Which is the world’s most powerful art gallery?

Alastair Sooke | AOL | 30th July 2026

A not-entirely serious riff on a recent list of the 100 most-visited museums. Foot traffic is a necessary sign of “cultural influence” but far from sufficient. A superb collection – “wall to wall art bangers” – is also a must-have, plus the infrastructure to cope with the flow of visitors. Reputation maintenance demands that great works continue to be acquired. An historic collection, it seems, is wonderful but cold hard cash is almost as good. This (British) writer awards first place to – surprise – London’s National Gallery.