From Paris to Berlin, Madrid to Rome, Europe’s great cities must be grinding teeth and quietly grumbling in different languages because it’s becoming more apparent with every passing year: London is Europe’s epicenter for art, culture and sophisticated tourism. When you toss in the ever-present blend of history and modern aesthetics running through the city, it’s not a fair fight.
The British capital is prepping an autumn that promises to keep it on top as a preferred destination for the rest of the Continent and the United Stares.
According to London & Partners, the official promotional arm for London government, there were 2.4 million American visits to London’s leading museums and galleries, up 9% on the previous year. Google reports London and its museums make up the most Googled city in the world for art galleries, performances, art and design. In fact, London’s Natural History Museum and the British Museum rank second and third according to Google, followed by The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. London & Partners preparations for London’s Fall Season of Culture should keep the clicks coming.
Related: London City Guide
The minds behind that autumn push even enlisted a little Downton Abbey assistance for their promo video. The short film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s leading museums and attractions as they prepare for their fall flares. The London cultural scene with its music, dance, drama, art and other is the main focus of the autumn promotion as record audiences at the city’s museums and galleries brought more than 17.9 million overseas tourists to the theaters and museums.
The number of international visits at London’s museums and galleries rose by more than 19% over the last four years — and the city needs to freshen up its offerings to keep its momentum going. London’s cultural community will gather at the Victoria and Albert Museum Tuesday night for a special event highlighting the finer points of the city’s big fall plans. I’ll be there, and I’ll report back.
