One of my last days in London, and I could not leave without going to a photo gallery! Glad I did. There was a piece on the top floor by Bieke Depoorter that was really engaging. And another work about Thamesmead that was equally as interesting. The showings rotate, so it's really luck of the draw as to what you'll see. The gift shop is epic. They have so many books that I wanted to get, but alas, I am but a disabled traveller, unfit for carry large volumes across the pond. Most importantly, they sell all types of film in the shop. Film and even cameras. Who needs candy when you can lick the delicious toxic chemicals of celluloid? read more

The Photographers' Gallery - They sell film!!! - Art Galleries Near Me - London, XGL

Absolutely loved this gallery, it's small and doesn't take too long to get through. If your a student it's 2,50 pounds. If you aren't it's 5 pounds. Took me about an hour to get through and the little "gift shop" had beautiful postcards and books to buy :) If I'm ever in London again I'll be back! read more

My first steps and inspiration for photography started here, so I feel like a little girl everytime I come. There is always something magnificent exhibited on the walls of this gallery. As a photography geek it has been my pleasure to admire great artworks from famous photographers here. The building has three floors and a cafe that often hosts events exploring and debating photography. Recently there was a project . A photograph is shown on a display with the question "What do you see?". That's the reason I love this place so much - they encourage creativity and open artistic minds. I'm sure a lot of talents were born here. Even if you're not that much into art, I suggest you make a visit. There is a bookstore where you can buy photographer's books. They also have some cameras and films for sale. read more

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Went to Burden of Proof at the Photographers Gallery recently as of Dec '15. Really interesting exhibition of forensic precision, showing how photography has been used as evidence of war crimes and acts of violence. I love that they show very varied photography exhibitions from around the world. Has nice cafe and book shop. Feels very off beaten track too hidden away of Soho so is never crazy busy even if it's just 30 secs from Oxford St! read more

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The building architecture as well as Photographers' Gallery exhibitions are a visit worth if you are interested in photography. Photo collage is the main theme at the moment. On the 4th floor there was a sculpture of documentary books with photos of waves and see. In the middle there was written "tsunami". The narrow room window reaches from floor to ceiling and when I looked through it, it was a rainy-wet London February day! The work of a Brazilian artist (painter and photographer) was very interesting. The exhibition was organised in collaboration with the Musée de l'Elysée in Lausanne which I know well. Their bookshop is quite small but they have some very good items and some second hand books. read more

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A great gallery in Central London (though it is due to move fairly soon). The gallery is split into a dedicated exhibition space, book shop and a cafe. It is free and a manageable size so it makes a good place to look in when in Central. In the gallery at the moment there is an incredible exhibition by Dryden Goodwin called Cast which I would strongly recommend. The Cafe is also good and has it's own separate exhibition, as well as a good selection of food and drinks that can be eaten on the large, sociable tables that occupy the room. read more

The Photographers' Gallery - From Dryden Goodwin Cast exhibition - Art Galleries Near Me - London, XGL

The Photographer's Gallery is a nice, small space to go for a quick browse. I really like the new location, and I also really like the fact that is quite small and you don't have to spend hours in there. If you genuinely interested in photography and photography books, then I'm sure you will find something in their bookshop. For a small space, it shows some really decent work from reputable artists. The gallery is currently showing an exhibition by Katy Grannan, which is really amazing. If you are spending a day looking at galleries in central London, I strongly suggest popping into this one. read more

The Photographers' Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - London, XGL

The one problem with the Photographers' Gallery is the gallery. Which is obviously a bit of a flaw. In their old location (right off Leicester Square) they had a bit of a higgildy piggildy location but one which really worked. There was a great cafe and the rooms there were just about big enough/ the right shape to see the art. In the new venue the space isn't quite right, a bit narrow, a bit too stretched. However, you can only judge them so harshly as (i) it is free and (ii) they often have some great artists. Absolutely worth a visit since, well it is free and damn central read more

This gallery had been recommended to me and I'm glad I went along as both exhibitions were excellent. I went on a Sunday so it wasn't very busy which meant I could take my time going round them. The staff on reception were busy with their PC but with free guides I quickly found out both main exhibitions were free. There are toilets on all floors and I'm pleased I also stopped off at their cafe at the end as its so much nicer than the overpriced chain stores nearby. read more

