Although you are an art lover yourself, you may well have friends and family members that don’t quite share your passion for all things artistic.
You might find yourself missing out on gallery openings and exhibitions that you’ve been just dying to see because others don’t share similar interests, but that doesn’t mean that you should miss out entirely.
The UK has a long heritage of art, so there are plenty of places that you can visit with family and friends, even though they might not be interested in art themselves.
Read on to discover some amazing venues that showcase some of the world’s best art but also have something to offer to the non-arty members of your group.
The Tate Modern and Tate Britain, London
Anyone who knows anything about art understands that the Tate Modern museums in London are a mecca for the art-loving tourist. Filled full of the latest and most celebrated contemporary artwork, the building itself is as iconic as London Bridge will thousands of visitors flocking to visit each week.
Art lovers can stroll through the latest collections of new artwork that have been disrupting the art world and be inspired by paintings, sculptures and other installations by both established and up and coming new artists that want to make a statement with their latest pieces.
However, the Tate Modern isn’t just renowned for its contemporary artwork; it also offers those with other tastes plenty to enjoy during their visit. From hands-on create your own art workshops for the crafty visitor to an upbeat DJ set on some evenings, the Tate Modern really does have something for everyone.
There’s also a free riverboat that connects the Tate Modern to its sister site, the Tate Britain, that houses art dating from the 1500s to the present day, so they’re sure to enjoy a jaunt on the river.
Somerset House, London
Even for those that don’t enjoy art, you cannot help but be impressed by the beauty of Somerset House. Nestled in the heart of London, the Neo-classical building plays home to an array of exhibitions that don’t necessarily include wandering through corridors filled with paintings.
From high fashion and photography, free tours of the historic building and open-air evening concerts, Somerset House is the perfect place for the whole family, even if some of them don’t appreciate art in quite the same way you do.
In the summer months, you can watch the 55 fountains dance in the sunlight while those choosing to visit during the winter months can enjoy an ice-skating session on the purpose-built magnificent ice rink that opens every year.
There is also a wide range of workshop activities designed for all ages and abilities to enjoy, so you’re certain to find something to interest everyone at Somerset House at any time of the year.
The Serpentine Gallery, London
Located in Hyde Park, the Serpentine Gallery has hosted art world greats such as Andy Warhol and is contained within a beautiful building previously used to store artillery during the war years, so even if some of your group don’t do art, they’re guaranteed to enjoy the history and heritage of the building and the wonderful natural surroundings.
There’s plenty to see and do in Hyde Park itself, so if you wanted to while away a few hours visiting the latest exhibition at the gallery, other members of your party could easily take a stroll around the beautifully maintained gardens, visit the Princess Diana memorial with its playful water feature or let the kids burn off some energy at the nearby children’s park and purpose-built pirate ship.
Once you’ve finished appreciating the artwork at the Serpentine Gallery, then you can all regroup at the gallery’s caffé for a delectable afternoon tea or stroll around the lake which often has outdoor artwork installations present.
The Saatchi Gallery, London
Filled full of weird and wonderful art installations, what makes the Saatchi Gallery so unique is that it doesn’t feel like an art gallery at all!
Each exhibition features contemporary artwork from the world’s up and coming artists and is far removed from what you’d expect from a stuffy art gallery with its pure white walls and over-framed paintings of rural scenes.
All art exhibitions at the Saatchi Gallery are temporary and updated on a regular basis, so there’s always something new to experience on each visit. From quirky space-aged pieces to art with a more political agenda, the Saatchi Gallery is a great place to introduce modern art to non-arty friends or family members.
And you never know, it might just transpire that they do enjoy art after all, following a visit to any of these fantastic venues in London.
