London gallery and museum late openings
Several London art galleries and museums have late-night openings, allowing you to indulge in live music, art, workshops, thrilling discussions, food, drink and much more. Find out where and when to enjoy some late night fun with our guide to London’s late-night art gallery and museum openings.
National Portrait Gallery
Trafalgar Square
Late Night (s): Fridays until 9 pm
Image: MTotoe
What’s on?
National Portrait Gallery’s Friday Lates offers an evening of conversation, inspiration, and creativity. Alongside music, food, drinks, discussions, and film screenings. With an opportunity to explore the galleries extensive collection of art, you can also indulge in a sketch class with there very fun 'Drop-in drawing and Life drawing' sessions. Visit the National Portrait Gallery for event timings, and don’t forget to share your fun evening with #FridayLatesNPG!
Location:
St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE
Nearest station:
Charing Cross Tube Station
Entry: Free (unless otherwise stated).
Tate Modern
Bankside
Late Night (s): First Friday of each month until 9.30pm
Image: Massimo Virgilio
What’s on?
In partnership with Uniqlo, Tate modern presents Uniqlo Tate Lates for after-hours poetry, talks, music, film, workshops, and great music. All to enjoy whilst exploring the wealth of contemporary art located in the iconic structure. You can enjoy a glass of wine on the galleries viewing terrace overlooking the spectacular panoramic views of London Town at night.
Location:
Bankside Power Station, 25 Summer Street, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
Nearest station:
Blackfriars and Southwark Tube Station
Entry: Free (additional charge for some exhibitions)
Natural History Museum
South Kensington
Late night (s): Last Friday of the month until 10pm
Image: MTotoe
What’s on?
Explore the museum's famed mammals and minerals after hours in the many exhibitions throughout the museum. Expect to find reverting discussions led by differing experts, pop workshops, science demos and open mic performances by up and coming artists. Enjoy food and drinks under the great blue whale skeleton!
Location:
Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD
Nearest station:
South Kensington Tube Station
Entry: Free (additional charge for some exhibitions)
Tate Britain
Milbank
Late Night (s): First Friday of each month until 9.30pm
Image: MTotoe
What’s on?
Late at Tate Britain presents an opportunity to explore the galleries collection of British art after hours. With intriguing panel discussions, workshops, activities, films, a showcase of emerging and creative musical talent, drinks, food and generally an inspirational atmosphere.
Location:
Milbank, Westminster, London, SW1P 4RG
Nearest station:
Pimlico Tube Station
Entry: Free (additional charge for some exhibitions)
National Gallery
Trafalgar Square
Late Night (s): Friday until 9 pm
Image: MTotoe
What’s on?
The National Gallery’s Friday Lates allows you to explore their collection of over 2000 paintings, from artists such as Hans Holbein and Van Gogh to special exhibitions by contemporary artists. You can also expect to find creative conversation, drop-in drawing sessions, film screening, music and drinks. The National Dining Room opens late; serving the best of classic British cuisines, set alongside views of the great Trafalgar Square.
Location:
Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN
Nearest station:
Charing Cross Tube Stations
Entry: Free (Charge for some exhibitions)
Victoria & Albert Museum
South Kensington
Late Night (s): Last Friday of every month (except May and December) until 10 pm
Image: MTotoe
What’s on?
The V&A Friday Lates, celebrates contemporary visual culture and design, with live performances, film, installations, debates, and a perfect opportunity to view the galleries exhibitions after hours. Food and drink are available at various locations around the museum.
Previous Friday Lates have included ‘The Eyes Have It’ (29th February 2020) an evening that explored the theme of eyes through art, films, immersive computer vision technology and fantastic live music from the DJ Duo Wahalaa.
Location:
Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2RL
Nearest station:
South Kensington Tube Station
Entry: Free (additional charge for some exhibitions)
Science Museum
South Kensington
Late Night (s): Last Wednesday of every month until 10 pm
Image: MTotoe
What’s on?
The Science Museums late night opening is an opportunity for after hour’s fun! With an age restriction of 18+, you can relive your youth exploring the UK marine robots and flying a simulator. Science Museum Lates also feature themed discussions on a broad range of topics, and most importantly do not miss out on the science museums famed silent disco! Food and drinks are available throughout the night.
Location:
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD
Nearest station:
South Kensington Tube Station
Price: Free (Free tickets must be booked online)
British Museum
Bloomsbury
Late Night (s): Friday until 8.30pm (except Good Friday) later on particular Fridays)
Image: MTotoe
What’s on?
British Museum Lates offer a wide range of events including lectures, themed discussions, film screenings and much more. Several of the museum galleries, arranged according to their geographical location with items from Africa, East Asia to the Middle East, including the Rosetta Stone are open for exploration. It will definitely take you more than one evening to explore the vast collection in the British Museum, but no harm in trying!
Location:
Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 3DG
Nearest station:
Tottenham Court Road Tube Station
Entry: Free (additional charge for some exhibitions)
Barbican Art Gallery
City
Late Night (s): Thursday and Friday until 9 pm
Image: MTotoe
What’s on?
The Barbican is a large complex open until 11 pm daily and has several arts and cultural events, a cinema facility and plenty of areas for drinking and dining. There are two galleries in the Barbican (3rd floor and The Curve on the 1st floor) often occupied by well-curated exhibitions, discussions and workshops. A perfect way to spend an evening!
Location:
Silk Street, City, London, EC2 8DS
Nearest station:
Moorgate Tube Station
Entry: Free (additional charge for some exhibitions)
London Transport Museum
Covent Garden
Late Night(s): Friday until 10pm
Image: Matt Obee
What’s on?
London Transport Museum offers a late-night session for over 18's. With an opportunity to explore the museum's exhibitions, with music, food, discussions, quizzes and design activities. The London Transport Museum is located in Covent Garden; you will find plenty to do after doors close at the museum.
Location:
Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7BB
Nearest station:
Covent Garden Tube Station
Entry: Free