Recently moved to it's new location just by Oxford Circus, the Photographers gallery is now in a single unit rather than being split into two separate buildings. The general layout is very similar to the original, a gallery on the ground floor, which at present is showing an exhibition of Soho nights. The next floor is the café, gallery and bookshop, I prefer the café in the previous building, with its one long, wooden table there was more of a communal, social feel to eating/drinking there which is somehow lost in the new one. Upstairs on the 2nd floor is another gallery space, much more spacious than before and with lots of natural light coming in from the large windows. The 3rd floor is the print sales room, where you can ask an assistant to show you collections from a photographer of your choice. Most of them are around a grand per print, obviously varying hugely depending on the artist, so it might well be out of your price range. But there's nothing wrong with looking, and dreaming... read more

Yup, this is what I'm talking about. Went there with a friend a couple months ago to see the Chinese Photobook. The exhibition was comprised of two floors and very good - it included photos, documents and photographic books from China, from the last centuries: truly interesting for a Jung Chang fan. Later we went to another exhibition in the top floor, which was also quite interesting. It did not only inspired me in my photography, but also inspired me in my personal life. I have been to dozens of galleries and museums in the last year, but this was the one that marked me the most. I believe photography (and art itself) needs to make a difference in the people who experience it, and The Photographer's Gallery has succeeded in that. Still, that would only gain 4 stars. The fifth star, my first one in Yelp, can be attributed to the Camera Obscura (you can play with it and I even took some shots of it with my camera) and the very nice cafe in the first floor - I ordered a sandwich, which was very good, and surprisingly came with a salad. I also ordered a delicious cranberry juice for only £1.25. The cafe is quiet and you get a nice view of the street. I plan on coming back there to do some work. There is also a nice bookshop - I didn't buy anything, but prices looked good. They also sell Lomos, postcards and camera equipment (such as roll film). I'm an amateur photographer, so I'm quite excited about photography. However, I do believe this gallery can captivate the attention of everyone, regardless their relationship with photography. It's not one of those pretentious places where technical knowledge is expected in order to understand or connect with the exhibition. Staff is friendly, expositions are free and the cafe is good. It's not crowded or loud, and atmosphere is amazing. The Photographer's Gallery is amongst my favourite places in London. read more

Any gallery is only as good as exhibits. In this case, good choice on the Bertynsky. He's a big favourite. Capturing every detail -- the wonder and devastation of human progress. It showcases a variety of the Bertynsky series from shipbreaking to oil to highways. This gallery also has a big and beautiful on the ground floor. Oh, and did I mention? The gallery is free. read more

Soo much Lomo-related goodness in the bookshop. It's pretty special, if not a little cramped in there! The staff are really hit & miss i have found. One lady was super helpful when i was telling her about a photography project i was doing, and she recommended lots of fantastic photographers i had never even heard of. But then one lady told me off for opening up a holga camera box..that was ALREADY open, but yeh, she made me feel like a naughty little kid ! Now we have the Lomography shop in London, im spoilt for Lomo choice. I really enjoyed the 'André Kertész - On Reading' exhibition there recently and the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize. I find it a nice relaxing space to wander around. A good cafe also! I went to a lecture here a few months ago, which wasn't as good as it had sounded, and it was over in 30 minutes. But it only cost me £3.50. I preferred the old location. I really dislike venturing anywhere near oxford circus because it elicits walking rage within me. But i make the odd exception for this place! read more

The Photographers' Gallery is an amazing 3-floor (exhibition) gallery where always great photography is to be found. Sometimes exhibitions are free, sometimes you need to pay, but it always has been worth it. I've seen here photography from David Lynch, John Deakin, Alberto García-Alix, Andy Warhol, Geraldo de Barros ... Simply check out their website what's on, you won't be disappointed. The location is great as well, tucked away just from Oxford Street, you suddenly feel yourself in a completely more quiet and peaceful place; away from all the zombie shoppers. read more

Wow, you Londoners are so fortunate to have a gallery like this!! I came in during the Edward Steichen exhibition. It was well worth the 4.50 to get in!! Everything was beautifully organized and it was easy to amble around and take time to really look at the prints and understand them. Loved it! The bookstore is filled to the rim with lots of wonderful books. Prices weren't too bad. I was also surprised to see cameras and some film there too. Nice! The cafe looked kind of so-so to me. It's a place to rest and hang out more than to eat in my view. That's OK. If you're starving and don't feel like going anywhere then I'm sure you'll get a good fill up here. The portions on other people's plates looked pretty big. The staff were very friendly and polite. I could easily see myself coming back for more on my next visit to London. read more

