Art experiences to enjoy this Valentine’s Day in London
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, why not break from tradition and celebrate with art and culture? From exploring romantic masterpieces to enjoying after-hours exhibitions, London’s galleries and museums offer unforgettable experiences to make this February 14th truly special. Here’s our guide to the best Valentine’s Day events happening in the city’s cultural spaces this year.
Late at Tate: 80s Valentine’s Special
David Hoffman, Nidge & Laurence Kissing 1990 © David Hoffman.
#FLODown: Tate Britain is hosting a retro-inspired evening celebrating the spirit of the ’80s with a Valentine’s twist. On 15 February, enjoy a vibrant mix of live music, performances, and creative workshops, all set against the backdrop of The 80s: Photographing Britain exhibition. Expect an unforgettable night of nostalgia, art, and culture.
Date: 15 February 2025. Time: 6pm - 10pm. Location: Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG. Price: Free. tate.org.uk.
Valentine’s Day at the Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum. Image credit Grant Ritchie.
#FLODown: Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Natural History Museum with an after-hours event on 14 February 2025. Explore love and relationships in the natural world through engaging activities like dance classes and science stations, while learning about fascinating mating behaviours across the animal kingdom. There will be drinks, live harp music, and the opportunity to visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. The evening also features a Magic Memories photo booth to capture your experience.
Date: 14 February 2025. Location: The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. Price: £40–£54 (includes a free digital photo and exhibition entry). Book now.
A Royal Valentine at the Queen’s House
Tulip Staircase, The Queen’s House.
#FLODown: The Queen’s House offers a more refined approach to Valentine’s Day with its mix of historical charm and romantic events. Take part in an Artist’s Masterclass, where you can learn portrait drawing from Federico Baeza-Autillo, or discover royal romance during a talk about three iconic royal relationships. Wrap up the day with a Treasures Tour and a glass of Prosecco in one of Greenwich’s most elegant settings.
Date: 15–16 February 2025. Location: Queen’s House, Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF. Price: £13.50 – £20. Book now.
A journey into the collection...St Valentine's Day
Detail from Jean-Antoine Watteau, 'The Scale of Love', probably 1717-8.
#FLODown: The National Gallery is hosting a special guided tour on Valentine’s Day, focusing on love as depicted in art throughout history. Join an intimate journey through masterpieces by artists like Van Eyck, Veronese, Watteau, and Rembrandt, while learning about themes of courtship, fidelity, and passion. The one-and-a-half-hour tour will be hosted by award-winning guide Muriel Carré, offering an opportunity to discover the gallery’s most romantic works.
Date: 14 February 2025. Session times: 11am - 12.30pm; 3pm - 4.30pm; 5.30pm - 7pm. Location: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN. Price: £20. Book now.
Twilight Tour at Sir John Soane’s Museum
Sir John Soane’s Museum. © MTotoe.
#FLODown: Sir John Soane’s Museum will host an intimate twilight tour, allowing guests to explore the museum after dark. As the softly lit rooms create a scenic atmosphere, expert guides will share the history of Sir John Soane’s remarkable home and collection. With only 15 places per tour, this exclusive experience offers a unique way to discover the museum.
Date: 14 February 2025.Time: 6pm - 7pm. Location: Sir John Soane's Museum, 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP. Price: £35. Book now.
Saatchi Lates
Aimée Hoving, Compost, 2019. © Aimee Hoving, flowers by Brigitte Gentis van Dam Merrett.
#FLODown: Saatchi Lates is happening this Valentine’s Day, coinciding with the opening of their new FLOWERS exhibition. Explore the beauty and symbolism of flowers through contemporary art, featuring large-scale installations, photography, fashion, and design that reflect the cultural impact of flowers. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the occasion with loved ones or friends.
Date: 14 February 2025. Time: 6.30pm - 9pm. Location: Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, London SW3 4RY. Price: From £6 (concessions & family tickets available). Book now.
The Cinnamon Club had completely flown under the radar for me. It is in a pocket of London I rarely visit, and even if I did, the building’s exterior gives little indication of what’s inside. But now that I’ve discovered it, I already have plans to return with my husband - and in my mind, a list of friends I would recommend it to…