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Art after work: late gallery openings in London

  • Daniel Rudden
  • Jessye Seth Bloomfield
  • Bethan Wilkins

How are you doing with that resolution to see more art? If you’re struggling to see things on busy weekends, weave art into your week with our guide to late gallery openings.

From Cardiff Castle and Kensington Palace to the V&A and Tate Modern - the National Art Pass gives you free entry to over 240 museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK as well as 50% off entry to major exhibitions. Find out more
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund
Image: Blavatnik Building, Tate Modern, 2016 | © Janie Airey

If you’ve been working in central London all week, the prospect of battling Saturday crowds might be less than appealing. So if this means you’re not seeing as much art as you’d like, why not pop to a museum or gallery during the week?
Many London museums open late, whether that’s on a regular night of the week or an occasional one-off – often with drinks, music and performances. Not only will you top up your exhibition time, but you’ll conveniently miss rush hour, too…
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

1. British Library

Open until 8pm, Tuesday
Those in search of respite early in the week, rejoice! The British Library's main gallery is open late on Tuesdays, so you can take in an exhibition before you've even reached hump day – and the Treasures Gallery is also open until 8pm from Tuesday to Thursday.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

2. Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)

Open until 9pm, Tuesday to Sunday
One for the nighthawks, the ICA's exhibitions spaces are open late most of the week, so there's plenty of time to take in cutting-edge contemporary work before dissecting your experience in the bar – or catching a late showing in the cinema.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

3. National Army Museum

Open until 8pm, first Wednesday of the month
Telling stories from the army's history, the National Army Museum's five galleries are open late once a month. Catch a special exhibition, learn something surprising amid the museum's varied collections and take a scenic walk along the Thames.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

4. Science Museum

Open until 10pm, last Wednesday of the month
Towards the end of each month, the Science Museum becomes an adults-only zone until 10pm, with after-hours theme nights centring on ideas and issues arising from the exhibitions and current topics.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

5. South London Gallery

Open until 9pm, Wednesday
Offering an oasis of calm with its clean-lined spaces showing contemporary art, plus a lovely café, South London Gallery is open until 9pm every Wednesday and also on the last Friday of each month.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

6. Barbican Art Gallery

Open until 9pm, Thursday and Friday
The Barbican is the perfect place to start your evening. Grab dinner, catch a blockbuster exhibition and share post-show thoughts in one of the sleek bars, with views of the centre's Brutalist architecture.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

7. Fashion and Textile Museum

Open until 8pm, Thursday
This cool and colourful spot in Bermondsey is open until 8pm every Thursday during exhibition periods, with a special programme of events and talks related to the current show and the museum's specialism in contemporary fashion.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

8. Hayward Gallery

Open until 9pm, Thursday
A haven on the busy Southbank, the Hayward Gallery programmes some of the most talked-about exhibitions in London – and it's within easy reach of many other iconic buildings along the river, so you can make a night of it.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

9. Whitechapel Gallery

Open until 9pm, Thursday
While this hub of contemporary art is open late every Thursday, it's also responsible for one of East London's most exciting art happenings – First Thursdays. On the first Thursday of every month, over 150 galleries in the area come together to run events, exhibitions, talks and private views, with the Whitechapel as ringleader.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

10. British Museum

Open until 8.30pm, Friday
Many of the British Museum's galleries are open late on Fridays (except Good Friday), so you can wander rooms of artefacts from all over the world, from ancient times to the present, as an inspiring way to start the weekend.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

11. Design Museum

Open until 8pm, first Friday of the month
If you're looking for a bright and vibrant start to the weekend, the Design Museum has you covered: open late on the first Friday of every month, it's the perfect primer before a drink in Kensington or a walk through Holland Park.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

12. National Gallery

Open until 9pm, Friday
The National Gallery makes Trafalgar Square a surprisingly peaceful place to start the weekend. Whether you want to catch a major exhibition or get better acquainted with the permanent collection, you're close to wherever you may need to be afterwards, from West End theatres to the South Bank.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

13. National Portrait Gallery

Open until 9pm, Friday
Like the National Gallery, the Portrait Gallery is open until late on Fridays – with a twist. Every Friday there's music inspired by the exhibitions, a DJ in the bar, drop-in drawing and life drawing classes, and inspiring talks and film screenings.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

14. Natural History Museum

Open until 10pm, last Friday of the month
Once a month, Lates at the Natural History Museum offer talks, activities, and food and drink until 10pm. From behind-the-scenes tours to pop-up science demos, to just wandering the halls with a drink in hand, there are lots of ways to experience the museum at night.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

15. Tate Britain

Open until 9.30pm, first Friday of the month (bimonthly)
Every couple of months, Late at Tate Britain allows visitors to explore the galleries after-hours. Immersive sound and visuals, activities and discussions inspired by the art make for a lively atmosphere, all curated by members of Tate Collective.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

16. Tate Modern

Open until 10pm, Friday
As well as being open late on Fridays, Tate Modern is home to the Tate Lates programme, filling the building with art, music, film and workshops until 10pm every last Friday of the month (except December). Get as involved in special sessions and activities as you like, or just drift around the exhibitions and enjoy DJs 'til late.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

17. V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum)

Open until 10pm, Friday
The V&A's blockbuster exhibitions are often extremely popular, so Friday night can be a good time to visit. There's also a Friday Late on the last Friday of every month (except May and December), with live performance, DJs, installations, debates and more.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

18. Charles Dickens Museum

Open until 8pm, once a month
The Victorian family home of Charles Dickens opens late once a month, letting you explore the author's study and beautiful rooms at your leisure. Check the museum's listings for details of upcoming evening opening hours and occasional special events.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

19. Dulwich Picture Gallery

Open late occasionally
It's worth keeping an eye on Dulwich Picture Gallery's listings to check for upcoming Gallery Lates – occasional evening openings inclusive of entry to the current exhibition, with tailored experiences and performances.
Art after work: late gallery openings in London by Art Fund

20. Sir John Soane's Museum

Open late once a month
Soane Lates offer the opportunity to explore this fascinating house by candlelight with timed entry, curated content and drinks. It's a popular event and among the more expensive museum lates, but clearly worth the ticket.

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Helping museums and galleries buy and display great art
Daniel Rudden
Business Strategist
Jessye Seth Bloomfield
Arts Producer and Programmer