I love nipping into to see some art if I'm shopping around central London. It's a great place to stop-off if you want to see some beautiful art / photography, feel inspired and get a little rest-bite. You don't need to take too long to whisk around the gallery. I've seen some great little exhibitions here, from war photography to more avant-garde, contemporary collections. The book shop is also worth a look. I'm a sucker for a good book shop as it is. You can buy special little instant cameras, books on the photographers and photographs and the usual postcards etc. Even if I'm rushing home after a long shopping trip in London, I still always make time to swing by this place and feel inspired. read more

In London, definitely not the cheapest of places it is always a huge bonus to find places things to do for free. The Photographers Gallery is perfectly located between Leicester Square and Covent Garden set in two buildings a few doors down from each other. Along with the exhibitions on display in each of the galleries there is also a little Café from which you can buy drinks and cakes while sitting amidst the artworks. My absolute favourite part of the gallery however is the shop stocking the greatest range of photography books, postcards and Holga Cameras. The gallery is only small but the exhibitions wonderfully curated and beautifully displayed. read more

The Photographers' Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - London, XGL

Whenever I walk between Leicester Square and Covent Garden, I feel the need to make a stop-off at this gallery. The gallery is just the right size for a quick visit and often boasts shows from the top-notch photographers of the moment. It is usually well curated and I do like the setting. The book shop is also very good and if I have time, I tend to just browse through the photographer's books for inspiration. The cafe next door also has the best carrot cake, so do make a stop there as well. Due to a new hotel development on Newport Street however, the gallery has been forced to find a new location. The gallery will close on November 16 and reopen at its new location right next to Oxford Circus on December 6. I was very sad to hear about its relocation, but here is hoping that the new location will make this gallery even better. read more

Quaint little gallery just off Oxford Street. However, due to its limited space, sadly it is possible to go through the entire exhibition space twice in half an hour. However, they do have the most extensive photography bookshop in Europe apparently. And they have nice cafe upstairs, which is a good alternative to the super-crowded Starbucks and Cafe Nero's on Oxford Street. read more

When I visited London a few months before I moved here, I went to The Photographers' Gallery. It was a nice place, but then closed for about a year. Now it reopened again at the Soho location. They did a nice job in refurbishing the building, it's a simple and clean exhibition space with some nice corners inside. If you like photography, it's always worth to take a look at the current exhibition. There is a cafe on the ground floor, which is nice and light, but unfortunately you only get rather watery Lavazza coffee. So for the coffee, you're better off walking over to Foxcroft & Ginger or Flat White on near-by Berwick Street. Or, if you want to cross Oxford Street, Kaffeine is also not too far away. read more

This is another of my favorites! I especially like the bookshop as it has many hard to find titles and sells lots of little art books and beautiful postcards. If ever you are stuck for a gift for someone, come in here and buy a book or a postcard. There will be a photobook that will suit someone who might not know the difference of an Ansell Adams from a Richard Avedon. It doesn't matter! Photography is all about learning and visually interpreting the world from someone else's perspective. This place also acts as a little oasis of tranquility in the middle of the west end. read more

Really great place for any anyone, may one have any artistic sense or not. each floor is dedicated to a proper usage: gallery, coffee, multimedia gallery (when I went here last week end). I will for sure go back there, soon. I almost forgot: entrance is free. no excuse not to come in... read more

A classy and beautiful in a traditional way building, standing tall near Oxford circus. Photography may seem a bit overrated these days where everyone with an iPhone is a 'photographer'. However, it takes a real mastermind to capture such pictures like the ones, shown in this gallery. There is also a shop and a cafe nearby so you can spend a swell 2-3 hours in the gallery. read more

The photographers gallery is a must for all you keen snappers and offers a wide range of excellent photography books and exhibitions. Situated just off Charring Cross Road you would be forgiven for walking right past the almost hidden door. Once in however you find yourself surrounded by the brightest in British photography talent hanging from the walls and refreshingly no crowds to get in the way of your view. Entrance to the gallery is free and leads on to a great little book shop that offers some real hidden gems at reasonable prices. read more

Great way to spend an hour or so...... it's quite minimalist which is good and the exhibitions change regularly, and there is some excellent work on display there. It's also free entry so a great way to check out some excellent photography works from a variety of photographers. Although it's in the heart of the city, it seems like it's still quite a secret of London's. When i've been though, it's been quite quiet which is really nice to be able to study the photography. There's a nice cafe and shop in the building also. read more

