Art Galleries in London

London is a treasure trove of art, with galleries hidden around almost every corner. While online platforms play an important role, nothing compares to experiencing art in person. Only in a real gallery space can you truly connect with a piece, feeling whether it resonates with you and evokes the right emotions. Gallery owners can guide you in selecting art that suits your mood, style, and interior design—and perhaps even inspire you to start collecting.

But how do you find the right galleries among such a vast selection?

Finding a suitable gallery is, above all, about personal relationships and live interaction. It’s essential to communicate your preferences clearly to the gallery consultant. You may not always like what is initially presented, but meaningful dialogue is key to discovering what truly speaks to you. The better you know your gallery owner—and the better they know you—the more insightful their recommendations will be, whether you're making a purchase or beginning your collection.

At the same time, a gallery should also protect and promote the interests of its artists. The best galleries cultivate strong, lasting relationships with their artists, helping them grow and develop over time.

To help you navigate London’s vibrant art scene, we’ve curated a selection of private galleries worth exploring.

Founded in 2015, Maddox Gallery has quickly established itself as a leading contemporary art gallery and investment advisory, with multiple locations in London’s prestigious Mayfair.

Maureen Paley’s gallery programme began in 1984 in a Victorian terraced house in London’s East End. Initially named Interim Art, the gallery was rebranded as Maureen Paley in 2004 to mark its 20th anniversary. Since 1999, it has been housed in industrial spaces in Bethnal Green, with additional locations in Hove (Morena di Luna, opened in 2017) and Shoreditch (Studio M, opened in 2020). From its inception, the gallery has consistently aimed to promote great and innovative artists across all media.

Founded in 1983, Thaddaeus Ropac has established itself across Europe and Asia, with galleries in London, Paris, Salzburg, and Seoul. Specializing in contemporary art, the gallery represents over 60 influential artists, curating over 40 exhibitions annually across its six extensive and historic gallery spaces.

White Cube is one of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries, representing over 60 international artists and artist estates. Built on the belief that art has the power to enrich people’s lives, White Cube presents exhibitions in galleries across three continents—including New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, and Seoul. In addition to its physical spaces, the gallery also curates off-site projects and maintains a dynamic online program of exhibitions.

White Cube has a longstanding publishing history, producing award-winning titles that blend innovative design with rigorous scholarship.

Established in London in 1993 by founder Jay Jopling, the gallery initially operated on a unique principle—during its first decade (1993-2001), no artist was exhibited more than once. From its townhouse space in Duke Street, St. James’s, White Cube presented 75 exhibitions by 75 different artists, offering visitors an intimate encounter with single artworks or focused bodies of work.

The gallery quickly gained a reputation for its cutting-edge programming, hosting the first UK exhibitions of now-renowned artists such as Tracey Emin, Julie Mehretu, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Luc Tuymans. It also featured shows by established 20th-century masters, including Chuck Close, Lucian Freud, Ellsworth Kelly, and Richard Prince.

Today, White Cube continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, offering ambitious exhibitions and fostering groundbreaking artistic dialogues worldwide.

Following an apprenticeship with a Japanese art dealer in London, Alex Proud opened his first gallery in 1994, specializing in rare Japanese prints. In 1998, he founded Proud Galleries, which has since become one of Europe’s leading photographic galleries. The business has since expanded to include cabaret and club venues in London and Brighton.

Grove Gallery is an established London-based art space that welcomes both new and seasoned collectors. Combining digital innovation with physical exhibitions, the gallery’s Fitzrovia location offers a dynamic, year-round programme of artist-led exhibitions, talks, and events that celebrate contemporary art from around the world.