Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
rotating collection of loaners. For some, the Van Gogh self-portrait alone is worth the price
of admission.
The gallery is located at Somerset House, a grand 18th-century civic palace that offers
a marvelous public space (housing temporary exhibits) and a riverside terrace with several
eateries (between the Strand and the Thames). The palace once held the national registry
that recorded Britain's births, marriages, and deaths: “...where they hatch 'em, match 'em,
and dispatch 'em.” Step into the courtyard to enjoy the fountain. Go ahead...walk through
it. The 55 jets get playful twice an hour. In the winter, this becomes a popular ice-skating
rink with a toasty café for viewing.
(See “West End & Nearby” map,
here
.)
Cost:
£
6 (
£
3 on Mon). Admission includes temporary exhibits.
Hours:
Daily 10:00-18:00, last entry 30 minutes before closing, occasionally open late on
Thu (until 21:00, usually the first and second Thu of the month—check their website)
when there may be concerts or other events—check their website.
Getting There:
The Courtauld is located in Somerset House, a major arts and cultural
center on the Strand. It's a 10-minute walk from Trafalgar Square. Tube: Temple or
Covent Garden, or catch bus #6, #9, #11, #13, #15, or #23 from Trafalgar Square. The
gallery is right at the Strand entrance to the huge Somerset House.
Information:
Lunchtime art talks are generally offered Mon and Fri at 13:15 (15 minutes,
included in ticket). Recorded info tel. 020/7848-2526, gallery shop tel. 020/
7848-2579,
www.courtauld.ac.uk
.
Length of This Tour:
Allow one hour. With limited time, don't miss Manet's
A Bar at the
Folies-Bergère
and Van Gogh's
Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear.
Services
: The coin-op lockers are free (you get your
£
1 coin back). WCs are in the base-
ment.
Photography:
Permitted without flash.
Cuisine Art:
The café (serving soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries, and drinks), with the
same hours as the gallery, is in the basement. The recommended Sitar Indian Restaur-
Starring:
Van Gogh, Manet, Cézanne, Degas, and many other artists spanning the centur-
ies.
