London art galleries apps: Best apps to explore London’s museums and exhibitions

When you’re walking through London and stumble upon a world-class art gallery, you don’t want to waste time reading wall labels or guessing what’s worth your time. That’s where London art galleries apps, mobile tools designed to enhance museum visits with interactive maps, audio guides, and real-time exhibition updates. Also known as art gallery apps, they turn a rushed visit into a personal tour—no guidebook needed. These apps work with major institutions like the National Gallery, London’s free collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries, the Tate Modern, a powerhouse of contemporary art housed in a former power station, and even smaller spots like the National Portrait Gallery, where history comes alive through faces—from queens to activists. They’re not just digital brochures. They’re your backstage pass.

What makes these apps useful isn’t just that they tell you what’s on display. It’s how they help you plan. You can check which exhibitions are free, avoid crowds by seeing real-time visitor counts, or listen to an artist’s voice explaining their work while standing right in front of it. Some even let you save favorites to revisit later or scan QR codes to unlock hidden stories behind a painting. You don’t need to be an art expert. You just need to open the app. And if you’ve ever stood in front of a Van Gogh wondering why it’s so famous, these apps give you the answer without the lecture.

Most of these apps are free, work offline, and are updated weekly with new shows and events. They’re built by the galleries themselves, so the info is accurate—not some random blog’s guess. You’ll find guides for the big names, sure, but also for quiet corners like the Courtauld’s intimate collection or the Whitechapel’s cutting-edge shows. Whether you’re a student on a budget, a tourist with limited time, or a local looking for something new, these apps remove the guesswork. You’ll know exactly where to go, what to see, and when to be there. Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve used these apps to get the most out of London’s art scene—no fluff, no tickets you didn’t need, just what works.