European Old Master paintings from the 1600s and 1700s.
Designed by London architect Sir John Soane in 1811, the world's first purpose-built art gallery holds one of the most celebrated collections of European Old Master paintings. Works by Rubens, Poussin, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Watteau and Gainsborough contribute to the collection of artwork spanning the 1600s and 1700s. Originally part of a portfolio of paintings amassed by the King of Poland in the 1790s, the works were transported to the “clean air of Dulwich” for safekeeping when Poland was partitioned. Soane’s design for the gallery proved highly influential. The use of natural and overhead lighting combined with a clear layout of interlinked rooms set a precedent for gallery design world-wide. Don’t be fooled by the out-of-town location of the gallery; Dulwich - a pretty 18th century village on the edge of the capital – proves the ideal setting for this small, traditional collection which cautiously hints at its universal significance rather than shouting it from the rooftops. Three times a year the gallery mounts critically-acclaimed, crowd-pulling exhibitions.
Best for:
European Old Master paintings, John Soane gallery design and architecture, acclaimed events and exhibitions.
Did you know?
The gallery’s three founders were interned in a mausoleum at the centre of the building. During World War II, the mausoleum was hit by a German bomb and, according to reports, bones were scattered all across the lawn. While the bones were collected up and rearranged back into three skeletons, nobody is quite sure whose bones are whose.
This is one of London's most important contemporary art exhibition spaces, having shown artists such as Gilbert and George, Tracey Emin, Mark Quinn and Julian ... More
Billing itself as 'a Spanish Americana oasis in the heart of downtown South London', the Church Street Hotel is certainly unique and boutique-y. Frida Kahlo ... More
10 minutes walk from Dulwich Picture Gallery and Cafe
Hazel Broadfoot's and Julian Toland's run a superb, high class bookshop in the heart of Dulwich Village. All the staff have a real enthusiasm, thirst ...More
5 minutes walk from Dulwich Picture Gallery and Cafe
Beauberry House, now a restaurant run by the Circa Group who also own L'Etranger, started out in 1726-1781 as an estate consisting of two farms. ... More
5 minutes walk from Dulwich Picture Gallery and Cafe
Pizza Express has become something of a London institution. Serving consistently excellent Italian pizzas quickly in pleasant unfussy surroundings, this is always a convenient and ...More
3 minutes walk from Dulwich Picture Gallery and Cafe
Huge area packed with historic features, exciting facilities and perfect picnic spots. Created in 1890, Dulwich Park started life as farmland and a group of ...More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
European Old Master paintings from the 1600s and 1700s.
