Somerset House
- Art lovers
- Architecture and design enthusiasts
What Visitors Say
Somerset House is lovely. I went to see the MC Escher exhibition and really enjoyed it. It was very informative and engaging, with some interesting and somewhat immersive experiences. I also ate at the Café Petiole which is located on the south wing of Somerset House. This is a lovely arts centre in a great location and with plenty of things to see and do, including a good offer of free events. The inner courtyard is really nice to enjoy, especially on a warm sunny day. The place is clean with well maintained restrooms. Selected areas are free to roam around. MC Escher is a paid exhibition but well worth experiencing. And I recommend visiting Café Petiole.
Exhibition was great. Did not take kindly to being told that they were only allowing 5 minutes in the projection room which was a compilation of artwork. I paid the admission fee so intended to stay to see the the full film. If they oversold tickets that was their problem. As it happens it was only busy for a short time so they could have easily managed it better. Very poor organisation imo.
Somerset House architecture is breathtaking, such an experience to walk into the courtyard and take it all in. There are several coffee shops and art galleries within the building, some of them are free. There is easy access for everyone.
It was an exhibition with several works I wanted to buy for the first time in a while. The curators in charge of each piece explained the artworks very enthusiastically, and it felt more lively than most exhibitions. There were quite a few pieces with unique and interesting ideas or materials, so if you are interested, I would recommend visiting before it closes this weekend.
Visited Somerset House in Aldwych recently and it truly delivers on atmosphere and experience. The setting alone is stunning, a beautiful historic courtyard right in central London, perfect for a relaxed walk and taking in the architecture. We went in the evening for iftar at Aram, which was a great choice. The ambience was warm and welcoming, and it felt special being there as the courtyard lit up after sunset. Beyond dining, the exhibitions are always thoughtfully curated and worth seeing. It's one of those places where you can combine culture, food, and a peaceful stroll all in one visit. A fantastic London spot great for relaxing, exploring, and soaking up a bit of art and history all together.
Highlights
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
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
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.
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