Dulwich Picture Gallery

The Dulwich Picture Gallery is an art museum in Dulwich, southeast London, displaying European paintings from the 16th to the 19th century. The Georgian building features tall windows and ceiling lanterns that bring natural light into the exhibition rooms.

The gallery opened in 1817 as England's first purpose-built public art museum. Architect John Soane designed the building to house the collection left by two art dealers to Dulwich College.

The name comes from the bequest of Noel Desenfans and Francis Bourgeois, who donated their collection so that artists and the public could study the paintings. Today visitors come to see the works in rooms where daylight brings out the colors and brushstrokes clearly.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 4 pm. The entrance is at ground level and the rooms are accessible by wheelchair.

The roof lanterns designed by John Soane used a system of mirrors and skylights that later influenced the design of British post boxes. The building also houses a mausoleum where the founders of the collection are buried.

Location: London Borough of Southwark

Location: Dulwich

Inception: 1811

Founders: Francis Bourgeois

Architects: John Soane

Official opening: 1817

Architectural style: Georgian architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: College Road, London SE21 7AD

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Website: https://dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.44611,-0.08639

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:25