The May Fair

ST. JAMES'S. Carved originally from a private chapel destroyed in WWII, this newly enlarged gallery offers expanded...

ST. JAMES'S. Carved originally from a private chapel destroyed in WWII, this newly enlarged gallery offers expanded space for display of items from the Royal Collection. Located on the western face of Buckingham Palace, the Queen's Gallery offers numerous, classically-designed spaces that boast everything from porcelain and jewelry to furniture, enamels, miniatures, and a wealth of canvases and drawings. Some of the world's most celebrated artists and artisans are represented, including Dürer, Van Dyck, Monet, and Fabergé. The gallery closes occasionally to prepare new exhibits, so it's best to call ahead to verify hours.

Hours: 21 Oct 2011 - 15 Apr 2012 Daily 10am-5:30pm
4 May 2012 - 7 Oct 2012 Daily 10am-5:30pm
2 Nov 2012 - 14 Apr 2013 Daily 10am-5:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Other

WEST END. This beloved gallery houses the impressive National Collection of Paintings, which features more than 2000...

WEST END. This beloved gallery houses the impressive National Collection of Paintings, which features more than 2000 individual works. In a nod to modernity, the gallery has incorporated a Micro Gallery, where visitors can learn more about specific works at the touch of a screen and can even print out favorites. Special exhibits and events focus on themes (like religious art) or show the connection between the art of yesterday and the art of today.

Hours: Sat-Thu 10am-6pm; Fri 10am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

ST. JAMES'S. Queen Victoria moved into the vast mansion in 1837; since then, generations of royals have made the palace...

ST. JAMES'S. Queen Victoria moved into the vast mansion in 1837; since then, generations of royals have made the palace their home. Although wandering the grounds and taking photos of the elaborate exterior are always popular, the interior (some of which is open only during late July to September) is a treasure trove of art, furniture, sculpture and decorative goods. Walk around the corner to the Royal Mews to see the queen's coaches and horses. Admission is by timed ticket, so contact beforehand to arrange the tour.

Hours: Contact for Specific Dates and Times Hours May Vary Seasonally

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

MARYLEBONE. Occupying an elegant, 18th-century home, this wonderful museum was first opened to the public in 1900. Its...

MARYLEBONE. Occupying an elegant, 18th-century home, this wonderful museum was first opened to the public in 1900. Its stunning collection includes 18th-century French paintings, sculpture, Sèvres porcelains, Venetian glass, and miniatures. Accompanying them are suits of dress armor and a host of intimidating weaponry. Among the artists whose works you'll encounter are Watteau, Fragonard, Boucher, Rembrandt, Rubens and Velázquez. A delightful gift shop is available as well.

Hours: Daily 10am-5pm

WEST END. The National Portrait Gallery trains a spotlight on portraiture, especially that of earlier centuries. Recent...

WEST END. The National Portrait Gallery trains a spotlight on portraiture, especially that of earlier centuries. Recent exhibits, however, have brought the gallery into the 21st century by showcasing in a new wing portraits of modern stars like Kate Winslet and Elizabeth Taylor. Royal portraits painted through the ages remain popular, as does the only known portrait of William Shakespeare. Special talks and workshops offer cultural analysis.

Hours: Sat-Wed 10am-6pm; Thu-Fri 10am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

BLOOMSBURY. One of London's top tourist attractions, this museum seeks to cover all areas of human knowledge under one...

BLOOMSBURY. One of London's top tourist attractions, this museum seeks to cover all areas of human knowledge under one roof ­ and it succeeds on all counts. What began as a "cabinet of curiosities" in 1753 now includes galleries dedicated to ethnography, Egyptian monuments, and the arts of Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific. The Great Court, completed in 2000, incorporated additional gallery space, along with cafés and shops.

Hours: Museum Sat-Thu 10am-5:30pm; Fri 10am-8:30pm
Restaurant Sat-Thu Noon-5:30pm; Fri Noon-8pm
Cafe Sat-Thu 9am-5:30pm; Fri 9am-8pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Other

PIMLICO. Although the Tate Modern relieved some of its parent's most contemporary stock, the Tate Britain is at no loss...

PIMLICO. Although the Tate Modern relieved some of its parent's most contemporary stock, the Tate Britain is at no loss for art. In fact, the facility boasts some of the kingdom's most choice works. Its robust holdings represent British art from 1500 onwards and include items by Hogarth, Turner, Constable, Blake and Gainsborough. Works by international artists can also be viewed, and exhibitions change frequently to highlight the entire collection. The museum also has a gift shop and restaurant.

Hours: Museum Daily 10am-6pm
Shop Daily 10am-5:40pm
Cafe Daily 10am-5:30pm
Restaurant Mon-Fri 11:30pm-5pm; Sat-Sun 10pm-5pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Other

STRAND. Built on the grounds of a Tudor palace, this grand 18th-century structure now houses shops, restaurants and...

STRAND. Built on the grounds of a Tudor palace, this grand 18th-century structure now houses shops, restaurants and three museums. The Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery prominently features Impressionist works, along with items by Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Turner. The Hermitage Rooms briefly replicates the interior of the Winter Palace and displays some of the St. Petersburg museum's acquired works. The Gilbert Collection features exquisite decorative arts, especially gold and silver objects, enamel miniatures and micromosaics.

Hours: Daily 10am-6pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

HOLBORN. During his lifetime, architect John Soane acquired a magnificent hodgepodge of artistic and historical...

HOLBORN. During his lifetime, architect John Soane acquired a magnificent hodgepodge of artistic and historical artifacts, which he ensconced in this fascinating home. Strategically placed mirrors, whimsical architecture, and play with perspective impart the home with a quirky, sometimes disorienting feel. Nevertheless, the objects of his affection ­ and there are many ­ provide a new focus at every glance and turn. Stacked throughout are busts, paintings, architectural drawings, manuscripts, and even an Egyptian sarcophagus. An impressive collection; a mesmerizing environment. Open evening hours the first Tuesday of the month. TUBE: Holborn

Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm

SOUTHWARK. After the Tate Modern opened its doors to rave reviews, it became London's latest not-to-be-missed museum....

SOUTHWARK. After the Tate Modern opened its doors to rave reviews, it became London's latest not-to-be-missed museum. Boasting a spectacular selection of modern art, both well-known and undiscovered, the Tate divides its collection into Landscape/Matter/Environment, Still Life/Object, and Nude/Action/Body. Special talks and free guided tours are available, and the stunningly renovated facility is a work of modern art in itself.

Hours: Galleries, shops Sun-Thu 10am-6pm; Fri-Sat 10am-10pm
Restaurant Sun-Thu 10am-5:30pm; Fri-Sat 10am-9:30pm
Cafe Sun-Thu 10am-5:30pm; Fri 10am-9:30pm; Sat 10am-6:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card