Less well-known than many of London’s bigger galleries, these galleries have their work cut out attracting visitors in the difficult economic climate. Happily, they’ve responded to the challenge with gusto, and these exciting exhibitions should attract plenty of attention and visitors:

The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection has been busy refurbishing, creating new galleries, and generally having a bit of a refresh. It’s holding four contemporary exhibitions next year:

• Beauty and Power: Renaissance and Baroque Bronzes from the Collection of Peter Marino, 29 Apr-25 Jul 2010
  Exploring the powerful world of bronze sculpture, through the collection of distinguished New York architect Peter Marino
• Poussin to Seurat: French Drawings from the National Gallery of Scotland, 23 Sep-19 Dec 2010
  Magnificent examples of French drawings including many of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists
• Shhh, it’s a Secret, 4 Feb-28 Mar
  Curated by twelve local school children, an interactive exhibition, unlocking the secrets behind some of the pieces from the permanent collection
• Delaroche Paintings, 24 Feb-23 May
  A special display of Paul Delaroche paintings to complement the new major exhibition at the National Gallery, Painting History: Delaroche and Lady Jane Grey.

The Courtauld Gallery
The Courtauld Gallery also have some big names in their upcoming exhibitions:

• Michelangelo’s Dream, 18 Feb-16 May 2010
  Examining Michelangelo’s celebrated drawing, The Dream of Human Life, this exhibition also looks at closely related drawings by Michelangelo, as well as letters and poems by the artist
• The Courtauld Collects: 20 Years of Acquisitions, 17 Jun-19 Sep 2010
  A celebration of the rich selection of works acquired by The Courtauld over the last 20 years
• Cézanne’s Card Players, 21 Oct-16 Jan 2010
  The first exhibition to bring together the majority of Cézanne’s beautiful paintings of peasants playing cards. It also explores closely related paintings by Cézanne

Dulwich Picture Gallery
Situated in leafy Dulwich, take the chance to get out of Central London and visit this historic building. It’s only 12 minutes from Victoria by train!

• Paul Nash, the Elements, 10 Feb-9 May 2010
  Examining Paul Nash’s work by theme, including landscapes as well as classic images of both World Wars
• The Wyeths: Three Generations of American Art, 9 Jun-22 Aug
  Andrew Wyeth was loved by the American public, but less well received by the critics. See his work, alongside that of his father, son and sister in this exhibition
• Salvator Rosa: Bandits, Wilderness and Magic, 15 Sep-28 Nov
  Brooding, dark and expressive paintings by rebellious artist and poet Salvator Rosa

Dulwich Picture Gallery is celebrating its bicentenary next year – so watch this space for news of how they’ll be marking the occasion.