Meeting your special someone in real-life has become more and more popular recently, and with International Museum Day being celebrated next Sunday 18th May, many single Londoners may be wondering how they can combine their passion for art and culture with the chance to find a date. Lucky for those looking for both a meet-cute and a dose of culture, the local dating app happn has revealed the list of the top museums in London to go on dates at, or to find a potential partner.

The National Portrait Gallery takes the crown for the spot where potential couples are likely to have crossed paths according to happn user data. Big sister the National Gallery comes in second as the place singles are most likely to meet, with the London Transport Museum taking bronze.

The top five museums and galleries in London where Singles cross paths with each other:
National Portrait Gallery
National Gallery
London Transport Museum
British Museum
Sir John Soane’s Museum
Barbican Centre
Grant Museum of Zoology
Dennis Severs’ House

For those looking for love and culture beyond International Museum Day, happn have revealed the peak times to find a potential partner at these popular London locations. Singles cross paths most with potential romantic interests at both the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery just before 6pm on Saturdays, with love on track at the London Transport Museum at 5pm on Saturdays. For those looking for love on the weekdays, head to the Barbican Centre at 5pm on Thursdays.

If you’re not able to reach the museums at this time – don’t worry, as there are plenty of other ways to bond with a potential loved one, both in person and afar. For example, happn’s Spots feature allows users to add their favourite local hangouts to their profiles, including their favourite museums and galleries, helping singles to share their interests with others and provide great initial talking points.

Claire Rénier, dating expert at happn, said: If you’re looking for a culture-rich spot for a date or hoping to meet someone who shares your interests, London offers plenty of museums and galleries where connections can happen. Whether you’re after something short term or serious, our insights highlight the places where Londoners are most likely to meet someone special.”

Art Fund, the national charity for museums and galleries, said: “Museums and galleries are brilliant date spots for a reason – from sparking conversation about an inspiring art work, to unwinding over a coffee in the cafe after the exhibition, there’s plenty to bring people together. For those looking for something memorable to share, the National Art Pass offers free or discounted entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places in the UK – and with Plus One, you can bring someone along every time.”