Art After Dark
Art After Dark returns to London's West End on the 12th and 13th October 2023. Experience world-class art institutions including The National Gallery, the Royal Academy of Arts, and the National Portrait Gallery after-hours. Plus, discover free outdoor artworks and independent galleries across Piccadilly and St. James's.
On Friday 13th October, after sunset, be immersed in London's iconic art institutions - the Royal Academy of Arts, The National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery.
Immerse yourself in art and culture with free art exhibitions, and venture into remarkable free collections, alongside ticketed exhibitions such as the Marina Abramović exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts.
Marina Abramović, an art world icon and a performance art pioneer, has been captivating audiences for the past 50 years by pushing the boundaries of her body and mind.
Marina Abramović Hon RA has earned worldwide acclaim as a performance artist. Her work consistently pushes the limits of her physical and mental endurance, often subjecting herself to exhaustion, pain, and even the possibility of death.Additionally, a new generation of performance artists, trained in the Marina Abramović method, will reperform some of her pieces.
Live performance art can be both startling and intimate. For Abramović it also has the power to be transformative. Experience this yourself through performances of Imponderabilia, Nude with Skeleton, Luminosity and The House with the Ocean View.
After your art experience, unwind at the Poster Bar by Jose Pizarro where every drink you order comes with a free pintxo—a delightful Basque specialty. Pintxos are small, tasty bites served on slices of bread held together with toothpicks.
They're a beloved treat in Spain, especially in the Basque region. Visit the Poster Bar between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm to savour a complimentary pintxo alongside your drink. No need to make a reservation.
The Royal Academy of Arts is a lively centre for art and creativity. King George III founded it in 1768, and it's now overseen by renowned artists and architects who have a deep passion for art. Over the years, the Royal Academy has been a crucial player in the art world, supporting artists and empowering them to reach their full potential.
Earlier this year, the National Portrait Gallery underwent an amazing three-year makeover and reopened its doors. This gallery is a must-see for art lovers, with a fantastic collection of 250,000 portraits that cover the years from the 1840s to today.
When you step inside, you'll find portraits celebrating all kinds of people, from famous figures to everyday heroes. The gallery is filled with an impressive variety of artwork, including pieces by well-known artists and up-and-coming talents. It's a diverse and exciting place for anyone who loves art.
As you explore the gallery, make sure you stop by the Art of London Presents: Take A Moment 2023 display. Curated by renowned photographer Ray Burmiston, this unique display brings together hundreds of sports and entertainment stars to promote mental health awareness.
Discover exclusive portraits showcasing well-known figures such as Ronan Keating, Ricky Gervais, Olivia Attwood, Denise Van Outen, Rob Beckett, Josh Widdecombe, Kano, Heather Small, and Fred Sirieix.
Established in 1824 The National Gallery is home to a vast collection of masterpieces from the Western European tradition.
Spanning centuries, the gallery showcases an impressive range of paintings, from the late 13th to the early 20th century. You can experience the works of legendary artists including Bellini, Cézanne, Degas, Leonardo, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Titian, Turner, Van Dyck, Van Gogh, and Velázquez.
Check out the free exhibition by Paula Rego: Crivelli’s Garden, where you can delve into the connection between Dame Paula Rego's impressive painting and the 15th-century altarpiece that inspired it.
While at the gallery, be sure to drop in the free music session ‘Resonate: Sounds in the Gallery’. This is a unique collaboration curated by Roony 'RiskyRoadz' Keefe, featuring the talented rapper and mental health advocate, Shocka. With an introduction from Roony and National Gallery Educator, Fiona Alderton, Shocka will perform and share his connection with Anthony van Dyck's 'Charity' exploring the themes of the painting and Shocka's interpretation of charity today in relation to his work supporting others.
Complete your art and culture experience by visiting Ochre, nestled within The National Gallery on London's famous Trafalgar Square. Here, as an Art After Dark attendee, you can enjoy a free complimentary glass of fizz - to claim this exclusive offer ensure you book in advance and quote ‘Art After Dark’.
Art After Dark
Discover London's vibrant art scene by exploring free outdoor public artworks and visiting world-class art institutions including the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Academy of Arts, and the National Gallery.
From world-class art galleries and institutions, to the West End’s best theatres, cinemas, hotels, restaurants and bars, find the venues you’re looking for with our business listings.
Gallery
The Royal Academy of Arts is a world-renowned art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London. For over 250 years, the RA has existed to champion art and artists and offers a place where art is made, exhibited and debated. Enjoy their expanded campus with free displays, new spots to eat, drink and shop, and much more.
Restaurant
London’s much-loved Spanish chef José Pizarro – has opened two new vibrant day offerings at the Royal Academy of Arts. On the ground floor of Burlington Gardens, the Poster Bar by José, is a café offering an informal drop-in menu of delicious tapas and drinks.
Gallery
The National Gallery is one of London's greatest art museums located in Trafalgar Square, London. Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.
Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery sits seconds away from Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square, London. It was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856 and houses the world's largest collection of personalities and faces, from the late Middle Ages to the present day.