Lending weight to the idea that the best things come in small packages, this (relatively) bijou building is the oldest public art gallery in England. It began when two eighteenth century artists, Noël Desenfans and Sir Francis Bourgeois, were tasked by the King of Poland to form a Royal Collection from scratch. They devoted five years to the task, but in that time the King was forced to abdicate leaving the pair with a whole load of illustrious art on their hands. When Desenfans passed away, Bourgeois left the collection to his old school Dulwich College with the stipulation that the paintings should be for the ‘inspection of the public’ – and so Dulwich Picture Gallery was born.
Nowadays, the beautiful building, which was designed and built by architect Sir John Soane and reflects the Jacobean style of the college buildings, holds bright galleries which house a brilliant collection including Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Gainsborough. It also puts on an excellent programme of temporary exhibitions as well as a rich programme of tours, lectures, after-hours events and kids activities.
It has recently branched out with an annual pavilion commission, just to give the Serpentine a run for its money, and its temporary shows are more than worth a trip across town for.
This is England's oldest public art gallery and its permanent collection includes fine paintings by Gainsborough, Murillo and Van Dyck.
Stand-out pieces include Rembrandt’s ‘Girl at a Window’, Rubens’‘Venus Mars and Cupid’ and de Gelder’s “Jacob's Dream’.
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm; bank hol Mons 11am-5pm (last adm 4.30pm).
Adults: £20, Concession: £10, Universal Credit: £1, under 18s: Free Under 30s: £10 - sign up at dpg.art/under30
The gallery’s gardens are worth a visit just as much as everything inside. Peppered with exciting sculptures by artists including Yinka Shonibare and Li Li Ren, I think it’s an excellent place to spend a few hours on a sunny day. A new redevelopment plan should make them even more spectacular in 2025.
Check out the best art exhibitions in London right now and discover our guide to the very best things to do in London.
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