A magnificent arts and cultural centre, Somerset House is a place of inspiration welcoming everyone. A bold platform for creative life, the public spaces are alive with exhibitions, installations, performances and events, many of them free. Collaborations with world-class institutions bring exciting work to London from around the world and it’s home to London Fashion Week. In summer, 55 fountains dance in the courtyard, in winter you can skate on London’s most glamorous ice rink. A joy in all seasons.
Somerset House Trust presents a site-wide programme of visual arts, bringing the building and public spaces alive with exhibitions, installations, performances and events. As well as developing and commissioning their own strand of artistic and cultural output, the team at Somerset House is also collaborate with world-class institutions to bring important work to London. The aim is to inspire and delight with distinctive, bold and imaginative work from around the world.
As well as playing host to The Courtauld Gallery and the Cultural Institute at King’s and their acclaimed collections, Somerset House is developing its own programme of temporary exhibitions in the Embankment Galleries which focus on contemporary fashion, architecture, photography and design. Exhibitions have included SHOWstudio: Fashion Revolution, which brought world renowned fashion photographer Nick Knight’s work to the gallery, Maison Martin Margiela ‘20’ The Exhibition, which celebrated 20 years of one of fashion’s most avant-garde designers, and Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!, celebrating the extraordinary life and wardrobe of the late Isabella Blow. From 2010 the team has also hosted Pick Me Up, the UK’s first contemporary graphic arts fair.
A programme of free public displays runs alongside major exhibitions in the Terrace Rooms, Courtyard Rooms, and East Wing Galleries.
Opening Times:
Mon—Sun 10:00—18:00
Somerset House Shop, East Wing, Mon, Tue, Sat & Sun 10.00-18.00, Wed–Fri 11.00-20.00
Books on design, arts and crafts, food and drink, fashion, photography and interiors, a large range of children’s books, plus stationery and greetings cards from new British designers. You’ll also find catalogues, tote bags, mugs, posters and other items from our exhibitions at Somerset House.
The spectacular, neo-classical building offers 12 blank canvas, versatile event spaces, including indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for staging events of all styles and sizes – ranging in capacity from 10 to 1,500. Somerset House is ideally located, sitting between the River Thames and Covent Garden and is accessible via major transport links in the centre of the capital.
The grandeur and heritage of Somerset House’s diverse venue, coupled with the expertise of its Commercial Events team, offer an unrivalled location for unforgettable events.
To find out how we can help to develop your event from concept to reality, contact us on +44(0)20 7845 4618 or via events@somersethouse.org.uk
More information about Somerset House’s commercial event spaces can be found via somersethouse.org.uk/venue-hire