Description
The Guildhall Art Gallery is a hidden gem in the heart of the City of London that houses the art collection of the City of London Corporation. As one of the best things to do with kids in the City of London, this art museum and Roman amphitheatre offers a unique blend of Victorian masterpieces and ancient history. Families can explore grand galleries before descending beneath the pavement to see the remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre.
General admission to the permanent collection and the Roman Amphitheatre is free, though you should book a timed ticket online to guarantee entry. Some temporary exhibitions may carry a separate charge, typically ranging from £10 to £15 for adults.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines culture with a "wow" historical discovery, this is it. It provides a perfect setting for an educational day out where children can hunt for hidden details in massive paintings and stand exactly where gladiators once fought.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes Guildhall Art Gallery unique?
The gallery is unique because it is literally built on top of London's only Roman Amphitheatre, which was rediscovered as recently as 1988. It offers an educational day out where the transition from 19th-century oil paintings to 2,000-year-old stone ruins happens in a single elevator ride. The museum features interactive exhibits in the basement area that use light and sound to help children visualise the ancient arena that once sat on this site.
- Roman Discovery: Standing in the circular ruins of the arena provides a rare sensory play experience for the imagination.
- Massive Artworks: The gallery holds some of the largest oil paintings in the UK, which are naturally impressive to children.
- City Heritage: It sits within the historic Guildhall Yard, a grand open space perfect for a quick run-around between museum visits.
Top 5 Highlights
- London's Roman Amphitheatre: Descend to the basement to see the original stone walls of the arena where 6,000 spectators once gathered.
- The Defeat of the Floating Batteries at Gibraltar: This painting by John Singleton Copley is so huge it occupies an entire wall, making it a must-see for its sheer scale.
- The Heritage Gallery: A dedicated space displaying rotating items from the City’s archives, including rare historical documents.
- Victorian Narrative Paintings: These "story-telling" pictures are great for kids; ask them to guess what is happening in the scenes.
- The Great Hall: While technically adjacent, this 15th-century hall is often accessible from the yard and features giant statues of Gog and Magog.
The Guildhall Art Gallery and Amphitheatre features several distinct areas and notable works:
- Roman Amphitheatre Ruins (The original stone drainage system and walls).
- The Victorian Gallery (Featuring works by Millais, Rossetti, and Tissot).
- The Heritage Gallery (Home to the City's Magna Carta on a rotating basis).
- Guildhall Yard (The outdoor site marking the amphitheatre's perimeter in black stone).
- The Great Fire of London Collection (Detailed depictions of the 1666 disaster).
- Sir Matthew Smith Study Centre (A significant collection of the artist's work).
- Magog and Gog Statues (Legendary giants of the City located in the nearby hall).
- The Clockmakers' Museum (Located within the same complex, featuring over 600 watches).
Beyond the Main Attraction: Just a five-minute walk away is St Paul’s Cathedral, or you can head to the Museum of London (check current site status) to learn more about the Roman era. The Postman’s Park is a nearby quiet spot for a picnic with its famous memorial wall.
0.06 miles
