A Top Selection of London’s Wonderful Art Galleries

If you're flying into Gatwick Airport, taxi or shuttle transport into the heart of London is simple and convenient. In no time at all, you can be whisked away to your city accommodation to begin exploring this amazing hub of education, theatre, business, trade, entertainment and art.

Though you could spend weeks or months in London and not get to see it all, it helps to prioritise your itinerary and plans. Take the opportunity to ask your Gatwick Airport taxi or shuttle driver for some recommendations on what you should see – including any galleries or museums. It would be a real shame to visit London and not see the spectacular art of the city, so be sure to visit the Tate Modern, the National Gallery, and the Saachi Gallery as a good starting point.

The Tate Modern

Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern Gallery is part of the Tate Group and is the most visited modern art gallery in the world. You may pass by this one on the journey in your Gatwick Airport taxi, so get your driver to point it out. It holds some of the most important works of modern art in existence. Mostly focusing on works from 1900 to the present, the gallery uses display space in four of its seven floors. With works by Picasso, Dali, Rothko, Ernst, Kandinsky and so many more, the galleries are well worth visiting. Fabulous major installations in the main Turbine Hall have included a giant crack, incredible metal slides, and millions of porcelain sunflower seeds.

The National Gallery

If you're interested in more traditional artworks then you should pay a visit to the National Gallery. Here you can wander at your own pace, surrounded by the timeless works of artists such as Bellini, Renoir, Da Vinci and Titian, just to name a few. In 1824, John Julius Angerstein’s collection was made its home in the original museum, until it was moved to a newly constructed building in 1831 overlooking the impressive Trafalgar Square, where it remains today. With over 2,300 paintings ranging from the mid-13th century to 1900, there is plenty to see here. If you have time, you should pop next door to the National Portrait Gallery to see some of the most famous portraits in the world.

The Saachi Gallery

Opened in 1985 by advertising giant Charles Saatchi, this modern art gallery, now located in Chelsea, is one not to be missed. Your Gatwick Airport taxi or shuttle driver can point it out as you pass, but be sure to return to explore at your leisure. Push all you think you know about modern and contemporary art to the back of your mind and head into the Saatchi Gallery with no expectations - you will find yourself confronted by new and controversial artworks you certainly won’t expect. The gallery has been a springboard for new artists since it opened, including Damian Hirst, Tracy Emin and Gavin Turk, so you never know what budding genius you may be viewing.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for a Gatwick airport taxi, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.