By Luke Chapman
The City is known for so many things. From history and heritage to business and our famous modern icons, we’ve got it all in the square mile.
You may first think of the Portrait Gallery or the Tate when you think of art in London, but the City boasts a thriving art scene, and certainly one worth exploring on your weekends or lunch breaks!
From galleries, roving exhibitions, archives and more, prepare yourself for the go-to guide for art in the City.
Guildhall Art Gallery
We’re starting strong with this one, but Guildhall Art Gallery is one of the city’s greatest assets. Taking over a part of Guildhall complex, this historic building is as gorgeous inside as it is out.
The architecture is stunning, and it offers a great opportunity to take a peek inside the iconic building.Outside of that, their permanent exhibitions pair with engaging temporary exhibitions to bring an exciting range of art.
You can also visit the Roman Amphitheatre in the basement, and it’s all free! P.s. Their new exhibition opens on February 26th, and you can reserve a spot in advance.
Hypha Gallery
Situated in No.1 Poultry, this new collaboration opened in September and is hosting rotating shows between now and Autumn 2026.
They’ll be hosting a total of 24 free exhibitions across this time, highlighting the work of collectives, curators and contemporary artists. Definitely worth a visit if you ask me.
Barbican
Does this one need any introduction? The Barbican is one of the world’s most prolific institutions, hosting the big names and hottest exhibitions.
This is probably the first place you think of when you think art in the City, and theres a reason for that. There’s always something on at the Barbican, so make sure to get involved.
The Barbican Centre. Photo Credit: Max Colson
BEERS
BEERS is a smaller City gem. Positioning itself as one of the City’s leading galleries for contemporary art, presenting creativity that challenges, engages, and reflects the shifting cultural landscape.
If that doesn’t sound enticing enough, the gallery hosts a range of exhibitions that keep an exciting programme across the year. It’s also free to visit, and you can find it at 51 Little Britain.
Crane Court Gallery
Over in the historic Fleet Street area, Crane Court has hosted a range of iconic residencies over the years, including Sr Isaac Newton’s Royal Society and served as the home of Punch Magazine, and now Crane Court Gallery.
With four gallery floors, a terrace, and a basement vault, Crane Court Gallery is certainly worth your time.
Crane Court Gallery in the City of London. Image courtesy of Crane Court Gallery.
Bishopsgate Institute
Okay, so not quite an art gallery, but the renowned Bishopsgate Institute houses a huge range of special collections and archived works which will certainly whet your whistle if you’re a culture lover.
From historic pieces charting the history of London to niche subjects, the Institute also hosts events diving into specific areas, so you’ll find a bit of everything here.
Sculpture in the City
Art on your doorstep! Sculpture in the City is a beloved institution around the square mile, and chances are, you’ve already taken part in this concept.
Now in its 14th edition with yearly refreshes, SITC places sculptures all around the square mile.
To follow the trail, see what’s around you, and answer your commute question of ‘I wonder what that is?’, you can head to their website.
Sculpture in the City 14th Edition walking tour.
This is just a selection of the City’s finest artistic offerings, so next lunch break when you have an hour to kill, why not make something of it!