If you’re planning to visit London and are fans of art, you will be spoilt for choice by the UK capital’s array of galleries. But with so many to visit, it can be hard to narrow down your options – so we’ve picked out five of the most unusual exhibitions and galleries to help if you want to stray from the beaten path.
Should this sound like the kind of art experience you’re interested in, make sure you book a private tour in London to help you get from one venue to the next and to ensure you don’t miss out on any interesting sights along the way. There are so many great galleries in London, you really are spoilt for choice!
- The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
As the name suggests, this gallery is located in Buckingham Palace and it’s an opportunity for you to get a glimpse of some of the many artistic treasures that the UK’s royal family owns.
The exhibitions change regularly throughout the year, so you never know what you might be able to explore. Running until 23 November, the current exhibition focuses on the Edwardians, a period of English history renowned for its elegance.
Among the highlights in this exhibition are artworks by Francois Flameng and Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema. You can also admire a stunning and delicate cigarette case crafted by the legendary Fabergé.
Over 300 objects from the royal collection are included in this particular exhibition, with almost half of them on show to the public for the first time.
If you’re planning to visit London in 2026, you’ll be able to explore a stunning collection of Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion – a must-see for any fans of the royal family.
- The V&A Museum, South Kensington
The V&A Museum should be on any art-themed tour of London because it offers so much across its various exhibitions. One of the most striking that is currently on show is the Design and Disability exhibition, which runs here until mid-February 2026.
This eclectic collection showcases works by disabled, deaf and neurodivergent people, highlighting their incredible contribution to the creative world from the 1940s to the present day.
It showcases everything from photography and graphic design to costumes and other installations. It really is unlike any other exhibition you’ll find in the capital.
- Somerset House
Somerset House often breaks boundaries with its exhibitions and the Infinite Bodies exhibition is no exception. It pays homage to the work of Sir Wayne McGregor CBE, an internationally renowned choreographer.
What’s particularly exciting about this exhibition is that it features collaborations with various artists, designers, technologists and musicians, replicating the collaborative nature of McGregor’s career.
Throughout the exhibition’s run from the end of October 2025 until February 2026, live performances will take place – with Somerset House’s dancers in residence using choreography to bring some of the artworks to life. The dates and times of these performances are being kept under wraps though!
- Frameless, Marble Arch
Frameless bills itself as the “largest permanent multi-sensory experience in the UK” and its galleries will take you inside the art itself. Spread across four galleries, there are 42 masterpieces showcasing works by some of the world’s masters as you’ve never seen them before.
You can expect to be wowed by immersive versions of famous artworks such as Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory”, Monet’s “The Waterlily Pond: Green Harmony”, Rembrandt’s “Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee” and Kandinsky’s “Yellow, Red, Blue” among many others.
Visitors are encouraged to become part of the artworks they are surrounded by and it’s sure to be an experience that you don’t forget.
- Leighton House, Kensington
Leighton House is a real treat to explore, especially if you enjoy the more quirky side of life. Victorian artist Frederic Leighton created what is described as his “private palace of art” in his home.
Now, it is open to the public where you can step inside the incredible interior of this property, with rooms inspired by Leighton’s travels. Highlights include the vibrant tiles of Narcissus Hall, the striking Arab Hall and the opulent Silk Room.
Leighton House also hosts visiting exhibitions, so you never know what you find when you step into this unusual venue.
To make sure you get the most out of your time in London and hit all the artistic sights on your bucket list, it pays to have a private guide who can arrange transport between the various venues as well as ensure you have tickets for all the galleries and experiences you would like to include on your tour.
