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  • Free art in London

  • By Time Out Editors

    Posted: Thu Apr 16 2009

  • Unlike in Europe and America, art-going in London is almost entirely free - none of our great national collections housed in museums charge entrance fees, and commercial galleries are similarly gratis. Here's our pick of gallleries to see free art in London

    Free art in London

    © Andrew Brackenbury

  • In spite of their more intimidating reputation, these contemporary spaces are brilliant places to see museum-quality shows without the crowds or the ticket prices. Here are some of our favourite commercial galleries in London that are always worth a look

    • Haunch of Venison

      6 Burlington Gardens, W1S 3ET

      This gallery has taken over the former Museum of Mankind in Burlington Gardens, and features an ambitious programme of its own. Read more

    • Gagosian Gallery

      6-24 Britannia St, London, WC1X 9JD

      This enormous gallery in King’s Cross stages displays of brand new work by the likes of Cy Twombly and Jeff Koons. Read more

    • White Cube

      25-26 Mason's Yard, SW1Y 6BU; 48 Hoxton Square, N1 6PB

      Perhaps the best known commercial gallery, the White Cube has two venues – Hoxton and Piccadilly – where you can find big-name exhibitions all year round Read more

    • Stuart Shave Modern Art

      23-25 Eastcastle St, W1W 8DF

      A leading force in conceptual art, this always on-trend gallery relocated from the East End to Fitzrovia in 2008, more than doubling its exhibition space. Read more

    • Hauser & Wirth

      196a Picadilly, W1J 9DY; 15 Old Bond St, W1S 4AX

      One of Europe’s leading international galleries, their glittering roster features over 30 established and emerging artists. In 2006, they opened a separate shared gallery space on Old Bond Street which hosts a stellar array of annual exhibitions. Read more

    • Lisson Gallery

      29, 52-54 Bell St, London, NW1 5DA

      One of London’s pioneering contemporary galleries, the gallery’s stated aim has always been to analyse art’s place in the ‘wider intellectual, cultural and social context’, and as such has always represented artists who challenge the status quo. A superb platform for international names both big and small. Read more

    • Sadie Coles

      35 Heddon Street, W1B 4BP; 69 South Audley Street, W1K 2QZ

      Coles made her name by being one of the first champions of Sarah Lucas (one of the original YBAs), and now has some of the scene’s hottest properties on her books. The gallery has two West End sites - Heddon Street and South Audley Street. Read more

    • Victoria Miro

      16 Wharf Rd, N1 7RW

      A visit to this ex-Victorian furniture factory rarely disappoints. It has built a reputation for showcasing the work of established and emerging artists from the USA, Europe and Asia, and as a breeding ground for exciting new British talent. Read more

    • Albion

      8 Hester Rd, London, SW11 4AX

      Matching its vast exhibition space with a major programme of international artists, Albion is big in every way. The Foster and Partners-designed gallery showcases leading and emerging artists from around the world and hosts international art shows. Read more

    • Wilkinson

      50-58 Vyner St, E2 9DQ

      Housed in a striking black building, the gallery showcases an equally impressive line-up of international names - from established artists to emerging talent they've groomed for the global stage. Read more

    More free exhibitions

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