If you’re craving some cultural stimulation, here are 8 London art galleries to visit after lockdown
By Abbie Schofield
The country is currently in lockdown, but that doesn’t mean Londoners can’t look forward to once again exploring the city’s exhibitions and world-famous institutions.
8 Must-Visit London Art Galleries
Fashion and Textile Museum
With exhibitions looking at the life and style of pioneering fashion icons such as Zandra Rhodes and Anna Sui, as well as deep dives into the history of fashion, Bermondsey’s Fashion and Textile Museum is a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for clothes. While currently closed, future exhibitions in the works include Beautiful People: The Boutique in 1960s Counterculture and Chintz: Cotton in Bloom.
Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XF; ftmlondon.org
Victoria Miro
Islington’s Victoria Miro has been showcasing ‘extended reality’ exhibitions throughout lockdown, available online and on the Vortic Collect app. However, the gallery is still well worth a visit when it reopens. Situated next to Regent’s Canal with a landscaped garden, it exhibits established and emerging artists alike in a beautiful location.
Wharf Road, N1 7RW; victoria-miro.com
Alice Black Art Gallery
Alice Black was founded in 2017, and the gallery’s fresh approach can be seen in its focus on artists who are ‘progressively pushing the bounds of their medium or conceptual inquiry’. An intimate gallery in Soho, its exhibitions are sure to delight the culturally curious.
Rupert Street, W1D 6DD; aliceblackart.com
Serpentine Gallery
Nestled in picturesque Kensington Gardens, next to the Serpentine lake, is the aptly named Serpentine Gallery. Known for its legendary boujie summer parties, this iconic gallery showcases some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists and will be announcing its re-opening dates shortly. Combine a visit to the free gallery with a picnic in the park for the perfect summer outing.
Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA; serpentinegalleries.org
Camden Arts Centre
North London gem Camden Arts Centre is located in an impressive Victorian building and includes a cafe, bookshop, garden and exhibition space. Showcasing contemporary art, the local community can enjoy the gallery and its surroundings for free.
Arkwright Road, NW3 6DG; camdenartcentre.org
White Cube
As well as a gallery in Hong Kong, White Cube has London locations in Mason’s Yard and Bermondsey Street. Having showcased work from the likes of Tracey Emin and Dóra Maurer, this trendy gallery is at the forefront of the contemporary art world and has a number of exhibitions available to view online too. In keeping with social distancing, visitors should book online if attending in person.
Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ & Mason’s Yard, SW1Y 6BU; whitecube.com
Flowers Gallery
Flowers Gallery has two London sites, a smaller venue in Mayfair and a 12,000 square foot warehouse in Shoreditch. The gallery represents more than 50 international artists who work with a variety of mediums from photography to paintwork.
Cork Street, W1S 3LZ & Kingsland Road, E2 8DP; flowersgallery.com
Hauser & Wirth
Hauser & Wirth opens its doors to the public again in July with an exhibition showing the work of brilliant Polish sculptor Alina Szapocznikow and German multimedia artist Isa Genzken.
Savile Row, W1S 2ET; hauserwirth.com
Like this? Check out these lesser known museums in London