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LONDON | Somerset House is one of our favourite cultural institutions in London, with a wide variety of captivating exhibitions and events throughout the year. Located between the Strand and the Thames, the original Somerset House was designed in the neoclassical style, and has a fascinating history. Originally built in 1547 for Edward Seymour, Lord Protector and Duke of Somerset, it went through several owners and uses until, after years of neglect, it was demolished in 1774. The new building, which is today’s North Wing, was completed in 1779, and saw many additions made over the years.
Today, Somerset House is a centre of excellence for culture and the arts, and hosts open-air concerts and films, contemporary art and design exhibitions, workshops and free guided tours of normally hidden, off-limits spaces. During winter, the central courtyard is transformed into an open air ice rink, while during the summer, a number of fountains spray 55 vertical jets of water at varying heights, creating a dazzling display.
If there’s an exhibition that you are interested in, or even if you’re just interested in architecture, Somerset House is the kind of place that rewards multiple visits. Somerset House Studios, the new experimental work space at Somerset House, opened in late 2016, and gives local artists an affordable, central place to work on projects that push bold ideas, engage with urgent issues and pioneer new technologies. Visitors should keep an eye out for workshops and talks being held by artists at this exciting new part of Somerset House.
Somerset House
Strand
London WC2R 1LA
United Kingdom
Telephone: 020 7845 4600
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/