(My face when I realised my phone was taking photos rather than lowering the volume).   It was too funny not to post honestly!

For my Birthday, I decided to check out a few museums!  So this will be the first of three posts.

 

Three in one day may be a record (even for me!)

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The Courtauld Gallery (Inside Somerset House)

The collection here is impeccable for European masters from the Renaissance onwards.  There are a lot of big names in only 20 small rooms.  It once housed the Royal Academy of Arts.

The stairwell was gorgeous! Look at that detailing.

 

Edward Degas- Two Dancers on the Stage. This piece was my gateway into the impressionist movement.  I’ve owned a bag with this on it since I was twelve.  It’s truly stunning to see in person.

 

No big deal. A room with paintings by Renoir, Gauguin, Cézanne and Manet.

 

Monet

 

Van Gogh

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The whole place is a lovely intimate space for European art.  I went early so almost nobody else was there even though it’s free.

 

Ratings: 4/5

Pros: Beautiful, big name collection, cool space, good explanatory text and super friendly staff.

Cons: The museum is geared for adults and art enthusiasts but even the least knowlegable person will know the pieces.  Not the best for kids and it’s tricky for people with disabilities, al though there is an elevator.