Somerset House
A riverside palace turned powerhouse of art and ideas. The present neoclassical complex (1776–1801) by Sir William Chambers was purpose-built for national institutions—Royal Academy, Royal Society, and Navy Board—before evolving into a major cultural campus with the Courtauld Gallery, seasonal courtyard events, and contemporary exhibitions. Think of it as London’s salon: historic bones, modern brain, open to the city. Give yourself 60–90 minutes for the courtyard, river terrace, one exhibition, and a Courtauld hit.
Opening Hours
What's not to miss inside?
The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court
From ceremonial parade ground to playful civic stageFifty-odd choreographed jets sketch patterns across the stone; in winter it transforms into one of London’s most atmospheric ice rinks.
📍 Central courtyard
River Terrace
The city’s back porchWhere a Tudor palace once looked onto the river highway; today it’s prime people-watching with bridges framed like stage sets.
📍 South side overlooking the Thames
Courtauld Gallery Taster
Masterpieces upstairs from a working courtyardManet, Cézanne, Gauguin—an intimate hang where Impressionism feels newly minted.
📍 North Wing (separate ticket)
Chambers’ Staircases
Neoclassical stagecraftShallow risers and generous landings choreograph your body through light wells and arches.
📍 State staircases in the central blocks
What’s On Now
Contemporary commissions in historic roomsInstallations and festivals that treat the building as collaborator, not backdrop.
📍 East/West Wings, Embankment Galleries
Inspire your Friends
- The Royal Academy’s famous Summer Exhibition was held at Somerset House from 1780 to 1837—Turner first showed here as a teenager.
- Somerset House replaced a lavish Tudor riverside palace built by Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset (Lord Protector to Edward VI).
- Sir William Chambers, the architect, also designed the Great Pagoda at Kew—hence the building’s cool confidence in theatrical vistas and axial views.
