Somerset House

Somerset House The Home of Cultural Innovators: we're home to the UK’s largest and most exciting creative community including Somerset House Studios.
(8411)

Built on historic foundations, we are situated in the very heart of the capital. Dedicated to backing newness, championing openness, nurturing creativity and empowering ideas, our cultural programme is ambitious in scope. We insist on relevance, but aren’t afraid of irreverence, and are as keen on entertainment as enrichment. We embrace the biggest issues of our times but are equally committed to the delicate task of oxygenating new work by emerging artists. Where else can you spend an hour ice-skating while listening to a specially commissioned sound piece by a cutting edge artist? It is this creative tension—the way we harness our heritage, put the too-often overlooked on our central stage and use our neo-classical backdrop to showcase groundbreaking contemporary culture—that inspires our programme. Old and new, history and disruption, art and entertainment, high-tech and homemade, combined with the fact that we are home to a constantly shape-shifting working creative community: this is our point of difference. It is what we are proud of. And it is what makes the experience of visiting or working in Somerset House inspiring and energizing, urgent and exciting.

What if the materials of the future could be grown, not made? Join biodesigner and maker Weronika Turowska of BLUNIK st...
13/10/2026

What if the materials of the future could be grown, not made?

Join biodesigner and maker Weronika Turowska of BLUNIK studios for a hands-on session exploring where creativity meets science and how living organisms can be used to create sustainable materials like microbial-grown leather.

Through a talk, discussion and hands-on making, you’ll explore biodesign, DIY lab approaches and regenerative practice, while creating your own unique biomaterial sample to take home. No prior experience needed – just curiosity!

🧪 Explore microbial-grown leather research
🎨 Get hands-on with living materials
🍹 Free food and drinks from
🎟️ Attendees also get free tickets to SKATE with Virgin Atlantic Holidays at Somerset House
⏰ Sign up closes 10am on Tuesday 20th October

Sign up via the link in bio to secure your spot!

10/10/2026

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding across the ice with the buzz of the festive season all around you.

Skate at Somerset House with Holidays is the perfect excuse to make the most of winter in London.

Planning to join us? The most sought-after sessions won’t stick around for long, so book early to make it yours 🎟️

Tickets are now on sale for WONDER: Why We Believe in Magic ✨ Opening 4 February at Somerset House, WONDER explores why...
05/10/2026

Tickets are now on sale for WONDER: Why We Believe in Magic ✨

Opening 4 February at Somerset House, WONDER explores why we return to magic, wonder and belief to make sense of a world we can never fully explain.

🔮 Encounter rare historical treasures, from a 40,000-year-old carving and a nineteenth-century ‘witch in a bottle’ to crystal balls and magical manuscripts.
🪄 Step into immersive installations, uncover the secrets behind famous stage magic illusions, receive a cosmic tarot reading and add your own wish to a shared space.
👧 Designed for curious minds of all ages, with an interactive trail for younger visitors and free entry for children under 16.

🗓 4 February – 18 April 2027
📍 Embankment Galleries, Somerset House
📸 The Conjurer by Hieronymus Bosch, Saint-Germainen-Laye, Musée municipal Ducastel-Vera/Star Disc of Nebra photograph by Sebastian Willnow/Lure by Sian Fan
🎟 Tickets on sale now

25/09/2026

❄️ ON SALE NOW! ❄️

Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays is now open for bookings - winter plans? Consider them sorted.

Don’t miss your chance to skate at London’s most iconic ice rink in the spectacular Somerset House courtyard and make unforgettable winter memories.

The best slots go fast, so get your skates on and book via the link in bio 🎟️

See you on the ice!

16/09/2026

How is it only 100 days until Christmas?! When winter does roll around, there's really only one logical place to celebrate it - on the ice at Skate at Somerset House with Holidays.

The peak slots always go fast, so get ahead of the rush and sign up via the link in our bio for early access to tickets!

This week, Reviving Craft: Reflection of the Mind opens. This landmark free exhibition features more than 60 artists and...
14/09/2026

This week, Reviving Craft: Reflection of the Mind opens.

This landmark free exhibition features more than 60 artists and traces China’s living craft heritage, exploring objects of art and design as mirrors of the mind.

Reviving Craft is an Official Special Project Partner of London Design Festival 2026.

Venue: Embankment Galleries at Somerset House
Dates: 16–27 Sep 2026

Photo credits: Shuang Xi, Rosalie Huang, Ma Yixi, Li Xiaofeng

Join us as we showcase the creativity, innovation and impact of 24 Black-led businesses that have spent the past year de...
12/09/2026

Join us as we showcase the creativity, innovation and impact of 24 Black-led businesses that have spent the past year developing their ventures through the Black Business Residency here at Somerset House.

Explore live demonstrations, screenings, games, workshops and immersive experiences, designed and delivered by the cohort themselves.
 
📅 Thursday 8th October
📌 Somerset House Exchange 
 
Book your free ticket via the link in our bio

Building a creative career doesn’t always follow a straightforward path. Sometimes, you have to create the opportunities...
08/09/2026

Building a creative career doesn’t always follow a straightforward path. Sometimes, you have to create the opportunities you’re looking for.
 
Join artist, educator, curator and Dark Yellow Dot founder Lauren Little (Lauren Little Art) for an honest and practical session exploring how to build a creative career on your own terms. The session will include a talk, Q&A and lively peer-group discussions, giving you the chance to ask questions, get tailored advice, empowering you to plot your next steps and connect with other young creatives aged 18-30.
 
🍹 Free food and drinks from BUTCH SALADS 
🎟️ Attendees also get free tickets to 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
⏰ Sign up closes 10am on Tuesday 22nd September
 
Sign up via the link in bio to secure your spot

September at Somerset House → This month, explore a vibrant programme of exhibitions, events, tours, hands-on workshops,...
01/09/2026

September at Somerset House → This month, explore a vibrant programme of exhibitions, events, tours, hands-on workshops, and activities for all ages.

👉 Swipe through the highlights and tap the link in bio for full events programme

Step Inside, Think Outside

28/08/2026

🎉 APPLICATIONS OPEN 🎉

Ready to take your creative practice further? The Future Artists Programme is back for a new six-month cycle, supporting aspiring artists aged 18–25 to explore, experiment and develop their artistic voice. ✨

Designed for curious creatives interested in trying new styles, mediums and ways of working, the programme offers a supportive, artist-led space to take creative risks, make, reflect and connect.

Expect:
🎨 Artist-led workshops and hands-on experimentation
🔎 Guided fieldwork exploring London’s cultural landscape
🤝 Opportunities to connect with Somerset House artists and fellow creatives
🎟️ Free access to exhibitions, festivals and events
🌱 Support to build confidence, develop critical skills and discover future pathways

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and particularly encourage those who are underrepresented in the creative industries or face barriers to access to apply.

🗓️ Applications close Friday 11 September 2026 | 📍 Somerset House | 👉 Apply via the link in bio

24/08/2026

Discover exhibitions, events, tours and activities for all ages this summer at Somerset House ☀️ with plenty to explore across the site, there’s something for everyone.

Find our full programme via the link in bio 🔗

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Strand London
London
WC2R1LA

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