The Courtauld Gallery
About This Museum
Tucked away in the grand courtyard of Somerset House on the Strand, The Courtauld Gallery feels like a wonderfully kept secret. It's not a vast, overwhelming museum but an intimate space where you can have a proper conversation with the art. You'll find yourself turning a corner and coming face-to-face with a masterpiece you've only ever seen in books. The whole place has this quiet, scholarly atmosphere that makes you want to linger.
Collection Highlights
Look for Van Gogh's self-portrait with his bandaged ear, which is even more powerful in person, and Manet's 'A Bar at the Folies-Bergère' that pulls you right into its smoky, Parisian nightlife. Upstairs, the collection of Impressionist works by Monet, Renoir, and Degas is simply breathtaking.
Visitor Information
It's right in the heart of things, so it's easy to pop in after a walk along the Thames. Do book your ticket online ahead of time though—it saves you queuing and they can get quite busy, especially for their excellent temporary exhibitions.
Architecture & Building
The gallery sits within Somerset House, one of London's great Neoclassical buildings. Inside, it's all soaring ceilings, elegant archways, and beautiful natural light pouring down through the grand stairwell.
Contact & Location
Address: The Courtauld Institute of Art, Strand, St Clement Danes, Holborn, London, Greater London, England, WC2R 0RN, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 3947 7777
Website: Visit Website
