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These can’t-miss museums offer an array of attractions designed to mesmerize art addicts and curious gallery-goers alike. Distinguished by their modern art masterpieces, architectural triumphs, oddball collections, or undeniable cool factor, these are the best-in-class museums in the world’s hottest cities.
The Draw: Hayward is known for thought-provoking exhibitions from the most interesting names of modern times. The Scene: Concrete bunker from the outside, cool and clean gallery space on the inside: No wonder the Hayward remains a much-discussed venue some 40 years after its construction. Even those who can't bear its outward appearance have to admit that its spacious rooms provide a superb setting for a varied roster of 20th-century world greats from Georgia O’Keeffe to Dan Flavin. Sat–Thu 10am–6pm, Fri 10am–9pm. Main galleries closed between exhibitions. £- Hot Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to find the gallery at its quietest.
The Draw: The Tate Modern displays international modern art in a starkly beautiful building, with superb views of the riverscape. The Scene: The conversion of a disused power station into a new home for the Tate’s vast collection has been an impressive triumph. Beyond the fabulously dramatic Turbine Hall entrance, spacious galleries present important works from the 20th and 21st centuries, and are permanently abuzz with art-loving visitors. Thanks to an interesting and often controversial choice of temporary exhibits, this museum’s never far from the headlines. Sun–Thu 10am–6pm (last admission to exhibitions 5:15pm), Fri–Sat 10am–10pm (last admission to exhibitions 9:15pm). Free except for major exhibitions. Hot Tip: The view across the river is especially striking on clear winter evenings when the silver streak of the Millennium footbridge blazes a path to the illuminated, and ethereally beautiful, St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Whitechapel Art Gallery 80–82 Whitechapel High St., E1, The City, 020.7522.7888 whitechapel.org
The Draw: This gallery is known for its consistently high-quality shows. The Scene: A recent expansion nearly doubled the size of this gallery, which introduced artists such as Mark Rothko, Frida Kahlo, and Jackson Pollock to the UK; raised the profile of locals such as Gilbert & George and Lucien Freud; and continues to stage an ever-changing, never-dull program of temporary exhibitions of the best in modern and contemporary art. Wed, Fri–Sun 11am–6pm, Thu 11am–9pm. £- Hot Tip: Thursday and Friday nights brings special events, including poetry readings and an eclectic array of live music performances.
