Art Of the United Kingdom: Museums, Art Galleries, and Graffiti

Nikolaus Pevsner, a German-born British art historian in 1996, once wrote, "None of the other nations of Europe has so abject an inferiority complex about its own aesthetic capabilities as England."

The twentieth century saw unparalleled artistic freedom, with new visual languages defying long-held conventions. With this unprecedented creative licence came plenty of movements and organisations with varying agendas, some of which complemented one another while others tugged in opposite ways.

From the New English Club in 1886 through Pop art in the 1950s to Contemporary British art in 2013, British art has developed over time. We are seeing the rise of Aesthetics brought by Gen Z. Generation Z is often regarded as one of the most distinct and values-driven generations in history. They believe that identity is malleable and that social effect is important to them, with 56 percent identifying as socially conscious. They have a tremendous yearning for distinctiveness that we haven't seen in other people. They express themselves through art of any kind.

Art and creativity, in particular, have been shown to be effective in healing people's mental health during these trying times.

Also, with the aesthetics trend being on Instagram, we know that this trend is not going anywhere any time soon. Visiting museums, art galleries and discovering street art has become a new hobby for youngsters.

I am well aware of what you like and for that I have listed down some of the best museums, galleries and best places for street art in the United Kingdom you simply must visit.

Best museums in the United Kingdom:

1. Victoria & Albert museum, London

Over two million pieces from the worlds of art and design are housed in this museum, which spans 5000 years of the creative industries.

The museum hosts intriguing exhibitions on a regular basis, such as its world-famous David Bowie tribute, and there is plenty of art and fashion to discover.

It's also getting more popular than ever, with Deputy Director Tim Reeve stating that the museum's two busiest months in history occurred this summer.

Admission price: Free

2. National Gallery, London

The National Gallery, which overlooks London's famed Trafalgar Square, continues to draw hordes of art enthusiasts from all over the world because of its massive collection of artworks.

The gallery has over 2,300 works on show, some dating back to the mid-13th century, and there are constantly fantastic exhibitions going on.

Admission price: Free

3. British Museum, London

In this free museum, visitors can travel back in time to Ancient Egypt, marvel at works of art from throughout the world, and learn about the enormous history of various empires; in short, the British Museum is a cultural hub for culture vultures.

There's also the building's spectacular architecture to consider; the Great Court is well worth a visit.

Admission price: Free

4. Natural History Museum, London

This museum, unsurprisingly, takes you on a tour through the natural world, allowing you to see the best parts of it.

The dinosaur exhibits are particularly exciting - especially for children - but there are lots of other animals from bygone ages waiting to be found.

Admission price: Free

5. Churchill War Rooms, London

History buffs should visit this hidden World War II bunker-turned-museum, where they can learn about Winston Churchill's life and legacy.

Learn more about how the renowned statesman led Britain to victory in World War II by visiting the cabinet war rooms.

Admission price: Adult tickets from £19, child tickets from £9.50.

6. Imperial War Museum, London

The exhibitions and artefacts in this museum, which explores the stories of people's experiences of contemporary war from World War I to current conflicts, are likely to intrigue history buffs.

Admission price: Free

Best art galleries in the United Kingdom:

1. Tate Modern, London

Tate Modern is an iconic feature of the London environment, housed in the old Bankside Power Station and proudly perched on the banks of the River Thames.

2. Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

The Ashmolean, founded in 1683, is one of the world's oldest public museums. It houses Oxford University's remarkable collection of world art, which spans several centuries and includes works by Raphael and ancient Japanese artists.

3. Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool

The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool has a collection of painting, sculpture, and decorative art dating from the 13th century to the present day that rivals some of Europe's most prestigious museums.

4. The Hepworth Wakefield

Wakefield, in West Yorkshire, has just undergone a transformation, with this spectacular gallery at its core. The Barbara Hepworth Gallery, named after the legendary British sculptor Barbara Hepworth, who was born in Wakefield in 1903, brings together pieces from the city's art collection, a rotating programme of exhibitions by contemporary artists, and some rarely seen works by Hepworth herself.

5. Royal Academy of Arts, London

The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) is a not-for-profit organisation founded by artists to promote and support not just the admiration and understanding of art, but also its practise. It is well-known for hosting some of the most talked-about exhibitions in the world, as well as attracting large crowds of art enthusiasts.

6. Yorkshire Sculpture Park

By exhibiting work by British and international artists in the open air, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park aims to break through barriers. As you travel around the estate, which is set in hundreds of acres of West Yorkshire parkland, you'll come across sculpture by some of the greatest 20th-century artists, including Anthony Caro and Henry Moore.

Best street art in the United Kingdom:

1. Shoreditch

The old East End of London is most known for its bleak past, which was marked by its multi-cultural and impoverished people. It's no surprise that East London neighbourhoods like Shoreditch and Hackney have become hotbeds for graffiti artists and urban artists.

Streets to check: Princelet Street, Hanbury Street, Corbet Place, Brick Lane, Dray Walk, Wheeler Street (tunnel next to Shoreditch High Street), Pedley Street, Grimsby Street, Bethnal Green Road (Brick Lane end), Sclater Street, Whitby Street, Chance Street, Ebor Street.

2. Hackney

Hackney is another East London district that has long been a favoured hangout for urban artists. It's a large area with a lot of street art all over it.

Streets to check: Holywell Lane, King John Court, New Inn Yard, Rivington Street, the streets around Broadway Market.

3. Hackney Wick

Hackney Wick is popular for its street art, graffiti and street food. As recently as 2016, it had the highest concentration of artists anywhere in Europe.

Streets to check: Hepscott Road, Wallis Road, White Post Lane.

4. Dalston

You’ll be able to find several street artworks in this area without being surrounded by other tourists. The most striking artwork in Dalston though is the Dalston Lane Mural.

Street to check: Kingsland Road, especially around Dalston Junction.

5. Camden

Camden is London's second-most-visited street art district, after Shoreditch. You can visit Camden every now and again for a quick self-guided street art tour early in the morning.

Streets to check: While the number of streets or walls available for street art in Camden are getting smaller, these are your must-go to street art and graffiti spots: Miller Street, Hawley Street, Hawley Mews, Stucley Place.

6. Walthamstow

This upcoming South East London area has some great food and cultural offerings, including an impressive street art trail with artworks by some of the world’s greatest artists.

Streets to check: You can find the complete and up-to-date Walthamstow street art map here on the website of Wood Street Walls.