The 16 best art galleries in South London

South London boasts a vibrant art scene with numerous galleries that contribute to the cultural richness of the borough. From long-standing establishments to emerging venues, these galleries not only showcase fantastic art, but they also actively engage with their communities and enhance the lives of local residents. Here is our guide to 16 exceptional spaces in South London dedicated to art.

Hayward Gallery

Image: Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre. 2019. © MTotoe

#FLODown: The Hayward Gallery is an iconic modern art gallery known for its distinctive brutalist architecture. Since its opening in 1968, it has presented adventurous exhibitions featuring renowned artists like Henri Matisse, Bridget Riley, Tracey Emin, Francis Bacon, and Antony Gormley. Notable exhibitions include Psycho Buildings in 2008, with immersive installations by Gelitin and Los Carpinteros, and Gormley's exhibition featuring the ‘Event Horizon’ installation on surrounding rooftops. As an independent institution, the Hayward Gallery charges admission fees, supports artist residencies, and tours exhibitions across the UK. It remains a prominent hub for contemporary art.

Location: South Bank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, Greater London, England, SE1 8XZ. Website: southbankcentre.co.uk. Instagram: @hayward.gallery.

Newport Street Gallery

Image: Newport Street Gallery. July 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: The Newport Street Gallery, founded by Damien Hirst, is an impressive art destination in Vauxhall. Originally established to showcase Hirst's extensive art collection, this remarkable gallery occupies three notable listed buildings that have been transformed into one cohesive space. Recognised for its architectural excellence, the gallery was honoured with the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize in 2016. Spanning 37,000 square feet, it encompasses six exhibition spaces that host a diverse range of solo and group shows. With free admission, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of contemporary art and enjoy the in-house restaurant and bar, Pharmacy 2.

Location: Newport Street Gallery, 1 -9 Newport St, London SE11 6AJ. Website: newportstreetgallery.com. Instagram: @newportstreetgallery_london.

 South London Gallery

Image: South London Gallery. July 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: The South London Gallery (SLG) was established in the 19th century to bring art to the people of South London. Today, it encompasses multiple sites, including the Fire Station and Art Block, and is known for its contemporary art exhibitions, film screenings, live performances, and highly regarded free education programme. Over the past two decades, the SLG has collaborated with numerous artists. Some notable artists who have exhibited at the SLG include Alice Channer, Isabelle Cornaro, Rashid Johnson, Ryan Gander, Gabriel Kuri, Oscar Murillo, Dara Birnbaum, Thomas Hirschhorn, and Lawrence Weiner. These artists, among others, have contributed to the gallery's vibrant contemporary art programme and have helped shape its reputation as a dynamic cultural institution.

Location: South London Gallery, 65 Peckham Rd, London SE5 8UH. Website: southlondongallery.org. Instagram: @southlondongallery.

Studio Voltaire

Image: Studio Voltaire, 2021, Photo Benedict Johnson

#FLODown: Studio Voltaire is a prominent not-for-profit arts organisation in Clapham. They support emerging and under-represented artists through exhibitions, collaborations, artist development, and live events. Past exhibitions have featured renowned artists like Donald Urquhart, Nnena Kalu, Bob Mellor, Lin May Saeed, Scott King, and Sol Calero. Studio Voltaire champions diverse artistic voices and relies on funding from various sources, including limited edition artwork sales from House of Voltaire.

Location: Studio Voltaire, 1A Nelsons Row, London SW4 7JR. Website: studiovoltaire.org. Instagram: @studiovoltairelondon.

Goldsmith Centre for Contemporary Art

Image: Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art. Image courtesy of Assemble. 

#FLODown: Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) is a renowned, free public art gallery in New Cross, South London. Housed in a beautifully reimagined Victorian bathhouse designed by Turner Prize-winning architects Assemble, it has showcased world-class exhibitions by acclaimed artists such as Hadi Fallahpisheh, Virginia Overton, Roland Carline, Mohamed Bourouissa, and Olivia Sterling. The gallery also hosts engaging events that promote creativity and foster community engagement. With its Grade II-listed building, featuring eight distinct galleries and a rooftop gallery, Goldsmiths CCA aims to establish Lewisham as a must-visit destination for contemporary art enthusiasts and the wider public.

Location: Goldsmiths CCA, St James’, New Cross, London SE14 6AD. Website: goldsmithscca.art. Instagram: @goldsmithscca.

