As part of my recent work trip to London, I spent many hours visiting numerous museums and art galleries in the city, topped by a full day meeting with the Tate Group. The institutions I visited include the Tate Modern, National Gallery London, National Portrait Gallery, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A Museum, and the British Museum. While the trip was exhausting – we’ve put together a comprehensive report on its outcomes – there were many learning points that we have gleaned from some of the world’s leading cultural institutions.
Here are 20 highlights of my trip, in no particular order. Note that this list is quite museum-centric as that’s where I spent most of my time. Each highlight is accompanied by a photograph.
An eye catching installation at the entrance of the V&A Museum.
The lobby of the V&A with a hanging Chihuli crystal – one of the most beautiful I’ve seen amongst museums.
Regal replicas of the statues of Medieval European kings and queens at the V&A.
Scurrying human-sized “cockroaches” roaming through the Science Museum.
A luminous and futuristic model of the planet Earth in the Science Museum.
This wonderful dinosaur toy store at the Natural History Museum.
The giant cross section of a Sequoia tree – the world’s largest living thing – at the Natural History Museum.
Another superlative organism: a life-sized replica of a 100 feet blue whale at the Natural History Museum surrounded by other large mammals.
A sombre portrait of Queen Elizabeth I at the National Portrait Gallery
Living art of plants at the wall hoardings outside the National Gallery London.
The bustling and happening Covent Garden Market at night.
Big Ben (with the London Eye in the distance), along with the adjoining Westminster Palace.
A strike in progress amongst disgruntled unionists (Ok, this was really for the novelty effect lah).
Westminster Abbey, the church where Prince William and Catherine Middleton recently got married in.
A night shot of St Paul’s Cathedral, another monumental religious building.
Tacita Dean’s installation “Film” at the ultra chic Tate Modern across the Thames River.
The controversial Elgin/Parthenon Marbles at the British Museum.
Another national treasure – the world famous Rosetta Stone – at the British Museum.
An innovative transmedia storytelling tie-up between manga artist Hoshino Yukinobu and the British Museum.
And of course, Harrod’s Food Hall, probably one of the finest places for gourmet groceries and foods in the world!
Ah, the British Museum – the world’s most public collection of stolen goods. 😉
Great pics, looks like you had a good time.
Looks like you had a great trip.
i live in London and often many people forget about our great museums. I’m glad to see that you visited some of my personal favorites but don’t forget some of the smaller museums too, they are also fantastic.