Portrait of Saint Thomas Aquinas by Abraham Jansz van Diepenbeeck

Courtauld Gallery

Courtauld Gallery London: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Historical Art Collections

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled within the iconic Somerset House in central London, the Courtauld Gallery stands as one of the city’s most significant art destinations. Established in 1932 as part of the Courtauld Institute of Art, the gallery is celebrated for its world-class collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, alongside treasures from the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and modern periods. Combining academic excellence with public engagement, the Courtauld Gallery offers visitors an immersive journey through centuries of artistic achievement and innovation.

Following a transformative £57 million refurbishment, the gallery now boasts enhanced accessibility, state-of-the-art exhibition spaces, and expanded digital resources, making it more welcoming and relevant than ever. Whether you’re a lifelong art enthusiast or a first-time visitor to London’s historical sites, this comprehensive guide covers essential information on visiting hours, tickets, collection highlights, special exhibitions, travel tips, and more—ensuring a rewarding experience at one of London’s premier cultural institutions (Courtauld Gallery – About, Courtauld Gallery – Collection, EnglandRover – Courtauld Gallery, Wikipedia – Courtauld Gallery).

Madonna of Humility with Adoring Angels painted by Agnolo Gaddi

Lamentation of Christ painting attributed to Alessandro Allori depicting mourners surrounding the dead Christ

Landscape scene featuring washerwomen by a river

Crucified Christ with the Virgin and Saint John painting by Ambrogio Bergognone

Man of Sorrows painting by Andrea Mantegna showing the biblical figure with wounds representing suffering and sacrifice

Madonna and Child artistic depiction by follower of Andrea del Verrocchio

Portrait of a Man by Annibale Carracci, Renaissance painting

Portrait of John, Baron Craven of Ryton, painted by follower of Anthony van Dyck

Anthony van Dyck sketches for The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian

Saint Paul painting by Antoniazzo Romano

Painting of Saint Peter from a triptych by Antoniazzo Romano

Virgin and Child with Saint John the Baptist triptych centre panel painting by Antoniazzo Romano

18th century family group portrait by Arthur Devis

Madonna and Child religious painting by Barnaba da Modena

Virgin and Child Enthroned with Six Saints painting by Bartolomeo Montagna

Painting of the Holy Family depicting Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph by Bartolomeo Montagna

Painting of the Madonna and Child with an Angel by Bartolomeo di Giovanni

Painting of Madonna and Child by Benedetto Gennari the Younger

Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saint Dominic and a Papal Saint by Benozzo Gozzoli

Renaissance portrait of a lady attributed to Bernardino Licinio

Painting of Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saint John the Baptist, Saint Antoninus, a Female Donor and a Beggar by Bernardino Luini

Saint Peter painting by Bernardo Daddi workshop

Virgin and Child with Saint Peter and Saint Paul painting by Bernardo Daddi workshop

Crucifixion scene with two evangelists and Virgin of the Annunciation from a triptych by Bernardo Daddi

Magus Adoring the Infant Christ and Bishop, an artwork by Bernardo Daddi

Bernardo Daddi Nativity Triptych Left Wing Painting

Saints Bartholomew and George painted by Bernardo Daddi

Painting of Saints James Major and Stephen by Bernardo Daddi

Saints Peter and Paul painted in a polyptych panel by Bernardo Daddi

The Crucifixion polyptych panel by Bernardo Daddi

The Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints triptych by Bernardo Daddi

Painting of two Magi and a bishop from a triptych by Bernardo Daddi

God the Father in an Attitude of Benediction painting by Biagio d'Antonio

Martyrdom of Saints Julitta and Quiricus triptych right wing painting by Borghese di Piero

Saint Quiricus slaps the judge in a historical triptych painting

Painting depicting saints accused of embracing Christianity from 'The Story of Saints Julitta and Quiricus' triptych by Piero di Borghese

Adoration of the Shepherds painting attributed to Cigoli depicting a nativity scene with shepherds worshipping baby Jesus

Pietà painting showing the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus

The Good Samaritan painting by David Teniers II after Francesco Bassano

Portrait of a Doge after Jacopo Tintoretto by David Teniers II

Introduction
Practical Visitor Information
Historical Overview
Highlights of the Collection
Temporary Exhibitions and Special Displays
Digital Transformation and Virtual Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:15 PM)
Closed: Mondays and major public holidays

Tip: Always check the official Courtauld Gallery website for any updates on seasonal or holiday opening hours.

Tickets and Admission

Permanent Collection: Admission is free for all visitors.
Special Exhibitions: Paid tickets are required for major temporary exhibitions in the Denise Coates Exhibition Galleries. Prices typically range from £10–£20, with concessions available.
Booking: Advance online booking is strongly recommended, particularly during busy periods or for special exhibitions. Tickets can be reserved here.
Children and Concessions: Children under 18 enter free; discounts are available for students, seniors, and disabled visitors.

Accessibility

The gallery is fully accessible, with step-free entry, lifts to all floors, accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs available on request.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
Audio guides and tactile resources are provided for visitors with visual impairments.
For specific needs, contact the gallery ahead of your visit or see the Accessibility page.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided Tours: Expert-led tours and talks are regularly offered—ideal for gaining deeper insights into the collection and special exhibitions. Check the What’s On section for schedules.
Events: The Courtauld’s vibrant program includes lectures, workshops, family activities, and Courtauld Lates for evening access with music and refreshments.

