Courtauld announces new contemporary galleries at Somerset House

The Courtauld has announced a major new development at Somerset House with the creation of two galleries dedicated to contemporary art, made possible by a £10 million gift from the Blavatnik Family Foundation. This brings the Foundation’s total support for the institution to £20 million and forms part of the Courtauld’s ambitious plans for a new world-class campus. The Blavatnik Contemporary Galleries are expected to open in 2029 and will mark a significant expansion of the Courtauld’s engagement with living artists and current artistic practice.

The Courtauld. Photo Benedict Johnson

The Blavatnik Family Foundation has played a central role in the Courtauld’s recent history, including support for the Blavatnik Fine Rooms, which opened in 2021 following the Gallery’s major redevelopment. The latest gift also enables the creation of the Blavatnik Reading Room within the remodelled library, further strengthening the institution’s academic and public facilities. Lord Browne of Madingley, Chair of the Courtauld’s Board of Trustees, praised Sir Leonard and Lady Emily Blavatnik for their exceptional and continuing generosity, highlighting their lasting impact on the Courtauld’s success.

Located on the top floor of the North Wing of Somerset House, the two new galleries will occupy a restored 18th-century space originally designed as a display room for the Royal Society. They will be accessible via a dedicated public entrance and will host special exhibitions, commissions and events. Building on the Courtauld’s growing contemporary programme, which has included exhibitions of Peter Doig and Claudette Johnson, commissions by Cecily Brown and Rachel Jones, and the forthcoming European solo exhibition of Salman Toor, the new galleries will provide a platform for ambitious new projects and fresh perspectives.

Rendering of the Blavatnik Contemporary Galleries at the Courtauld featuring, left to right Peter Doig, Alpinist (2022), Claudette Johnson, Blues Dance (2023), and Rachel Jones, STRUCK (2025). Illustration Secchi Smith.

As part of the wider transformation of the Courtauld’s Grade I listed home, the Blavatnik Contemporary Galleries will also play a vital educational role. Students on the Courtauld Institute’s MA in Curating will be closely involved in shaping the programme, using the galleries as a space for experimentation and collective learning. Supported by the Reuben Foundation and other philanthropists, the new Courtauld Campus will reunite the Gallery, Institute and conservation studios, reinforcing the Courtauld’s position as a leading global centre for the visual arts.

Visit courtauld.ac.uk to find out more.