Guildhall Art Gallery
With a National Art Pass you get
Guildhall Art Gallery and London's Roman Amphitheatre offer a chance to immerse yourself in gruesome ancient history and view some world-class works of art.
Established in 1886 as 'a collection of art treasures worthy of the capital city’, today the Guidhall is home to the City of London Corporation's vast collection, housing over 4,500 works, including over 1,300 oil paintings, dating from 1670 to the present day.
Permanent collection
The Guildhall Art Gallery's collection is particularly strong in Victorian art, with a significant number of Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces. Look out for Dante Gabriel Rossetti's La Ghirlandata, a stunning portrait of his muse, Jane Morris, which underwent a year-long conservation project in 2019. Another highlight is John Singleton Copley's The Defeat of the Floating Batteries at Gibraltar. The monumental oil painting stretches over two floors and is one of the largest in Britain.
Pictures of London
History enthusiasts will be drawn to the vast collection of ceremonial paintings and topographical works that depict London's evolution over the centuries. The display on The City (or the Square Mile) focuses on themes of economics, money, and the world of business.
Roman history
Also on site are the ruins of London's Roman Amphitheatre, in which crowds would once have gathered to watch wild animal fights, public executions and gladiatorial combats. Lost for centuries, the original circular walls were rediscovered by archaeologists working on the site of the new Guildhall Art Gallery building in 1988.
Although entry is free, booking a general admission ticket is advised. You can enhance your experience by joining a free guided tour (Tue-Sun 12.15pm & 1.15pm) or by using Smartify.
Visitor information
Address
Guildhall Yard, London, Greater London, EC2V 5AE
020 7332 3700
Opening times
Monday - Sunday (10am – 5:00pm, last entry 4:45pm).
Exclusions and safety measures
Checklist for your visit
Follow all instructions given by team members
Help us by pre-booking a ticket
Ensure you have your bag ready for checking immediately inside
Use hand sanitisers or hand-washing facilities provided
Use Card and Contactless payment if possible
Enjoy your visit!
Closed 25, 26 Dec, 1 Jan (and occasionally for special City/State events - please check the Guildhall Art Gallery website)
Refurbishments
A new curatorial selection is hanging in the Undercroft Gallery, representing London and Londoners. Take a colourful journey into the City’s past, covering dramatic events like the Great Fire of London to everyday street scenes.
Visitor information
Museums nearby
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.