02 / European Old Master painting, especially Baroque art and British portraits
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Old Masters in a small, beautifully proportioned gallery with a garden setting.
In this guide
A slower painting day
Dulwich suits a visit built around looking rather than covering ground. Its collection is particularly strong in European Baroque painting and British portraits, with artists including Rembrandt, Rubens and Poussin.
The smaller scale makes it easier to return to a picture that has caught your attention.
Choose a few portraits and landscapes, then compare them across the rooms. The pleasure is in noticing how differently a face, a sky or a patch of fabric can be painted, even when the subject appears familiar.
Look up, then look again
John Soane designed the gallery, which opened in 1817. Its roof-lanterns bring daylight from above and leave the walls available for paintings.
The sequence of linked rooms became an influential model for later galleries.
The founders’ mausoleum is part of the building’s character. Amber-coloured glass gives the space a distinctive light, changing the mood from the neighbouring painting rooms.
The architecture deserves a pause of its own.
Give the journey a little space
This is a South London excursion rather than a quick addition between West End appointments. Allow time for the walk from West Dulwich or North Dulwich station and for the garden after the galleries.
A temporary exhibition can make the visit longer; its ticket includes the collection, so you do not need to buy both separately.
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.
