West London is a vibrant hub of art and culture, boasting a thriving art scene with historic museums, renowned art collections, and commercial galleries. Whether you're interested in admiring the mastery of old masters at the V&A or exploring the innovative masterpieces of emerging artists at commercial galleries like TJ Boulting, White Cube, and Gagosian, here are 15 art galleries and museums in West London not to miss.

Serpentine Gallery

#FLODown: Discover the Serpentine Galleries nestled in the picturesque Kensington Gardens, comprising both the Serpentine North and Serpentine South sites connected by the iconic Serpentine Bridge. Since 1970, these venues have showcased pioneering contemporary art, attracting globally recognised artists like Henry Moore, Andy Warhol, Rachel Whiteread, and Damien Hirst. The annual Serpentine Pavilion, a highlight, features innovative installations by acclaimed architects, providing a multifunctional space for events and gatherings. With three exhibitions annually spanning art, design, architecture, and community projects, the galleries are not to be missed. Don't forget to visit the Zaha Hadid Café at the Serpentine North, an impressive structure perfect for enjoying coffee and treats after your exhibition visit.

Location: Kensington Gardens, London, W2 3XA. Website: serpentinegalleries.org.

Royal Academy of Arts

#FLODown: The Royal Academy of Arts, founded in 1768, is a renowned art institution located in Burlington House in Mayfair. It serves as a hub for the creation, exhibition, and discussion of art. Notably, it hosts the annual Summer Exhibition, the world's largest open-submission art show, and houses Britain’s oldest art school, the RA Schools. The academy presents both its own permanent collection and temporary exhibitions featuring works by acclaimed artists such as Anish Kapoor, William Kentridge, Milton Avery, Antony Gormley, Francis Bacon, David Hockney, and Marina Abramović.

Location: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD. Website: royalacademy.org.uk.

Design Museum

#FLODown: Established in 1989 by Sir Terence Conran, the Design Museum in Kensington serves as a hub for the design industry, education, and public engagement. Since its relocation in 2016, it has earned acclaim, including the title of European Museum of the Year in 2018. The museum features permanent and special exhibitions highlighting influential designers, offering diverse experiences. From exploring robotic portraiture in Ai-Da: Portrait of the Robot to celebrating British fashion in Fred Perry: A British Icon, each exhibition offers a unique perspective on design's societal impact. The museum is committed to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking design concepts to nurture a deeper appreciation and understanding.

Location: 224-238 Kensington High St, Kensington, London, W8 6AG. Website: designmuseum.org.

Natural History Museum

#FLODown: Established in 1881, The Natural History Museum has a rich history tied to Sir Hans Sloane's collection. Sir Richard Owen and architect Alfred Waterhouse were instrumental in its creation, embodying Owen's vision of a "cathedral to nature." Today, alongside the permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions like the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year showcase and special events such as silent discos in the iconic Hintze Hall.

Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD. Website: Natural History Museum

V&A South Kensington

#FLODown: The V&A in South Kensington is a renowned museum celebrating creativity across 5,000 years of art and design. As the world's largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design, it houses an extensive permanent collection of over 2.8 million objects. Alongside its permanent displays, the V&A hosts special exhibitions, featuring influential figures like Frida Kahlo, David Bowie, and Dior. Most recently, exhibitions have focused on Gabrielle Chanel and the evolution of divas.

Location: Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London, SW7 2RL. Website: vam.ac.uk.

Science Museum

#FLODown: The Science Museum's collection showcases global advancements in science, technology, and medicine, offering an immersive exploration of human innovation through interactive displays and exhibitions. With milestone artifacts and live demonstrations, visitors of all ages enjoy engaging experiences. Previous temporary exhibitions at the museum have featured works by photographer Sebastião Salgado, delved into scientific revolutions regarding cancer and COVID, among others. Additionally, the museum is home to a permanent gaming space.

Location: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD. Website: sciencemuseum.org.uk.

Saatchi Gallery

#FLODown: Established by Charles Saatchi in 1985, the Saatchi Gallery has emerged as a prominent platform for contemporary art, fostering the careers of emerging artists and showcasing provocative works. Throughout the year, the exhibition space hosts events such as the British Art Fair and StArt Art Fair. Notable past shows include works by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, as well as group exhibitions like Beyond The Streets, highlighting street art and photography exhibition Civilization: The Way We Live Now.

Location: Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd, Chelsea, London, SW3 4RY. Website: saatchigallery.com.

