Got a free afternoon or need a change of scenery? London is full of amazing museums that are perfect for students, whether you're into art, science, culture or history. With a Student Art Pass, you can get free or discounted entry to lots of exhibitions and venues.
Published Friday, 27th June, 2025 in University news
Why you should get the Student Art Pass
Exhibitions in London can be expensive, however the Student Art Pass changes that. For just £10 a year, the Student Art Pass gets you free entry or 50% off exhibitions across London and the UK, discounts in museum cafés and shops, access to exclusive paid opportunities in the arts, and a quarterly digital arts magazine.
Our favourite free museums
Art
Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery has over two thousand paintings, with masterpieces covering every major tradition in Western European painting from 1200 through to the 1900s. Free admission will let you see famous paintings, including works by Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and Claude Monet.
If you’re into modern art, Tate Modern is the perfect hub to for you. Housed in a former power station, the space is huge and filled with bold, often surprising exhibitions. Admission is free, though special exhibitions are ticketed (grab a Student Art Pass and you’ll get 50% off those too). There are also cafés and chill spaces with a great view of the Thames.
Science
The Science Museum is a must-visit for anyone into tech, engineering, medicine or just cool inventions. It has interactive displays, vintage machinery, spacecraft and hands-on exhibits that are eye catching and fun. It's free to visit, and your Student Art Pass will give you 50% off paid exhibitions.
The Wellcome Collection blends science, medicine and art in exhibitions that ask big questions about life and the human body. It’s thought-provoking but also very accessible, with a café, bookshop and library on site. Entry is free, and your Student Art Pass gets you 10% off at the shop and café.
History
The Imperial War Museum gives voices to the experiences of ordinary people forced to live their lives in a world torn apart from conflict. It’s especially useful if you're studying history or politics, and it’s completely free. The main atrium with hanging planes and missiles is genuinely impressive.
The National Maritime Museum gives you an insight into Britain’s naval history, from explorers and pirates to trade and historical figures. The collection is huge and covers everything from ship models to maps and sailor uniforms. Admission is free and it's right next to the Royal Observatory and Greenwich Park, so you can make a whole day of it.
Culture
If you’ve ever wondered how London’s transport system came to be, the London Transport Museum covers it all, from the first horse-drawn buses to futuristic Tube designs. It’s really fun, with lots of interactive exhibits and great student discounts. Student Art Pass holders get 50% off entry.
The V&A Museum is all about design and creativity, with exhibitions on fashion, photography, architecture and furniture. You’ll find everything from Renaissance sculptures to Alexander McQueen dresses. Entry is free, and there are great cafés and shops inside to recharge during your visit.