London’s galleries are amongst the most impressive event spaces in the capital. We’ve searched far and wide for the most exciting gallery venues; here are a few of our favourites.
The Photographers’ Gallery, W1F
The Photographers’ Gallery is the largest public gallery in London dedicated to photography. From the latest emerging talent, to historical archives and established artists, this is the place to see photography in all its forms. Located in the heart of London’s West End, The Photographers’ Gallery offers an inspiring, convenient and stimulating environment to host a variety of events and activities all year round. Spaces for hire include three state-of-the art galleries with a programme of internationally acclaimed exhibitions, as well as a versatile 77.5m2 fully equipped studio space ideally suited to daytime presentations, product launches, breakfast meetings and corporate events.
The Courtauld Gallery, WC2R
Guests can be entertained while surrounded by the works of Old Masters; Botticelli, Rubens and Tiepolo as well as Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by Cézanne, Manet, Renoir and Van Gogh at The Courtauld Gallery.
Available for corporate and private events including receptions for up to 200 people and dinner for up to 50 people, the gallery is at the heart of The Courtauld Institute of Art, one of the world’s leading centres for the study of art history and conservation.
Somerset House
Somerset House is a spectacular 18th century building on the banks of the Thames. Once the home of the Royal Academy of Art, its galleries are an elegant and intimate space in which to enjoy a wide range of events.
The Proud Archivist, N1
The Proud Archivist is built around an engaging and versatile concept – designed and programmed to echo, emulate and revive the traditions of London’s grand 17th & 18th century coffee houses. Bringing together a simple café offering alongside and within a gallery aesthetic, the Proud Archivist represents the interests and passions of the people of its area. Aailable to hire or use for private or public events, the gallery offers 5,000sq ft of space, spanning events areas, a restaurant, terrace and mezzanine.
Stour Space, E3
Stour Space is a socially minded organisation offering exhibition, performance and studio spaces for creative events. Stour Space was once a disused, unsafe building, and through the intuition and motivation of the local community it has blossomed into a multi-functional venue, that can service a large variety of needs. The gallery now boasts over 40 studio tenants, a 2000 sq. ft. open plan gallery space, 20+ local grassroots programmes on site and a multi-purpose function space with Olympic views.
Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21
Dulwich Picture Gallery is the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery: it was founded in 1811 when Sir Francis Bourgeois RA bequeathed his collection of old masters “for the inspection of the public”. Today the Gallery is a vibrant cultural hub hosting some of the UK’s leading exhibitions alongside its permanent Collection of Baroque masterpieces. The gallery stages a wide-ranging programme of public events, practical art and community engagement. Five perfectly proportioned rooms interlink to form the enfilade, famous for its rich red walls and pioneering top lighting. The Gallery is a stunning venue in which to hold wedding receptions, seated dinners, corporate parties and private drinks receptions for up to 300 guests.
Whitechapel Gallery, E1
The Whitechapel Gallery was founded in 1901, in order to bring great art to the people of east London. The Gallery’s history is a history of firsts: in 1939 Picasso’s masterpiece, Guernica was displayed at the Whitechapel Gallery on its first and only visit to Britain; in 1958 the Gallery presented the first major show in Britain of American abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock; and in 1970 and 1971 the first shows of David Hockney, Gilbert & George and Richard Long were staged to great acclaim.
Underdog Art Gallery, SE1
Underdog Art Gallery is an exciting new gallery space in the centre of the creative hub of Bermondsey. Five minutes’ walk from London Bridge station, between The Shard and The White Cube, U.D.A.G is host to some of the most contemporary art and design shows in South East London. The gallery is a very versatile space, with the main area approximately 1600 square meters with 8 meter high ceilings at the highest point.
Tate Britain, SW1P
Home to the greatest collection of British art in the world, Tate Britain is one of London’s most architecturally rich venues. This Grade II* listed building offers diverse entertaining spaces, ranging from classical and formal to contemporary galleries. The dramatic Manton Foyer, with its beautiful Italian limestone floor and glass atrium, offers a contemporary space within this Grade II* listed building. With the Linbury Galleries adjacent, guests are able to enjoy a private view of the current exhibition during the course of the event. Reception for up to 300 guests.
Tate Modern, SE1
One of London’s most recognisable and best loved buildings, the Tate Modern is a true icon of the capital. The gallery displays the national collection of international modern art and offers seven sleek, contemporary entertaining spaces and stunning views across the city’s skyline. The Turbine Hall is one of the most iconic urban spaces in the world and Tate Corporate Supporters have the exclusive opportunity to entertain in this amazing place. The space is available for up to 800 (Bridge) or 1,500 (Turbine Hall); Dinner can be catered for up to 400 (Bridge) or 800 (Turbine Hall).
The Saatchi Gallery occupies the entire 70,000 square feet of its magnificent building, with all rooms available for hire. The Gallery interiors are modern, simple, and very well proportioned with high ceilings; an ideal blank canvas for production and an elegant setting for all events. The Gallery is ideal for both large and more intimate events, with a capacity of up to 1,500 people. There is the option of exclusive or partial hire of specific rooms based on your requirements.
National Portrait Gallery, WC2H
The Gallery was founded in 1856 to collect portraits of famous British men and women. Explore 200,000 portraits from the 16th Century to the present day. The spectacular spaces available for hire offer a wide range of options for clients from the contemporary to the classic, displaying a Collection that encompasses art, biography, history and fame. This inspirational setting
The National Portrait Gallery is available for exclusive hire on Monday to Wednesday evenings from 18:30 or throughout the week from 08:00 to 10:00 for breakfast events.
National Gallery, WC2N
The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of Western European paintings in the world from the 13th to the 19th centuries. It is a beautiful and extraordinarily varied collection, containing many famous works. No other collection better tells the story of Western European painting. Located within the heart of central London, where better to entertain your guests than Trafalgar Square. Within the Gallery there are a range of elegant event spaces that can accommodate everything from a private breakfast tour or intimate lunch through to a magnificent dinner or drinks reception alongside some of the world’s most iconic works of art.
To arrange a site visit at any of the above galleries contact us today.
