About Somerset House
Somerset House is one of London’s great cultural landmarks, a magnificent neoclassical building on the Strand at WC2R 1LA. Completed in the late 18th century to designs by Sir William Chambers, it was originally home to learned societies and government offices, and today it is a thriving arts centre with galleries, studios, restaurants and one of the city’s most beloved public courtyards.
The grand courtyard, with its famous fountain, becomes an ice rink each winter and hosts live music, films and cultural events throughout the year. The building also houses the Courtauld Gallery, with its outstanding collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, alongside a busy programme of contemporary exhibitions and artist residencies.
What to Expect
Visitors can explore a year-round programme of exhibitions spanning art, design, fashion and popular culture, many of them free or entry-by-donation. The historic rooms themselves are worth the visit — elegant stone staircases, sweeping corridors and river views from the Terrace overlooking the Thames.
There are also cafés, bars and restaurants, plus regular late-night openings and special events in the courtyard. It is a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon in central London.
Getting There
Somerset House is on the Strand, London WC2R 1LA. The nearest Underground stations are Temple (District and Circle lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines); Covent Garden and Holborn are also within easy walking distance. Numerous bus routes run along the Strand.
See more of what the capital has to offer on the London city page and the complete UK events list.
Opening Times & Admission
Opening hours vary by exhibition and season; the courtyard and public spaces are generally open from around 10:00. Many exhibitions are free or entry-by-donation, while larger shows require booking. Check the official Somerset House website for current times and tickets: somersethouse.org.uk.
Throughout the year, Somerset House hosts major festivals, open-air cinema, live concerts and family events, and its riverside terrace offers one of the finest views of the Thames in central London. Whether you come for an exhibition, a coffee in the courtyard or simply to admire the architecture, this historic site rewards repeat visits — there is always something new to discover behind its imposing facade.
Somerset House also plays host to the London Design Festival and other major cultural events, and its galleries are used by artists and institutions from around the world. The site’s history is visible everywhere — from the grand river facade to the hidden courtyards — making it both a working arts centre and a piece of living London history.
More Events at Somerset House
Currently on show is Holy Pop!, a fascinating exhibition celebrating modern shrines and pop culture devotion — entry by donation.
