Courtauld Institute of Art Museum
London art institute and museum specializing in Impressionism
The Courtauld Institute and its gallery at Somerset House in London attract visitors for concentrated collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, rotating exhibitions and scholarship-driven displays of European art.
Courtauld Institute of Art at a Glance#
Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom
Website: https://courtauld.ac.uk/gallery/
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mondays (hours may vary during exhibitions)
Admission: Admission to special exhibitions may apply; the Courtauld term-time gallery is open with free access hours varying
About Courtauld Institute of Art#
The Courtauld Institute of Art is a London-based center for the study of art history and conservation, established in 1932. It is internationally known for its teaching and for the Courtauld Gallery, a public collection housed in Somerset House on the Strand.
The gallery contains important examples of European painting and works on paper, with particularly strong holdings in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. The institute also runs conservation facilities and an extensive research library used by students and scholars.
Over the 20th and 21st centuries the Courtauld has expanded its academic programmes and public exhibitions while maintaining a compact but significant public collection. It serves both as an educational institution and as a museum destination in central London.
Located on the Strand in central London, the Courtauld’s gallery and institute are within walking distance of the River Thames, the West End, and other major cultural institutions.
- Founding and collection: Founded in 1932 through the benefaction of Samuel Courtauld, the institute combines an academic centre for art history and conservation with a public art collection known for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.
What to See#
- Courtauld Gallery (Somerset House): The Courtauld Gallery, located within Somerset House on the Strand, houses the institute’s public collection of paintings and decorative arts.
How to Get to Courtauld Institute of Art#
The Courtauld Gallery is located at Somerset House on the Strand in central London. Nearest Tube stations: Temple, Covent Garden or Charing Cross (all within a 5-12 minute walk). Buses run along the Strand.
Tips for Visiting Courtauld Institute of Art#
- Check the Courtauld's exhibition calendar for blockbusters; those often require advance booking.
- The Courtauld houses an exceptional Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection - look for works by Cézanne, Van Gogh and Monet in the small galleries where scale invites close looking.
- Combine a visit with a stroll across Somerset House for views of the Thames and an architectural contrast.
Best Time to Visit Courtauld Institute of Art#
Visit off-peak (weekday mornings in autumn/winter) for quieter galleries and better access to special exhibitions.
Weather & Climate near Courtauld Institute of Art#
Courtauld Institute of Art'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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 65 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Acceptable | 2° - 8° | 2° | 42 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 4° | 53 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 7° | 48 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 49 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.4h |
| June | Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 55 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.3h |
| July | Very Good | 13° - 23° | 18° | 43 mm | overcast | 76% | 3.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.9h |
| August | Very Good | 13° - 23° | 18° | 50 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.4h |
| September | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 59 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 11° | 64 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 5° | 65 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 9° | 3° | 61 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