Great location, interesting gift shop, good cafe with a homey, escape-from-the-maddening-crowd feel to it. Just off Oxford Street, the Photographers Gallery is a gem of a find. And oh yeah, they have great exhibitions too. Always worth popping in for a quick look-see. read more

The Photographers' Gallery is a fantastic little art space with a cafe inside. And when I say "little", I mean SO little that exhibits tend to bleed over into the neighboring establishment. Still, a very nice, very quiet art space. And I'm a huge sucker for photography. read more

I came here for an exhibit on US Depression era photos in color. Whilst the exhibit was impressive, I do agree with Thomas W that the gallery lacks a bit in its own venue. It seemed cramped and didn't flow as nicely as I would have hoped. I do like that the venue is locate close to a main thoroughfare but far enough off the beaten path to give it a more intimate feel. read more

The Photographer's gallery is a great uncomplicated place to pop in to see some fine art, it's great gallery, and a nice place to go for cafe as well. The size is just perfect, you only need spare fifteen minutes to browse the exhibitions around. The cafe is on the middle of the other gallery ( there is two on the same road) and even though it might feel a bit awkward sitting there when people are walking around you, you really don't even notice that as everyone's always so quiet in galleries. Also you can choose your seat front of you favorite piece so you can take all the time you like for watching it. You can also have my favorite carrot cake from this cafe! read more

Great place to visit on a rainy afternoon, of which we know there are many in London. The cafe is worth going to also just for lunch. And yes, it's free read more

This is definitely a gallery that you need to keep up to date with, as always has some interesting pieces inside. Oh yeah don't forget there are two doors, make sure you go through both or you'll miss the second exhibition. They have 2 exhibitions on simultaneously, at present there's Seeing is Believing, which is an eerie collection of photographs and film following man's hunt for ghosts and on the right side with the cafe is one on Insomnia. Be careful though, it may creep you out a little at the moment. read more

Fab little place, and free! If you've half an hour to spare in central london, pop by; there are always some cool photos on display. The cafe is a lovely quiet place to have a cake or sandwich and check out the photos or read the weekend papers, away from the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden. I am a bit bizarrely obsessed with their salmon mousse rolls, which are excellent and I haven't seen anywhere else. They also do a nice orange and cranberry juice drink! Prices very reasonable too. The attached gift shop is also worth a look. read more

Very close to Oxford Circus but you would never know it - great cafe space and gift shop, and free photography exhibits make this a perfect place in central London to meet friends but not get run over by tourists. 2010 Deutsche Borse photography prize is now being shown and there are some pretty thought provoking works on display. read more

That's an awesome place to go to. You'll never know if no-one would have told you where that place is situated. Seriously astonishing, great exhibitions every times plus a cosy hidden coffee at the first floor, ideal for a short stop after having enjoying the exhibition. read more

Great little gallery...free admission before noon. Interesting exhibits. I will definitely return.

Little gallery in Soho. They always have great exhibitions on, it is for free to go in, you can buy interesting things, prints and books and they are also a registered charity. in 2011 they'll be moving to the opposite side of Soho but it is a long way to go, I'm sure you'll be able to pop in many times beforehead:) read more

The gallery has free entry and there is a cafe in the back with a huge long table. I just love to go there, eat some delicious and cheap cake, sip some tea and read magazines or just stare at the expositions on the walls. read more

Always great stuff on display here and its free to view. Not a day out, more like a 20 minute walk round and then a cup of tea. The small scale of the place makes it a great place to pop into to kill some time. read more

I couldn't quite get my head around all of the work displayed in this gallery, but loved it's quirkiness all the same. The photographer's gallery is doing a great job in getting the public involved in photography, in a central location and with free entry and a cafe and bookshop inside, it is a refreshing change from the sterile cold art gallery feeling. The cafe does lovely cakes and is a hangout for arty types whilst the bookshop offers sales at some times of the year. There is also a shop upstairs where you can buy some pricey but stunning prints. read more

Galleries do, to a certain degree, have to be commercial in their outlook as (especially in a city like London) it costs a HUGE amount to maintain the space, staff it, and secure great artists. The Photographers Gallery has taken all this into account, but still maintains a huge commitment to independent artists, upcoming work, and whenever i go, i always see pieces that make me go wow. If you are in the area, make this a must-visit. read more