London sets the trends and the world follows, whether it be politics or the arts, the phenomenon remains the same. As a global player with nothing to prove, London’s dominance on the world stage is never questioned. Perhaps it is due to its rich melting pot of cultures, its innate vibrancy or its enviable heritage in the history books. Whatever the reason, like any world city, the British capital stays one step ahead of the game in reinventing, rejuvenating and redefining itself. Home to some of the world’s most illustrious museums and art galleries, it’s easy to see why. The city’s impressive collection of museums include the Museum of London, The British Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, London Transport Museum and The National Maritime Museum in addition to the Imperial War Museum.
Those with a flair for natural history and the Jurassic era should head down to London’s Natural History Museum which not only houses giant skeletal remains of the colossal creatures but also a breathtaking replica of a blue whale. Britain’s oceanic voyages are exhaustively documented at the National Maritime Museum where visitors can acquaint themselves with the work and lives of the world’s pioneering explorers and their vessels, navigation tools and methods. With a collection of over 40 galleries and 2000 interactive exhibits it is difficult to rival The Science Museum which displays the scientific progress of humankind in the past thee centuries. Automobile and transport fanatics should definitely drop by at the London Transport Museum which traces this enterprising city’s journey to modern transport from classic carriages and the iconic double-decker buses.
But if it’s antiquities and culture one is interested in, there’s no venue quite like The British Museum. Established in 1753 this monumental museum houses over seven million exhibition pieces. Home to one of the largest collections in the entire world, the museum’s contents originate from all corners of the globe, tracking cultural evolution over the centuries. Its various departments consist of Greek and Roman Antiquities, Ancient Egypt and Sudan, Middle East, Africa, Oceania and the Americas as well as a Department of Prints and Drawings, Coins and Medals, a Department of Prehistory and Europe, Department of Conservation, Documentation and Science and extensive libraries and archives. Key exhibits include the famed Rosetta Stone of Egypt, the limestone bust of Amenhotep the Third, Mausoleum of Halikarnassos, the Parthenon Marbles and the drawing collections of Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael.
The Museum of London deals with the evolution of the city from prehistoric periods to its contemporary achievements.
The Victoria and Albert Museum on the other hand is devoted to the areas of design and the decorative arts and proudly displays 4.5 million items as a part of its permanent collection. Constructed in 1852 and spread out over 12.5 acres, the museum consists of 145 galleries boasting collections from America, North Africa, Asia and Europe.
London is also a veritable treasure trove for art lovers. As the base for renowned galleries such as Tate Modern, Hayward Gallery, the National Gallery, Serpentine Gallery, the Wallace Collection, National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy, Somerset House, Whitechapel Gallery, Guildhall Gallery, Tate Britain and Dulwich Picture Gallery the city is also home to the St Petersberg Hermitage galleries among many others.
The Tate Modern gallery is truly in a league of its own as it has the globe’s largest collection of modern art as well as the most extensive collection of J. M. W. Turner anywhere. Exploring the artist’s popular themes, evolution, early works and watercolour creations, the museum has devoted several galleries to this iconic master. Other highlights include the works of Carl Andre, Ayres, Francis Bacon and Georg Baselitz to name a few.
The National Gallery houses over 2300 Western European art pieces dating back from the middle ages to the beginning of the 20th century including the works of such greats as Velázquez, Eyck, and Van Gogh, Vermeer, Botticelli, Monet, Rembrandt and Cézanne and many more.The Wallace collection is a hub of pre-1900 art and some of the finest collections of 18th century paintings, porcelain and furnishings while the National Portrait Gallery presents portraits of world leaders, historical figures and royals in a chic setting.
Visitors on the lookout for a luxury London hotel will be more than satisfied with The Langham London which provides top class services and well-appointed accommodations. With its hospitable atmosphere and comprehensive staff, guests could not ask for more than this esteemed London hotel.
