About
Dulwich Picture Gallery holds the distinction of being England's first purpose-built public art gallery, designed by Sir John Soane and opened in 1817. This intimate and elegant gallery houses one of the finest collections of Old Master paintings in the world, with exceptional works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin, Gainsborough, and Canaletto.
The collection was originally assembled in the 1790s for the King of Poland.
Set in beautiful grounds in South London, the gallery offers a peaceful escape where visitors can enjoy masterpieces in a contemplative atmosphere. The gallery also hosts acclaimed temporary exhibitions and has a charming café overlooking the garden.
Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
Quietest: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Busiest: Saturday, Sunday
💡 Weekday mornings for a peaceful visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- The gardens are beautiful year-round and perfect for a post-visit stroll
- Visit the mausoleum in the centre of the building - an unusual feature for a gallery
- The Soane-designed interiors are as much a work of art as the paintings
- Free guided tours run daily - check the website for times
- The café is excellent and overlooks the peaceful garden
- Combine your visit with a walk around Dulwich Village and Dulwich Park
Highlights
Rembrandt's Portrait of Jacob III de Gheyn
Known as the 'Takeaway Rembrandt' - the most stolen painting in the world, taken four times
The Linley Sisters by Thomas Gainsborough
Exquisite double portrait of two young musicians
A Woman in Bed by Rembrandt
Intimate portrait thought to be of the biblical Geertje Dircx or Sarah
Venetian Views by Canaletto
Stunning architectural vedute of 18th-century Venice
Collections
270 paintings primarily from the 17th and 18th centuries, with particular strengths in Dutch, Flemish, French, Italian, Spanish, and British schools. The collection includes masterpieces by Rembrandt (8 works), Rubens, Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Poussin.
The Bourgeois Collection - 17th century Dutch and Flemish Masters
British Portraits - Gainsborough, Reynolds, Lawrence
Italian Masters - Raphael, Veronese, Tiepolo
French Masters - Poussin, Claude, Watteau
Spanish Masters - Murillo, Zurbarán
Themes
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.