If you love art, history, or just want to explore London’s museums without breaking the bank, the National Art Pass is one of the smartest deals in the city. For just £77 a year (or £7.70 a month), you get free entry to over 300 museums and galleries across the UK - including many of London’s biggest names. But knowing how to use it properly makes all the difference. This isn’t just a card that gets you in the door. It’s a key to hidden exhibits, special previews, and discounts you didn’t even know existed.
What the National Art Pass Actually Covers
The National Art Pass isn’t just for the big museums. Yes, you get in free to the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the British Museum. But it also works at smaller, lesser-known spots like the Wallace Collection, the Freud Museum, and the Design Museum. Even some historic houses with art collections - like Chiswick House or Kenwood House - are included.
Here’s what you’re actually getting:
- Free entry to over 300 venues across the UK
- Half-price entry to exhibitions that normally charge extra (like the Royal Academy’s major shows)
- Discounts at museum shops and cafes (usually 10% off)
- Early access to ticketed exhibitions before the public
- Free entry to the National Gallery’s special displays, even when they’re ticketed
Many people think the pass only works for permanent collections. That’s wrong. If a museum charges for a temporary exhibition - say, a Van Gogh show at the National Gallery - you still get 50% off with your pass. That can save you £20 or more per visit.
How to Get the Pass
You can buy the National Art Pass online at nationalartpass.org.uk. You’ll need your name, email, and a payment method. After purchase, you get an instant digital pass sent to your phone - no waiting for mail. You can also get a physical card if you prefer, but the digital version works just as well.
There’s also a two-year option for £140, which works out to £5.83 a month. If you plan to visit more than twice a year, this is the better deal. And if you’re under 26, you can get a discounted rate of £40 for a full year. Students and young people under 26 get the same access - just at half the price.
Don’t forget: the pass is valid for 12 months from the date you buy it. So if you buy it in November, it lasts until November next year. There’s no need to wait for the new year.
How to Use It at London Museums
Using the pass is simple, but there are a few things you should know to avoid confusion.
First, always bring your pass - digital or physical - and a photo ID. Staff will check both. The ID doesn’t have to be a passport; a driver’s license or even a student card works fine.
At most places, you just walk up to the entrance and show your pass. No need to book ahead for general admission. But here’s the catch: if the museum requires timed entry for the whole building (like the Tate Modern or the V&A), you still need to book a free ticket online. The pass doesn’t bypass booking systems - it just makes the ticket free.
For example, at the British Museum, you can just show up and walk in. No booking needed. At the National Gallery, you can walk in too - unless there’s a special exhibition. Then you’ll need to reserve your free ticket online, but you’ll still pay nothing because your pass covers it.
At venues like the Royal Academy of Arts, you’ll need to book a ticket in advance. When you do, you’ll be asked if you have a National Art Pass. Select that option, and the price drops to £0. You’ll still need to show your pass at the door.
Where the Pass Saves You the Most Money
Not all museums are created equal. Some are free anyway, so the pass doesn’t help there. But these are the places where it pays for itself fast:
- Victoria and Albert Museum - Free entry, but special exhibitions like Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams cost £28. With the pass, you pay £14. That’s one visit and you’ve saved your money back.
- Tate Modern - Free general entry, but the Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms exhibition charges £25. With the pass, you pay £12.50. You’ll get in for free anyway if you’re just seeing the permanent collection.
- Design Museum - General admission is £18. With the pass, it’s free. That’s a £18 saving right there.
- Wallace Collection - Free entry, but if you go with friends who don’t have the pass, you can still get 10% off at the café. That’s free coffee and cake.
- Kenwood House - Normally £12.50. With the pass, free. And it’s a gorgeous spot in Hampstead.
Just two visits to ticketed exhibitions will cover the cost of the pass. Three visits, and you’re ahead. If you go once a month, you’re saving over £200 a year.
Hidden Perks You Might Miss
The National Art Pass isn’t just about entry. There are little extras most people don’t know about.
At the National Portrait Gallery, pass holders get first access to the café before the crowds. At the Science Museum, you can skip the line at the IMAX cinema with a 10% discount on tickets. At the Museum of London, you get a free guided tour every Saturday - but only if you mention you have the pass.
Some venues offer exclusive events. The Courtauld Gallery sometimes holds evening openings just for pass holders. You’ll get an email if you’ve signed up for their newsletter. Don’t skip that step.