Gerald Moore Gallery

Image: Gerald Moore Gallery. Image courtesy of Gerald Moore Gallery

#FLODown: Moore Gallery, located within Eltham College's premises in Mottingham, is a contemporary art gallery open to students and the wider public. Founded by Dr. Gerald Moore, an Old Elthamian, the gallery serves as a valuable resource and creative learning space. It offers exhibitions, classes, and events, showcasing Dr. Moore's artwork and aiming to become a leader in collaborative learning. Past exhibitions have featured both group and solo shows by artists such as Charles-Henry Delafosse, Patrick Altes, Cornelia Parker, Stephanie Farmer, Hannah Turner-Duffin, and Louise Bourgeois.

Location: Gerald Moore Gallery, Mottingham Lane, London, SE9 4RW. Website: geraldmooregallery.org. Instagram: @thegeraldmooregallery.

Bold Tendencies

Image: Bold Tendencies 2018 Ecology. Image Bold Tendencies

#FLODown: Bold Tendencies, established in 2007, is a not-for-profit arts organisation located on the rooftop spaces of Peckham multi-storey Car Park. What began as a transformation of a disused building has evolved into an experimental civic space and beloved gathering spot over the course of 16 years. Since 2007, they have commissioned 128 site-specific works of visual art and hosted renowned artists like Emilija Škarnulytė and João Vasco Paiva. Bold Tendencies also offers a vibrant live music program featuring The Philharmonia Orchestra. With a commitment to open access and community engagement,Bold Tendencies embraces the liberation of public spaces, cultivating an atmosphere of creativity and inclusivity.

Location: Multi storey Car park, 7th-10th Floors, 95a Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST. Website: boldtendencies.com. Instagram: @boldtendencies.

White Cube

Image: White Cube. Bermondsey. 2019. © MTotoe

#FLODown: White Cube is a globally renowned contemporary art gallery with locations in London, New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Seoul, and West Palm Beach. Representing over 60 international artists and artist estates, White Cube has supported and promoted influential artists over the past 30 years, playing a key role in the rise of artistic movements. The gallery's history includes groundbreaking exhibitions by artists like Tracey Emin, Julie Mehretu, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Luc Tuymans. White Cube has two gallery locations in south London, situated in the St. James's and Bermondsey areas. With a diverse roster of artists hailing from 33 countries, White Cube continues to curate and showcase groundbreaking exhibitions that push the boundaries of contemporary art.

Location: White Cube Bermondsey: 144 – 152 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ. White Cube Mason's Yard: 25 – 26 Mason's Yard, London SW1Y 6BU. Website: whitecube.com. Instagram: @whitecube.

Tate Britain

Image: Tate Britain. A Brave New World, Chila Kumari Singh Burman. December 2020. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Tate Britain, the oldest member of the Tate gallery network, stands as one of the largest and most prominent museums in the country. It showcases 500 years of British art, featuring renowned artists such as Turner, Hockney, Riley, Himid, and Rossetti . The recent rehang of the collection adds a fresh perspective, inviting visitors to explore and engage with the rich artistic heritage of Britain. Entry is free, and the gallery's dedication to promoting British art nationally and internationally remains unwavering.

Location: Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG.  Website: tate.org.uk. Instagram: @tate.

 Tate Modern

Image: Tate Modern. Hyundai Commission: Kara Walker Fons Americanus 2019 © MTotoe

#FLODown: Tate Modern, opened in 2000, located in the former Bankside Power Station, is a renowned art gallery in London. It houses an impressive collection of modern art, featuring works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Kngwarreye, and Holzer. With its diverse and extensive collection, Tate Modern offers a comprehensive view of contemporary and 20th-century artworks. Over the years, the gallery has hosted notable exhibitions by acclaimed artists, including Damien Hirst's diamond-encrusted skull, Ai Weiwei's sunflower seeds installation, and Yayoi Kusama's mesmerising Infinity Rooms. These exhibitions have contributed to the gallery's reputation as a leading art institution.

