The Courtauld Institute of Art—often just called “The Courtauld”—is one of the world’s leading centres for the study of art history and conservation, and it also houses a major public art gallery in central London.
The Courtauld is an independent college of the University of London, specialising in the history of art, conservation, curating, and the visual arts more broadly. It awards University of London degrees and is currently ranked as the world’s top institution for the study of History of Art in the QS World University Rankings (2026).
Its Gallery holds one of Britain’s best‑loved art collections, especially strong in French Impressionist and Post‑Impressionist painting. Among its highlights are works such as Édouard Manet’s A Bar at the Folies‑Bergère and Vincent van Gogh’s Self‑Portrait with Bandaged Ear, originally brought together by the founder Samuel Courtauld.
Interesting facts...
Because its student body is small but extremely selective, the Courtauld has produced a disproportionate number of museum and gallery directors worldwide, leading insiders to joke about a “Courtauld mafia” steering major institutions. Alumni and former staff have gone on to run or shape the Tate, the National Gallery, the Courtauld‑bred conservation labs at major European museums, and leading universities.
