i The Courtauld at Somerset House | Photo: Benedict Johnson

About The Courtauld Gallery

The Courtauld is home to one of the world’s great art collections, located in the magnificent historic setting of Somerset House in central London.

The collection includes paintings, drawings, prints sculpture and decorative arts ranging from the medieval period to the present day. The Courtauld Gallery is renowned for its remarkable group of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including the world-famous A Bar at the Folies-Bergère by Édouard Manet and Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. They were assembled by the collector and philanthropist Samuel Courtauld, one of the founders of this institution.

The Courtauld presents an exciting programme of acclaimed temporary exhibitions, sharing new insights into the work of significant artists past and present.

The Gallery’s activities offer something for everyone, whatever their level of knowledge. They draw on The Courtauld’s position as a leading international centre for teaching and research in art history, conservation and curating. From school visits and family events, to curator-led talks and short courses exploring fascinating themes in art, The Courtauld encourages everyone to enjoy and engage with art and its histories.

The Courtauld Gallery is now open, following a major programme of renovation that has transformed its historic building and expanded its activities.

Highlights

Adam and Eve are depicted at the fateful moment when they disobey God and commit the first sin.

Adam and Eve

Lucas Cranach the Elder

Cranach and his workshop made over 50 versions of this subject. This painting is one of the largest and most beautiful....

A painting of three women in conversation. The woman on the left leans into the other two in earnest discussion. They sit in front of an open window with a bouquet of flowers visible.

A Conversation

Vanessa Bell

A Conversation  is one of Vanessa Bell's major achievements, which she worked on at various points over several years....

image of the Courtauld's great room showing paintings of Cezanne on the wall

Plan your visit

Find all the information you need ahead of your visit to The Courtauld Gallery from admission prices to how to get here and more....

screencap of virtual tour

Gallery Virtual Tours

Explore each floor of The Courtauld Gallery with our virtual tours. Zoom in to look closely at masterpieces from our remarkable collection, from individual brush strokes to the texture of the paint....

Citations