Location: Tate Modern Bankside, London SE1 9TG. Website: tate.org.uk. Instagram: @tate.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Image: Dulwich Picture Gallery. March 2023. © MTotoe 

#FLODown: Founded in 1811, Dulwich Picture Gallery holds the distinction of being the world's first purpose-built public art gallery. It is home to a remarkable permanent collection of Baroque masterpieces and serves as a prominent venue for leading exhibitions in the UK. Designed by the esteemed architect Sir John Soane, the gallery's interconnected rooms adorned with skylights have set a global standard in gallery design. In addition to its impressive collection, the gallery offers a diverse range of public events and temporary exhibitions. Over the years, Dulwich Picture Gallery has hosted notable exhibitions featuring the works of renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Van Dyck, Indian Ragamala paintings, Tom Thomson, Norman Rockwell, and the Wyeth family.

Location: Gallery Road, Dulwich, London, Greater London, England, SE21 7AD. Website: dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk. Instagram: @dulwichgallery.

Leake Street Arches

Image: Leake Street Arches. August 2019. © MTotoe 

#FLODown: Leake Street Arches is a vibrant hub for urban art, dining, and entertainment. The former railway arches, including the famous Graffiti Tunnel, have been transformed into a dynamic space that encourages graffiti. It attracts established and emerging artists while also offering independent restaurants, bars, and the Vaults Theatre for live shows and the annual VAULT Festival. It's the perfect place to discover new and established street artists.

Location: Leake Street, London, SE1 7NN. Website: leakestreetarches.london. Instagram: @leakestreetarches.

  Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)  

Image: Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA). Image courtesy of Institute of Contemporary Arts

#FLODown: Founded in 1946 by a collective of artists, poets, and supporters, the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) is an integral part of the London art scene, located on The Mall. Renowned for its groundbreaking exhibitions, performances, and keynote lectures, the ICA has featured some of the world's leading thinkers. As the former home of the Independent Group, the ICA has played a crucial role in shaping art movements, including Pop art, and pioneering punk, performance art, and independent cinema. It has hosted the first institutional exhibitions of esteemed artists such as Francis Bacon, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Tacita Dean, Damien Hirst, and many others, along with historic performances by Laurie Anderson, Einstürzende Neubauten, and Yoko Ono. With its galleries, cinemas, bookshop, and bar, the ICA remains a vibrant hub for contemporary culture, embracing a radical and independent approach to the London arts scene.

Location: The ICA, The Mall, St. James's, London SW1Y 5AH. Website: ica.art. Instagram: @icalondon.

NOW Gallery

Image: NOW Gallery. Image courtesy of NOW Gallery.

#FLODown: NOW Gallery, situated in south east London's Greenwich Peninsula, is a remarkable exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art, fashion, photography, and design. The gallery provides a platform for diverse artistic expression, welcoming artists, designers, and creatives from various backgrounds and career stages. It encourages freedom of perspective within the gallery and the surrounding public realm, fostering a dynamic environment for creativity. Through showcasing a wide range of artistic disciplines, NOW Gallery offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with and explore the vibrant world of contemporary art and design. Past exhibitions have featured renowned artists such as Camille Walala, Molly Goddard, Simon Heijdens, Ricardoo Cavolo, Margaux Carpentier, Emmanuelle Moureaux, and Hattie Stewart.

 Location: The Gateway Pavilions, Greenwich Peninsula, London, SE10 0SQ. Website: nowgallery.co.uk . Instagram: @nowgalleryse10.

Qrystal Partners 

Image: Qrystal Partners. @qrystal_se1

#FLODown: Qrystal Partners is a cool addition to the South London art gallery scene, launched by London fashion designer Supriya Lele and her business partner Donald Ryan. Located near Elephant & Castle tube station, the creative space aims to challenge traditional gallery contexts and encourage experimentation in the art world. They seek to provide a unique platform for artists without the primary focus on profit. Their inaugural exhibition featured the works of painter Jai Chuhan.

Location: Qrystal Partners, 7 Newington Causeway, SE1 6ED. Website:qrystalpartners.com. Instagram: @qrystal_SE1.

The Painted Hall

#FLODown: The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College is a renowned masterpiece designed by Sir James Thornhill in the early 18th century. Spanning 40,000 square feet, it showcases breathtaking images on its walls and ceilings. Following a two-year conservation project, the Painted Hall reopened in 2019, drawing visitors who appreciate its exquisite beauty. Managed by the Greenwich Foundation, this historic site offers a grand and culturally significant experience. It has also hosted notable exhibitions such as Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram, featuring a giant depiction of the moon set against the hall's Baroque backdrop.

Location: Old Royal Naval College, London SE10 9NN. Website: ornc.org. Instagram: @oldroyalnavalcollege.