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On your doorstep: Museums and Art

6 February 2019

Based right in the heart of London, campus is surrounded by some incredible museums, art galleries and collections. Final year student Laura gives us her favourites, both in and around UCL.

dinosaur skeleton in museum

London is such an incredible place, not only for British culture, but as an international hub of some of the most spectacular collections! With world-class museums and galleries both on campus and a short tube journey away, there really is no better excuse for an afternoon of exploring!

Not only are these places a great way to dive in and learn more about history, art and culture, they’re also a perfect way to step away from the world of revision and relax – they normally have some great cafés too!

Here are a few of the best places on your doorstep to get your dose of art, history and science. A little perk for that student budget of yours – all permanent collections at the listed suggestions are free!

On campus

Did you know UCL has 3 museums on Campus? Located in the South Cloisters, the UCL Art Museum is celebrating a Year of Sculpture in 2019. Pop in to see the works of former Slade professor and sculptor, Edward Allington, amongst other pieces in UCL’s historical collection.

The Petrie Museum, located next to the (DMS Watson) Science Library, is a seriously impressive collection of  Sudanese and Egyptian archaeology from around the world. There are over 80,000 historical artefacts hosted here! So if you need a break from the essays and books – this would be a perfect place to head!

The Grant Museum of Zoology, in the Rockefeller Building, has over 68,000 zoological specimens; including dodo bones, a blow fish and an elephant heart.  As one of the oldest natural history collections in Britain, it’s well worth a visit.

Ahead of its post-refurbishment opening check out what’s on at Bloomsbury Theatre and Studio  for your monthly dose of drama and musicals with discounted tickets for students. With a new auditorium, better acoustics and a modern-day finish, the theatre should definitely be on your bucket list.

The Wellcome Collection            

The Wellcome Collection is only a stone’s throw away from campus and houses a museum and library for “the incurably curious”. Currently hosting the temporary exhibition Living with Buildings (until 3 March 2019), the Wellcome Collection also has daily guided tours of its permanent collections, which are well worth seeing. Creatively inspiring – this place aims to change the way we think about health.

The British Museum

Worth visiting purely for its incredible architecture and stunning glass ceiling, the British Museum is only a 10 minute walk from the main Bloomsbury campus. Bringing together art, culture and history from all over the world, the museum hosts iconic pieces such as the Parthenon Marbles and the Rosetta Stone. It’s also a great place to take visiting friends or family!

Tate Modern

An absolute favourite of mine for modern art; the Tate Modern has works from world-famous artists. Sit and soak in the atmosphere of the Rothko Room, check out the ever-changing installations in the Turbine Hall or admire the London skyline from the viewing platform.

The V&A and Natural History Museum

Hop on the tube to South Kensington for the Natural History Museum and its impressive animal skeletons or the famous dinosaur exhibition. For art and design the Victoria and Albert Museum is a must-see. As well as incredible collections from religious art to modern fashion, it also has a gorgeous tea room.


Laura Wolton, BA Spanish and Portuguese