And if you’re a parent, you’ll be happy to know: children under 18 get in free everywhere, regardless of the pass. So if you’re bringing kids, you’re still saving on your own entry.
What the Pass Doesn’t Cover
It’s important to know the limits so you don’t get frustrated.
The pass does not cover:
- Special events like concerts, film screenings, or workshops (even if they’re in a museum)
- Entry to the Tower of London or Hampton Court Palace - those are Historic Royal Palaces, not covered by the Art Pass
- Temporary exhibitions at the British Museum - they’re always free, so the pass doesn’t apply
- Entry to the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum - they’re free anyway
- Private collections or galleries not listed on the official website
Always check the venue’s website before you go. If they say “free admission,” the pass won’t help. But if there’s a charge for an exhibition, it probably does.
Is It Worth It for Tourists?
If you’re visiting London for a week, the pass might not be worth it. £77 for seven days is steep. But if you’re staying longer - say, a month - and plan to hit at least five ticketed exhibitions, it’s a no-brainer.
Many international visitors don’t realize that the pass works for them too. You don’t need to be a UK resident. Just buy it online before you arrive, and use the digital version on your phone. Just make sure your phone’s charged.
Pro tip: Buy the pass on your first free museum day. Use the next day to visit a ticketed show. By day three, you’ve already saved your money back.
How to Make the Most of Your Pass
Here’s how to stretch your pass further:
- Sign up for the National Art Pass email list. They send out weekly updates on new exhibitions and free events.
- Plan your visits around free admission days at places like the Tate Britain - you can combine those with paid exhibitions elsewhere.
- Use the pass to bring friends. Even if they don’t have one, you’ll get 10% off their café bill.
- Check the pass website’s “What’s On” calendar. It filters by location and ticketed events.
- Don’t wait for weekends. Weekday visits are quieter, and you’re more likely to get a good spot in popular exhibitions.
The pass isn’t a magic ticket. It’s a tool. Use it like one, and it’ll pay for itself many times over.
Can I use the National Art Pass at the British Museum?
Yes, you can use the National Art Pass at the British Museum - but only for special exhibitions that charge extra. General admission to the British Museum is always free, so the pass doesn’t apply there. However, if there’s a ticketed show like the Assyrian Palace Reliefs or a temporary display, the pass gives you 50% off. Always check the museum’s website before you go.
Does the National Art Pass work for children?
Children under 18 get free entry to all National Art Pass venues regardless of whether you have the pass. So if you’re visiting with kids, you’re still saving on your own admission. The pass doesn’t cover children’s tickets because they’re already free - but it does cover your entry and gives you discounts at cafes and shops.
Can I use the National Art Pass outside London?
Yes, the National Art Pass works at over 300 venues across the UK, not just in London. You can use it in Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, Bath, and even smaller towns like St Ives or Canterbury. The pass is valid nationwide, so if you’re traveling outside the capital, it’s still worth bringing.
Do I need to book tickets in advance with the National Art Pass?
It depends on the venue. For places like the British Museum or Wallace Collection, you can just walk in. But for popular spots like the Tate Modern or the Royal Academy, you must book a free timed ticket online. The pass doesn’t let you skip booking - it just makes the ticket free. Always check the venue’s website before you go.
Is the National Art Pass refundable?
No, the National Art Pass is non-refundable once purchased. But it’s valid for a full 12 months from the date of purchase, so you have plenty of time to use it. If you’re unsure, start with the monthly payment option - you can cancel anytime, and you’ll still get the full benefits until the end of your billing cycle.
Can I share my National Art Pass with someone else?
No, the National Art Pass is for personal use only. You must show your photo ID along with the pass, so it can’t be shared. But if you’re visiting with a friend, you can still get 10% off at museum cafes and shops - even if they don’t have a pass.
Next Steps: How to Start Using Your Pass Today
Here’s what to do right now:
- Go to nationalartpass.org.uk and buy the pass. Choose digital for instant access.
- Download the pass to your phone or print the PDF if you prefer.
- Check the list of venues - filter for London and look for ones with upcoming ticketed exhibitions.
- Book your first free or discounted ticket online.
- Visit, enjoy, and start saving.
Don’t wait until you’re already at the museum door. Buy the pass before you go. One visit to a major exhibition will pay for itself. After that, it’s all profit.