Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
- Art lovers
- Families with children
What Visitors Say
A lovely house, shaped into a calming gallery. On the edge of the peaceful canonbury square. A lovely courtyard garden offers a nice spot for a coffee. Some nice works, worth stopping by if you're in the area. Satisfying to hear the chatter of Italian from some of the workers there, adding a little flair to this cozy gallery. The gallery sits in a lovely area, away from the hectic highroad.
I went to visit this great place today because of the Alessandro Mendini exhibition. This stalwart of the Italian architecture and design was a pioneer in creating, and producing, some of the most innovative and groundbreaking designs of the 20th century. He also cooperated with Vitra, Kartell, Alessi and Swatch, and his playful and very original designs are still innovative and modern today, despite being created more than 40-50 years ago! If you like design this is a must !
An inspiring way to start the year visiting The Estorick Collection newest exhibition Mendini. A great spot to enjoy culture, food & art. Modern, futuristic Italian taste to let one's senses be immersed and inspire as to what it means gain insight into something with a raw edge. A real treat to bring friends along and have a fine taste cuisine, unwind & converse in a relaxed atmosphere. Gorgeous outdoorsy cafe to enjoy Italian cuisine. Tara the barrista is super friendly whom is so welcoming & recommended from the finest taste menus. I definitely be returning to enjoy spring delights in the coming days. Not far from Highbury & Islington!
Posting a few images from a recent visit to the Estorick collection in Highbury to see the fabulous new Sean Scully exhibition there. I’m always a little drawn to his work, so it was a real treat to see this small but beautifully curated show, contrasting a lively selection of prints, drawings and painting by Scully opposite a wall of works by Giorgio Morandi, who along with Euan Uglow has always struck me as a real artist’s artist. Well worth a visit if you’re in the area!
A wonderful and inspiring place to visit! Temporary shows of ever inspiring work, with a permanent collection upstairs. A little cafe with sweet treats to recharge you and you can sit outside or inside when the sun shines. And a neat little bookshop. And lockers, and toilets and friendly staff. A great place!
Highlights
Permanent Collection (Futurists & Friends)
Sets Italian modernism in context—speed, cities, the body, industry.From Balla’s motion to Morandi’s stillness: opposites that define a century.
Upper floors; lift available, expect stairs
Guest Exhibitions
Rotating shows keep repeat visits fresh and reframe the core collection.Contemporary voices in dialogue with early avant-gardes.
Galleries One & Two, ground floor
Café & Garden Nook
Resets the pace after dense galleries; very ‘Italian bar’ vibes.Espresso + catalogues = perfect debrief.
Rear of house; small outdoor space
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Opened in 1998, it’s the UK’s only museum devoted to modern Italian art with a Futurist core.
Housed in a restored Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse in Canonbury, Islington.
Futurism wasn’t just painting: it embraced sculpture, design, typography and manifestos to capture speed and the modern city.
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