Best museum shops in London
Exploring shops within museums and art galleries is often as exciting as visiting an art exhibition. These shops offer a carefully curated selection of items, including unique gifts, homeware, educational items, unique finds, and coffee table books. Check out our guide to the best museum and art gallery shops in London, many of which are now also available online.
Museum of Home
#FLODown: We have never entered the Museum of Home shop and not found a treasure to take home. With a meticulously curated array of everyday essentials, featuring stylish bags, stationery, decorations, and chic homeware items. Emphasising sustainability, they collaborate with local suppliers to offer innovative designs. Plus, each purchase contributes to the Museum's charitable endeavours.
Location: Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8EA.
The Courtauld Shop
#FLODown:The Courtauld Gallery shop, nestled in the lower levels of the gallery, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It offers a cosy atmosphere akin to a cave filled with an array of exquisite items including ceramics, signature lampshades, candles, jewellery, clothing, and more. You'll also find publications from the latest exhibitions.
Location: Somerset House, Courtauld Institute of Art, Strand, London WC2R 0RN
House of Voltaire at Studio Voltaire
#FLODown: House of Voltaire, located in Clapham’s Studio Voltaire, is a treasure trove of unique art décor pieces, from specially commissioned wall art prints to one-of-a-kind clothing items. With such a diverse collection, you're bound to discover something great to purchase.
Location: Studio Voltaire, 1A Nelsons Row, London SW4 7JR.
Design Museum Shop
#FLODown: The Design Museum Shop, with its three fantastic gallery locations, offers a unique selection of classic, beautiful, and cutting-edge objects, including prints, accessories, and books. Each item is carefully curated, reflecting the best in design from established brands and emerging designers. Whether you're looking for London homeware items, unique gadgets, or design books from their latest collection, or perhaps you aren’t looking for anything specific, you'll find something special at the Design Museum Shop.
Location: Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG.
Saatchi Store
#FLODown: The Saatchi Gallery gift shop, often stumbled upon at the end of an engaging exhibition, offers a delightful post-exhibition visit. The shop features a collection of ceramics, jewellery, books, posters, their famous tote bags, and even amusing cards and clothing.
Location: Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd, London SW3 4RY.
Royal Academy of Arts Shop
#FLODown: The Royal Academy of Arts, a major art hub in London, has four shops offering a diverse range of products, including catalogues, art books, collaborations, and exhibition-related collections. Gallery X, renowned for high-end work, hosts the RA Editions programme and unique design and jewellery pieces. The main shop curates an ever-changing selection of lifestyle items, jewellery, books, and more, inspired by the academy's artists and exhibitions. Visitors can also explore the newsstand, offering magazines, stationery, and artistic cards featuring works by Royal Academicians and invited artists.
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD.
Dulwich Picture Gallery Shop
#FLODown: At the Dulwich Picture Gallery shop, nestled among the gallery's collection of European masterpieces, you'll discover bespoke prints, cool accessories, and exhibition-inspired pieces. Their offerings also include a beautiful range of cards, books, jewellery, and homeware items. Every purchase supports the gallery, its exhibitions, and meaningful community engagement programmes.
Location: Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, London SE21 7AD.
Soane Museum Shop
#FLODown: The Sir John Soane Museum shop features an extensive collection of exclusive products created by designers and artists based on the Regency house and its collections. From homeware gems to games, mugs, tea towels, coasters, postcards, bespoke jewellery, books, and greeting cards, each purchase supports the museum's mission.
Location: Sir John Soane's Museum, 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP
V&A Shop
#FLODown: The V&A Shop at The Victoria and Albert Museum never disappoints in your quest for gifts. Renowned for accessories from independent designers, their range includes jewellery, bags, and homeware inspired by their vast collections. With fashion collaborations and exhibition-inspired ranges, and our personal favourite, their tote bags made from recycled fabrics, there's no shortage of great items to explore.
Location: V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL.
London Transport Museum Shop
#FLODown: The London Transport Museum Shop, located in Covent Garden, houses an assortment of travel memorabilia and London Underground paraphernalia. It features a renowned collection of posters, Tube merchandise, gifts, and roundel souvenirs. Additionally, they offer a unique range of products crafted from the iconic Tube upholstery, including laptop cases, scarves, furniture, and cushion covers, making it a must-visit destination for transport enthusiasts and London lovers alike.
Location: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB.
William Morris Gallery Shop
#FLODown: If you appreciate the exquisite prints of William Morris, you'll be delighted to find a dedicated gallery shop showcasing his work, nestled within the gallery honouring his life and legacy. Here, you can explore a diverse array of arts and crafts items, from bags and embroidery kits to fashion accessories, cushions, and stationery, all inspired by the world's largest collection of William Morris's work. Every purchase made supports the continuation of the William Morris legacy.
Location: William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 4PP.
ICA Bookstore
#FLODown: The shop at the Institute of Contemporary Arts is typically known for its extensive book collection. However, they also offer a small range of merchandise, including tote bags, exhibition posters, scarves, and artist collaboration clothing, available in-store and online. These items make for unique and thoughtful gifts.
Location: Institute of Contemporary Arts, The Mall London SW1Y 5AH.