I believe that the greatest cities reveal their soul not only through architecture and cuisine but through the art they choose to celebrate and preserve. There is truly nothing more enriching than immersing oneself in the creative spirit a city offers by appreciating the works created within its realm. As you know I love travelling, and whenever I visit a new city my first stop is always the local gallery or museum. These spaces inspire me deeply as stories, values, and history unfold through brushstrokes and sculptures, providing an immersive way to understand the community I am visiting.
Over the past few years, I have had the joy of exploring remarkable collections with my two boys. We have wandered the awe-inspiring halls of the Vatican and Uffizi to the ancient echoes of the Acropolis. As they approach their final years of school, it has been a privilege to learn alongside them, deepening our appreciation of culture and civilisation through the lens of past artists and their creations. Closer to home in London, we are fortunate to have an incredible array of galleries and museums to admire. A testament to this is the many groups of schoolchildren from across Europe who flood the city during the summer weeks: their excitement is absolutely contagious. I am profoundly grateful for the shared passion for creativity that connects us all across the globe.
TATE BRITAIN
LONDON
Tate Britain is a sanctuary of British art that spans centuries and offers a deeply thoughtful journey through the nation’s creative legacy. This is a spot close to my heart, so much so I decided to have some of our more recent staff portraits taken in the south-eastern quadrant of the building amongst its beautiful grand staircase with gorgeous fleur de lis patterns. This gallery is housed in a grand neoclassical building on the banks of the Thames and is home to works by J.M.W. Turner, William Blake, and the Pre-Raphaelites. The Tate Britain has two sister galleries – the Tate Modern and Liverpool – all named after Sir Henry Tate. Henry was a Liverpudlian who began as a grocers apprentice and decided to donate generously to charity after becoming wealthy. Tate made many wholesome donations, often anonymously and always discreetly, contributing to the creation of the Tate Britain’s construction and completion in 1897.
VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM
LONDON
The V&A Museum is a constant source of wonder and inspiration – a place where art, design, and craftsmanship from across the globe converge in the most beautiful dialogue. I’ve spent countless hours wandering its galleries, I was even there this morning revisiting an exhibition I adored with a close friend who I know would just love it. I am captivated by everything inside from the intricate textiles and ceramics to ornate jewellery and architectural fragments. What I love most about the V&A(and this will come as no surprise) is its celebration of detail – each piece tells a story not just of artistic skill, but of cultural heritage and human ingenuity. It’s a museum that honours the decorative arts in all their richness, and every visit leaves me creatively recharged. We are so lucky to be situated a mere four minute walk from this absolutely spectacular collection and I encourage my staff to visit as much as possible.
THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
NEW YORK
The Guggenheim Museum in New York is such an iconic building and a masterclass in architectural poetry. Its iconic spiralling form was conceived by Frank Lloyd Wright and it unfolds like a delicate ribbon ascending through space. The only museum he ever designed, it is his final work and was completed posthumously, six months after his death. The collection has been curated with an exquisite balance of light and movement and the space is a sanctuary where art breathes freely. Visiting the Guggenheim is to experience a dialogue between structure and creativity, a seamless union of timeless design and contemporary vision that inspires the soul and elevates the senses.
HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART
HONG KONG
The Hong Kong Museum of Art’s beautiful facade embraces the city’s dynamic spirit. Having once lived in Hong Kong I’ve always felt a deep affinity for its unique cultural rhythm. Inside, the collection unfolds showcasing the intersection between rich cultural heritage and contemporary expression. It’s a place that is perfectly in tune with the city’s vibrant energy and cosmopolitan charm. My favourite pieces are by Wu Guanzhong who is a master at blending Chinese ink traditions with a modern touch, with “Waters and Mountains” a luminous example.
THE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
ATHENS
Perched above the city, the Acropolis of Athens is a lauded pinnacle of ancient civilisation and a timeless symbol of classical ideals and human ingenuity. I had the joy of visiting during the Easter break with my family. It was a beautiful holiday where everything aligns: soft sunshine, blooming wildflowers, and just the right pace to absorb the weight of history. Standing with my children and husband on the southern slopes we traced the silhouette of the Parthenon against the Aegean sky. It was a moment of quiet awe and one that has stayed with me ever since. Many of its treasures are now housed in the luminous Acropolis Museum below the hill where glass floors and wide terraces allow for a powerful dialogue. The preservation of this site owes much to the generations of archaeologists and stewards who recognised its global significance.
Wherever I am in the world, stepping into a museum always feels like coming home to something beautifully universal.
