London Museum Apps: Best Digital Guides for Art, History, and Exhibits

When you walk into a London museum, you’re not just looking at paintings or ancient artifacts—you’re stepping into stories that span centuries. London museum apps, digital tools designed to turn passive viewing into active discovery. Also known as museum audio guides, these apps give you the power to explore at your own pace, with expert commentary, maps, and even augmented reality features that bring exhibits to life. Whether you’re standing in front of a Van Gogh at the National Gallery or staring at a Roman coin from 200 AD, the right app tells you what you’re really seeing—no tour group, no headphones, no confusion.

These apps don’t just replace paper brochures. They connect you to the National Portrait Gallery app, a smart companion that highlights the people behind the faces—from queens to activists—with stories you won’t find on the wall labels. They help you navigate the British Museum app, which pinpoints the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and hidden galleries so you don’t waste hours wandering. Some even let you scan QR codes to unlock short videos, artist interviews, or 3D views of fragile objects you can’t touch in person. You don’t need to be an art historian to use them—just someone who wants to get more out of their visit.

What makes these apps different from a regular guidebook? They adapt to you. If you only have an hour, they suggest a quick highlight tour. If you’re with kids, they switch to fun, interactive quests. If you’re visiting on a rainy afternoon, they show you the quietest corners and least crowded exhibits. And because they’re on your phone, you can pause, walk away for coffee, and come back exactly where you left off—no lost tickets, no rushed explanations.

You’ll find apps built by the museums themselves, like the ones at the Tate Modern or the Victoria and Albert Museum, but also third-party tools that bundle multiple sites into one smart experience. Some even sync with your Oyster card or London Pass to show you which museums you’ve already paid for and what’s still unlocked. They cut through the noise—no more guessing which exhibit is worth the wait, or which audio tour is just fluff.

Below, you’ll find real reviews and hands-on tests of the best apps for London’s top museums. We’ve tried them all—on crowded weekends, during lunch breaks, and with tired kids in tow. No fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and which ones actually make your visit feel like you’ve got a private curator in your pocket.