Which London museum(s) to visit?

[pencilcaseandcabbage]

DH I have a trip to London next week and are wondering which museums/art galleries to visit. We both enjoy history, science and old buildings. I like art. We last went to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum about 10-12 years ago but we've been to each of those 2-3 times so they aren't a priority this trip. My last (only?) British Museum visit, which I adored, was about 2 years ago. Also 2 years for the Tate Modern. Anything before that was at least 20-50 years ago. I've never been to the National Gallery, British Library, V&A, Greenwich, or anything else that I can think of right now. My only Tower of London visit was about 45 years ago(!) and I can't remember anything.

So, given that we have 1.5 days for sightseeing, I'd love some ideas of what to see/do. Please tell me what is brilliant and what isn't worth it. Thank you!

So many choices! And I'm still googling them all. We are going to need a week at this rate, and I'm all for it 😁 This is our first time away in years, but hopefully the first time in many now the kids are grown and it's a possibility. I'll chat to DH (I suppose I need to allow him some input 🤣) but I can say confidently that for this trip, the V&A is a definite. I love so many of the small and interesting ones you've all suggested though. Location will have to be a factor too, but I like the idea of combining Handel/Hendrix with the Wallace Collection. I'm very excited!!!

https://hunterianmuseum.org/

This is fascinating. It's free but recommended to book.

V&A is my personal favourite. The Wellcome Collection is different and very interesting, John Soames museum I recommend is being a bit different. Greenwich is great and take the river bus there but it will eat into your time more as it's limited

My favourites are the London Transport Museum, the Museum of London, and the Museum of the Home (used to be the Geffrye Museum).

I love the Wallace Collection, and it doesn't feel like a museum either. And another vote for V&A. St Pauls was a really interesting visit too, we tagged onto a tour which was totally worth it and it was amazing sitting in the Whispering Gallery listening to the organist practising.

V&A do a fantastic Curator's tour, if you time your visit for that - it was so interesting, it's just 5 or 6 items, you get the history and it's with people who have a real passion for the place. I'd been before and not really 'got it' but that really helped.

Also love the Wallace.

But Sir John Soame's is my standout favourite.