heritage.
Essential places to dine
Ikoyi Restaurant
0.2 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
0.2 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Balthazar
0.3 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Sarastro
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.3 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Chez Antoinette
0.4 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Rules
0.4 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.4 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Margot
0.4 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.4 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.5 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.5 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Clos Maggiore
0.5 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Wahaca Southbank
0.5 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
0.6 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Store X
0.2 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.3 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.4 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
0.4 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
Twinings - The Strand
0.4 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
0.5 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.5 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.6 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Gifts of London
0.6 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Good
0.6 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Pop Boutique
0.6 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
St Martin's Courtyard
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
0.7 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Sugar And Style
0.7 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
0.2 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Plume Wine Bar
0.2 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Beaufort Bar
0.2 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
American Bar
0.2 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Be At One - Russell Street
0.3 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
0.3 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
0.3 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Crusting Pipe
0.3 km
Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
Upstairs At Rules
0.4 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
Mrs Riot
0.4 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.5 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
All Bar One Covent Garden
0.5 km
Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
0.5 km
Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
The Understudy
0.5 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Gordon's Wine Bar
0.6 km
Step into London's oldest wine bar, where history, candlelight, and award-winning wines create an unforgettable cellar experience.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Proud Late
0.2 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.5 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Heaven
0.6 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.6 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Roxy
0.7 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.7 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
0.7 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.8 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
0.9 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
The Penthouse London
0.9 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Club49Soho
1.0 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
TSQ Club
1.0 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Café de Paris
1.0 km
Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
La Capannina Club
1.0 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