Getting There and Nearby Attractions

Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN
Transport:
- Underground: Temple (District & Circle), Charing Cross (Bakerloo & Northern)
- Bus: Multiple routes along the Strand and Aldwych
- Rail: Charing Cross station
- Parking: Limited; public transport is recommended
Nearby Attractions: National Gallery, Tate Britain, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and Somerset House itself.

Historical Overview

Founding and Growth

The Courtauld Gallery was founded in 1932, building on the vision of industrialist and philanthropist Samuel Courtauld, who, together with Sir Robert Witt and Viscount Lee of Fareham, sought to advance art historical study in Britain. Samuel Courtauld’s personal collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings formed the core of the gallery, which has since expanded to encompass over 530 paintings, 7,000 drawings, and 26,000 prints (Courtauld Gallery – Collection, Wikipedia – Courtauld Gallery).

Relocation to Somerset House

Originally located in Portman Square, the gallery moved to the North Wing of Somerset House in 1989, aligning its ambitions with a grand architectural setting in the heart of London (History of the Courtauld). This move made the collection more accessible and cemented the Courtauld’s place within the capital’s cultural landscape.

Major Developments and Renovations

The “Courtauld Connects” redevelopment, completed in 2021, transformed the visitor experience with upgraded galleries, improved accessibility, and new spaces such as the Denise Coates Exhibition Galleries and restored Blavatnik Fine Rooms. Enhanced digital resources now allow global audiences to explore the collection online (EnglandRover – Courtauld Gallery).

Academic Integration and the Samuel Courtauld Trust

As part of the Courtauld Institute of Art, a leading center for research and education, the gallery’s collections and exhibitions are shaped by ongoing scholarship and conservation. The Samuel Courtauld Trust, a charitable body, ensures the long-term preservation and stewardship of the collection (Courtauld Gallery – About).

Highlights of the Collection

Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces

Édouard Manet – “A Bar at the Folies-Bergère” (1882): A jewel of modern realism, celebrated for its enigmatic composition.
Vincent van Gogh – “Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear” (1889): An iconic and emotionally charged self-portrait (The Geographical Cure).
Paul Cézanne – “The Card Players,” “Mont Sainte-Victoire” series: Revolutionary canvases at the heart of the collection.
Claude Monet – “Autumn Effect at Argenteuil,” “Antibes” (1888): Exemplars of Impressionist landscape painting.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir – “La Loge” (1874): A luminous depiction of Parisian society.
Edgar Degas – “Two Dancers on a Stage” (1874): Capturing the vitality of ballet (Courtauld Gallery – Collection, Museumsexplorer – Courtauld Gallery).

Medieval, Renaissance, and Old Masters

Botticelli, Cranach, Bruegel, Rubens, Gainsborough, Reynolds: The collection extends from rare Medieval altarpieces and illuminated manuscripts to masterpieces of the Renaissance and Baroque eras (Artsy Traveler).

Decorative Arts and Sculpture

Medieval ivories, Renaissance bronzes, and 18th-century ceramics enrich the gallery’s offering.

Temporary Exhibitions and Special Displays

The Courtauld Gallery’s dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, presented primarily in the Denise Coates Exhibition Galleries and the Gilbert and Ildiko Butler Drawings Gallery, brings major international loans and new scholarship to London (Courtauld Gallery – What’s On).

2025 Exhibition Highlights

Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection (Feb 14 – May 26, 2025): Featuring Van Gogh’s “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” and “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles,” alongside works by Goya, Monet, Renoir, and Cézanne (Christie’s, Premiering Now).
Wayne Thiebaud: American Still Life (Oct 10, 2025 – Jan 18, 2026): A major UK retrospective (Time Out).
Abstract Erotic: Louise Bourgeois, Eva Hesse, Alice Adams (Jun 20 – Sep 14, 2025): Exploring playfulness and provocation in post-war abstraction.
Henri Michaux: The Mescaline Drawings (Feb 12 – Jun 4, 2025): A focused display of Michaux’s unique works on paper.

Special displays, research-led installations, and student-curated exhibitions further enrich the gallery’s offerings (Courtauld Gallery – Exhibitions).

Digital Transformation and Virtual Resources

The Courtauld Gallery has embraced digital innovation, making its entire collection of over 33,000 objects available online for free (Courtauld Gallery Virtual Tours). Virtual tours, digital guides, and interactive resources ensure global accessibility and foster lifelong learning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Courtauld Gallery’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:15 PM). Closed Mondays and major holidays.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Entry to the permanent collection is free; temporary exhibitions require paid tickets.

Q: Can I book tickets online?
A: Yes, online booking is recommended for all visits and required for special exhibitions (Courtauld Gallery Tickets).

Q: Is the gallery accessible to wheelchair users?
A: Yes. Step-free access, lifts, accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs are provided.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, expert-led tours and talks are offered regularly. Check the website for schedules.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Photography for personal use is permitted in most areas, but flash and tripods are not. Check signage for restrictions.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Courtauld Gallery offers an unrivaled opportunity to engage with masterpieces of Western art in a welcoming, accessible, and intellectually vibrant setting. With its outstanding permanent collection, acclaimed temporary exhibitions, and central location at Somerset House, it’s an essential stop for anyone exploring London’s cultural treasures.