Somerset House celebrates 25 years with ‘Step Inside 25’ free weekend of creativity
To mark its 25th anniversary as one of London’s leading cultural institutions, Somerset House will throw open its doors on 13 and 14 September 2025 for Step Inside 25, a celebratory weekend of free interactive events, performances, exhibitions and workshops. The public will be invited to explore areas of the historic site rarely seen by visitors, from artist studios on Maker Street to the atmospheric Deadhouse, as the building is transformed inside and out. This milestone moment celebrates Somerset House’s evolution from a former government building to a vibrant hub of creativity and cultural innovation.
The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, Somerset House, Image by Kevin Meredith.
The family-friendly weekend will feature highlights for all ages, including a playful basketball installation by Play.Ground, immersive disco experiences with 80s and 90s soundtracks from the hit CUTE exhibition, and hands-on workshops inspired by the Peanuts gang. Visitors can take part in sensory collaging sessions, face painting, and knitting classes, or simply wander through guided tours revealing the site’s fascinating history. Meanwhile, Somerset House’s new visual identity will be celebrated with Waterloo Bridge lit in “Somerset House Blue” as part of the Illuminated River project, accompanied by an architectural walking tour at dusk.
Art lovers can delve deeper into the work of Somerset House Studios’ resident artists. Turner Prize-winner Tai Shani will unveil a new large-scale sculptural installation in the courtyard, while GAIKA presents Tomb of the Sophists, a haunting sonic environment. Nick Ryan’s The VoiceLine will reanimate the Deadhouse with stories that pay tribute to radio’s history. The public can also step inside artist studios and the innovative Makerversity workshops, witnessing bold new works and experimental processes in action.
River Terrace, Somerset House, Image by Kevin Meredith.
Across the site, a full programme of performances and screenings will run throughout the weekend. Somerset House Choir will deliver uplifting live sets, while G.O.A.T Film Club’s Frames of Belonging brings together filmmakers, Q&As and networking events celebrating Black cinema. A specially curated playlist by Alison Goldfrapp will echo through the building, highlighting some of the legendary artists who have performed at Somerset House over the years, adding a celebratory soundtrack to the weekend.
Food, drink, and retail offerings will reflect Somerset House’s creative spirit, with pop-ups from culinary residents like Plantain Papi and Future Plate, and a new riverside bar, Setlist. A curated retail space will showcase the talent of its resident innovators, from fashion and art to craft and design. As Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries Justine Simons OBE noted, the weekend offers “a fitting tribute to a quarter-century of creativity, community and cultural impact,” as Somerset House looks ahead to the next 25 years of cultural transformation.
Click here to discover exhibitions and events across the weekend.
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