01 / European painting from the Renaissance to the 20th century, with drawings and decorative arts
The Courtauld Gallery
A concentrated collection of paintings, from Renaissance devotion to modern Paris.
Opening details
Enter Somerset House from the Strand for the gallery..
Published date exception: 2026-11-06, 2026-12-04, 2027-01-08, 10:00–20:00. Confirm the museum calendar before visiting.
2026-11-06, 2026-12-04, 2027-01-08 last admission: 19:15.
Check official hours before visiting.
In this guide
Why choose the Courtauld
The Courtauld is a satisfying choice when you want a substantial painting collection without planning an entire day around it. Renaissance pictures, Impressionism and later experiments sit within one visit, so you can follow a thread through the rooms rather than trying to cover every school of European art.
Look for the relationship between intimate portraits and more ambitious public images. The collection includes works by Botticelli, Bruegel and Rubens, alongside the modern painting for which the gallery is particularly well known.
Displays rotate, so use the current room information if one particular picture is the reason for your trip.
A focused way through
Begin with the earlier paintings before giving the modern rooms the largest part of your time. Compare how artists build a face, create depth or direct your eye across a scene.
A compact collection rewards these small comparisons more than a hurried checklist.
The gallery’s smaller displays are included with collection admission. A larger temporary exhibition may need a combined ticket, so decide which visit you want before booking.
Make room for Somerset House
The Strand façade gives the visit a strong architectural setting before you reach a painting. Afterwards, keep some time for the surrounding streets and river rather than immediately crossing the city for another museum.
The National Gallery is a practical pairing along the Strand; Tate Modern makes a longer continuation across Waterloo Bridge.
Last reviewed: . Check the museum’s website for current hours and ticket prices.
Location
Walking directions3D shows approximate buildings where map data includes heights. Map privacy.
Use two fingers to move or pinch the map on a touch screen; one finger scrolls the page. In full screen, drag to move. Use plus and minus to zoom. Arrow keys move the map; zero fits all stops. Escape closes the preview or full screen.
Swipe or scroll to see more.
