Courtauld Gallery
Museum Art gallery in London noted for Impressionist collection
Housed at Somerset House, the Courtauld Gallery presents a focused collection of Impressionist and Post‑Impressionist paintings and drawings; visitors come for concentrated masterworks in a compact setting.
The Courtauld Gallery is an art museum in central London located within Somerset House on the Strand, founded from the private collection of Samuel Courtauld. It is especially known for its outstanding holdings of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting.
The Courtauld Institute and its collection were established in the early 20th century from donations by Samuel Courtauld and other collectors; the public gallery grew from these bequests and has been housed at Somerset House in central London. The collection has been built through purchases and gifts focused on Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and pre-modern European art.
Situated on the Strand at Somerset House, the Courtauld is within walking distance of the Thames and the West End; the nearest tube stations are Temple and Covent Garden.
- Visit length and tickets: The galleries are compact and arranged in intimate rooms; allow about 1-2 hours for a visit and check the gallery website for timed-entry tickets and temporary exhibitions.
- Display and photography restrictions: Photography is restricted in many galleries and some works are shown on rotation from the reserve collection, so check displays before assuming a painting will be on view.
What to See #
- Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection: Holds the gallery's core holdings of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including works by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Van Gogh displayed across several small rooms.
- Drawings and prints: Contains the Courtauld's significant collection of Old Master drawings and prints, which are shown in rotating displays and study galleries.
How to Get to Courtauld Gallery #
Somerset House is on the Strand in central London and is accessible via Covent Garden, Temple or Charing Cross stations on the London Underground. The Courtauld is inside Somerset House; follow on-site signage to the gallery entrance.
Tips for Visiting Courtauld Gallery #
- Book timed tickets in advance for weekend visits; the Courtauld is small and fills quickly for blockbuster shows.
- Allow time to see both the 2021-renovated galleries and the short-term exhibitions that often showcase Impressionist and Post-Impressionist highlights.
- Don't miss the Impressionist rooms - the gallery's compact collection concentrates a number of high-impact works in close proximity.
Best Time to Visit Courtauld Gallery #
Visit on weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid peak crowds; spring and autumn are pleasant for combining nearby walks.
Weather & Climate near Courtauld Gallery #
Courtauld Gallery's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (654 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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