Art after work: late gallery openings in London
No time to see exhibitions on the weekend? Weave art into your week with our guide to museums and galleries in London with late-night opening hours.
If you’ve been working all week, the prospect of battling Saturday crowds in central London might be less than appealing. So if this means you’re not seeing as much art as you’d like, why not pop to a museum or gallery during the week?
Many London museums open late, whether that’s on a regular night of the week or an occasional one-off – often with drinks, music and performances. They make a great way to unwind after a busy day, whether that's solo or with friends, and not only will you top up your exhibition time, you’ll conveniently miss rush hour, too…
Remember to pack a National Art Pass or Teacher Art Pass before you set off for work – or when leaving the house if you WFH – to experience exhibitions for free or 50% off, plus other great discounts.
Where can I experience art in the evenings in London with an Art Pass?
Tate Modern
Open until 10pm, last Friday of every month
Offering one of the coolest late-night gallery events in London, Tate Modern is home to the Tate Lates programme, filling the building with art, music, film, talks and workshops until 10pm every last Friday of the month (except December). Get as involved in special sessions and activities as you like, or just drift around the exhibitions and enjoy DJs 'til late.
Science Museum
Selected evenings throughout the year
Silent discos, pub quizzes, magical science experiments. Science Museum's Lates programme is a fun, adults-only evening where you can wander the museum at night and participate in themed activities. The next one takes place on Wednesday 11 September and will explore how we've progressed when it comes to health.
Design Museum
Open until 8pm, Friday
If you're looking for a bright and vibrant start to the weekend, the Design Museum has you covered: open late on most Fridays (please check exact dates on their website ahead of your visit) it's the perfect primer before a drink in Kensington or a stroll through Holland Park. Experience the magic of Enzo Mari's designs or Barbie's life and looks in their current exhibitions.
Barbican Art Gallery
Open until 8pm, Thursday and Friday
The Barbican is the perfect place to start your evening. Catch their latest blockbuster exhibition of Mexico-based artist Francis Alÿs, and then have a post-show debrief in one of the chic bars. Looking to impress someone or even treat yourself? Don't miss the Martini Bar, offering stunning lakeside views of the centre's Brutalist architecture.
V&A South Kensington
Open until 10pm, Friday
From a celebration of fashion icon Naomi Campbell to a peek into Elton John's photography collection, the V&A's blockbuster exhibitions are often extremely popular, making Friday night a perfect time to visit. On the hunt for a fun night out in London? Catch live performances, DJs, installations, debates and more in their Friday Late programme, which takes place on the last Friday of every month (except January, May and December).
National Portrait Gallery
Open until 9pm, Friday and Saturday
Just around the corner from the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery is also open until late on Fridays – and Saturdays too. Come face-to-face with the people who have made their mark on British history and culture, from Anne Boleyn to David Beckham. Or dive into Tudor history in their current exhibition, Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII's Queens. Keen to keep the evening going? Their new cocktail bar Larry's is a glamorous haunt where you can unwind to some live jazz while sipping on one of their signature drinks.
Tate Britain
Open until 10pm, some Fridays
Every couple of months, Tate Britain allows visitors to explore the galleries after-hours. Immerse yourself in sound, visuals, activities and discussions inspired by the art and soak up the lively atmosphere.
South London Gallery
Open until 9pm, Wednesday
Love being in the know with contemporary art and discovering which artists are leading the way? South London Gallery's exhibition programme spotlights the biggest names in contemporary art and they're open every Wednesday until 9pm, in case you need a mid-week pick-me-up. Pop into their gift shop and if you spot something nice, you'll get 10% off with a National Art Pass.
Whitechapel Gallery
Open until 9pm, Thursday
Experience all of Whitechapel Gallery's exhibitions for free on a Thursday night, when the gallery stays open until 9pm. And on the first Thursday of every month, they celebrate East London's vibrant art community where you can explore the local area's galleries with curated recommendations for free exhibitions, book launches, music events and more.
Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)
Open until 9pm, Tuesday to Sunday
One for the nighthawks, the ICA's exhibition spaces are open late most of the week. You have until 9pm to experience their Rheim Alkadhi exhibition before sipping a very reasonably priced drink (£5 negronis, anyone?) and dissecting what you saw at the bar, which closes at 10pm.
British Museum
Open until 8.30pm, Friday
Looking for inspiring ways to start your weekend? The British Museum opens late on Fridays (except Good Friday), so you can check out their current exhibitions and displays, marvel at artefacts from across the world, or simply take in the spectacular Great Court.
National Gallery
Open until 9pm, Friday
Looking to unwind after a busy week at work? Retreat into the peace and quiet of the National Gallery, who stay open until 9pm on Fridays and offer a calm escape away from the hustle and bustle of Trafalgar Square. Whether you want to catch a major exhibition or get better acquainted with the permanent collection, you're close to wherever you may need to be afterwards, from West End theatres to the South Bank. And did you know, you can already book tickets to their major Van Gogh blockbuster opening in September? Book yours with a National Art Pass to get 50% off.
British Library
Open until 8pm, Tuesday
In search of a late-night opening earlier in the week? The British Library's main gallery is open late on Tuesdays, so you can check out their Beyond the Bassline exhibition, celebrating 500 years of Black music in Britain before you've even reached hump day – and the general building remains open until 8pm Monday to Thursday.
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.