Top 5: Art Spaces in London

London is a world leader in many different areas and art is no different. Here are five spaces art lovers should strive to see during a visit to the British capital.

© Jean-Pierre Dalbéra | Flickr

Tate Modern

Housed in a former power station, the Tate Modern plays host to cutting edge contemporary art from around the world. Its huge Turbine Hall affords artists a space like few others in the world, and a new extension is set to open mid 2016.

© Daniela Silva | Flickr

Institute of Contemporary Arts

A stalwart of the contemporary art scene, the ICA is located just a short walk from Trafalgar Square. Alongside exhibitions from Betty Woodman and Art into Society – Society into Art, the space also has regular music nights from promoters like Just Jam.

Ai Weiwei’s Tree at the Royal Academy of Arts © Fernando Carniel Machado | Dreamstime

Royal Academy of Art

As you might expect, the Royal Academy has a great record of bringing hugely important artists to London. Fresh off the back of the hugely successful Ai Weiwei show at the end of 2015, the Academy is now displaying works from various artists such as Monet and Matisse as part of the Painting the Modern Garden show.

The Photographer’s Gallery © Sigfrid Lundberg | Flickr

The Photographer’s Gallery

For those who prefer photography over other artistic mediums, the Photographer’s Gallery is a must-see. In the coming months, the gallery will be showing work by Saul Leiter, Rosangela Renno and Wolf Suschitzky.

© Andersastphoto | Dreamstime

Saatchi Gallery

This Chelsea space is renowned for exhibiting work by up-and-coming artists in its beautiful building, which is always free to enter. From Jan. 13–March 9, the gallery will be showing works by Mequitta Ahuja, Marie Angeletti and Mia Feuer, among others, as part of the Champagne Life exhibition.