Gagosian

#FLODown: Founded by Larry Gagosian, Gagosian operates two London locations in Mayfair: an 18,000 sq. ft. gallery on Grosvenor Hill and a smaller showroom on Davies Street.Their King’s Cross gallery closed last May to prioritise expanding outreach through the Gagosian Open programme, which involves installing artworks across public sites in London for unique encounters. The gallery frequently hosts exhibitions by renowned artists such as Cy Twombly, Cecily Brown, Rachel Whiteread, and Jeff Koons.

Location: 20 Grosvenor Hill, Mayfair, London, W1K 3QD. Location: 17–19 Davies Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 3DE. Website: gagosian.com.

Hauser & Wirth

#FLODown: Hauser & Wirth, originating in Zurich, expanded to include a London location on Savile Row in Mayfair, which opened its doors in 1993. Representing over 90 artists and estates, the gallery is renowned for its dynamic exhibitions and collaborations with curators. Past exhibitions have showcased artists such as Avery Singer, Amy Sherald, Ed Clark, and Fausto Melotti. Additionally, it provides a platform for major 20th-century artist estates like Louise Bourgeois and Philip Guston.

Location: 23 Savile Row, Mayfair, London, W1S 2ET. Website: hauserwirth.com.

Sadie Coles HQ

#FLODown: Sadie Coles HQ, founded by Sadie Coles in 1997, is a prominent contemporary art gallery known for its significant presence in the British art scene and its representation of many Young British Artists. The gallery maintains two permanent locations in Soho and Mayfair. With over 50 artists in its roster, including Sarah Lucas and Angus Fairhurst, previous temporary exhibitions have featured works by Martin Syms, Diego Marcon, Ugo Rondinone, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, and Alvaro Barrington. 

Location: 62 Kingly St, Soho, London, W1B 5QN. 1 Davies St, Mayfair, London, W1K 3DB. 8 Bury St, St. James's, London, SW1Y 6AB. Website: sadiecoles.com.

TJ Boulting

#FLODown: TJ Boulting, established in 2012, is a dynamic art gallery housed in a landmark Arts & Crafts building in Fitzrovia. It primarily represents emerging and mid-career female contemporary artists. Previous exhibitions have included works by Boo Saville, Daisy Collingridge, Kate Dunn, and Hajar Benjida. TJ Boulting is also the home of independent publisher Trolley Books known for its range of titles in photography, photojournalism, and contemporary art.

Location: 59 Riding House St, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 7EG. Website: tjboulting.com.

The Photographers' Gallery

#FLODown: The Photographers' Gallery (TPG), situated at the entrance to Soho, is considered a central hub for photography. Open seven days a week, TPG hosts temporary art exhibitions featuring renowned photographers, with past exhibits showcasing works by artists like Paul Cupido, Kensuke Koike, Sunil Gupta, and Daido Moriyama. The gallery also includes a specialised bookshop, considered one of London's great art bookshops.

Location: 16-18 Ramillies St, Soho, London, W1F 7LW. Website: thephotographersgallery.co.uk.

The Fitzrovia Chapel

#FLODown: Nestled in the heart of Fitzrovia, the Fitzrovia Chapel is a hidden architectural gem designed by John Loughborough Pearson in 1891. This unique venue serves as a host for art exhibitions by galleries and artists. With its rich history, the chapel provides an unparalleled setting for showcasing art. Recent exhibitions have featured the works of Charlotte Colbert and a photography exhibition by Kevin Davies, highlighting images of David Bowie.

Location: Pearson Square, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 3BF. Website: fitzroviachapel.org.

The Wallace Collection

#FLODown: The Wallace Collection features exceptional masterpieces of painting, sculpture, furniture, arms and armor, and porcelain. Donated to the British Nation in 1897 by Lady Wallace, it can be considered one of the finest collections in the country. The museum offers diverse exhibitions based on its artworks and history, along with temporary displays. Past exhibitions have included works by Frans Hals and Rubens, as well as unique showcases like shoe designs from Manolo Blahnik’s private archives alongside collection masterpieces.

Location: Hertford House, Manchester Square, Marylebone, London, W1U 3BN. Website: wallacecollection.org.

White Cube

#FLODown: White Cube, a renowned contemporary art gallery representing over 60 international artists and artist estates, boasts its flagship gallery in Bermondsey, along with a secondary site, Mason's Yard. White Cube is celebrated for its groundbreaking immersive exhibitions. Previous showcases have featured acclaimed artists such as Antony Gormley, Anselm Kiefer, Isamu Noguchi, Marguerite Humeau, and Ibrahim Mahama.

Location: 25-26 Mason's Yard, St. James's, London, SW1Y 6BU. Website: whitecube.com.