Installation
Bringing a new way of seeing art, and a new way of experiencing an art exhibition, get ready to explore art beyond gallery walls, featuring works from London’s leading institutions and Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year.
This is a FREE, non-ticketed event.
Simply download the app for free on your iOS or Android device and explore the streets of London's West End to get started. Search "Art of London AR Gallery" to find the app in your app store.
For those looking to make the most of their visit, check out the Augmented Reality itinerary, offering complimentary things to do on your tour and even more art to explore.
Image credit: Equestrian Portrait of Charles, by Anthony van Dyck, about 1637-8 © The National Gallery, London
Art of London will be spilling art onto the streets of London’s West End with an Augmented Reality Art Gallery, bringing a new way of seeing art, and a new way of experiencing an art exhibition.
From 6th May, the Augmented Gallery offers a free cutting-edge public art experience showcasing paintings from London’s leading institutions through an accessible augmented reality app.
At this challenging time, galleries will be coming together to display a curation of their most beloved classic art pieces outdoors in an free and accessible environment for all, using augmented reality to present the public with the art gallery of the future.
Follow a collectable trail of digital art from Trafalgar Square to Green Park and explore a fascinating curation of masterpieces. Works from the likes of the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts and Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year will all be on display, offering you the chance to experience their art beyond gallery walls.
Download the app on iOS or Android and visit London’s West End to get started. Simply, search "Art of London AR Gallery" to find the app in your app store.
Plus, for those looking to make a day of your visit to the Augmented Reality Art Gallery, check out our itinerary. Filled with complimentary things to do and even more art to explore, get ready to plan the ultimate trip for art addicts in London's West End.
The Augmented Gallery has been extended to include three brand new locations, including showcasing artwork from the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts and Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year, from 8th July 2021.
Additional artworks added to the trail from July include The Wilton Diptych from the National Gallery located at The May Fair Hotel, a colourful portrait interpretation of David Bowie by Stephen Finer. Located at the The Wolseley portrait of much-loved DJ and Music Producer Jazzie B Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year 2019 finalist, Tom Mead.
Brought to you by Art of London, in partnership with National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts and broadcast partner Sky Arts.
Image credit, left to right: Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh from the National Gallery collection; Sir Ian McKellen by Christian Hook from Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year; Angelica Kauffman RA, Design, 1778-80, Oil on canvas, 126 x 148.5 cm. Photo credit: ©Royal Academy of Arts, London; photographer: John Hammond; Nile Rodgers by Christabel Blackburne from Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year.
The trail is free and available at the push of a button. To get started, simply download the app on your iOS or Android device. Or, search "Art of London AR Gallery" to find the app in your app store.
Within the app, you’ll find a map, highlighting the trail of contemporary plaques which you’ll need to find on walls spread around the West End, from Orange Street to St. Martin’s Lane, Leicester Square through to Piccadilly Circus, around St James’s towards Piccadilly.
Each plaque contains a description of the trail, the specific painting and a QR code. When scanned, this opens the app and the user can tilt phone up to the easily identifiable Art of London marker located on the wall to view painting through augmented reality.
The makers are the key to unlocking each painting. They look just like the images below.
Image credit: Bathers at Asnieres by Georges Seurat from the National Gallery collection.
Get ready to explore artworks from the three headline galleries National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and Royal Academy of Arts, alongside contemporary works from artists from Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year.
From Anthony van Dyck’s Equestrian Portrait of Charles I, which spans over 3.5 metres high and nearly 3 metres wide, located on the National Gallery’s wall, to Sir Ian McKellen by Christian Hook from Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2014, there’s something for everyone to discover in the heart of London’s West End.
To learn more about each painting, discover the trail and immerse yourself in art. The full list of works on display and their locations are:
Image credit, left to right: Noël Coward by Clemence Dane, before 1939 © National Portrait Gallery, London; Bathers at Asnieres by Georges Seurat from the National Gallery collection; Malala Yousafzai by Shirin Neshat, 2018 © National Portrait Gallery, London; Mary Moser RA, Spring, c.1780, oil on canvas, 63.5 x 53.3 cm. Photo credit: ©Royal Academy of Arts, London; photographer: John Hammond.
Exhibition
Born a century apart, but united by art, get ready to explore this must-see exhibition delving deep into both artists fascination with women, their emotions and ageing - Now offering a FREE virtual tour.
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.
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.
Theatre
The London Coliseum is a multi-arts venue that welcomes everyone. With 2,359 seats it is the West End’s largest theatre. Designed by theatrical architect Frank Matcham, it opened in 1904 with the ambition of being the ‘people’s palace of entertainment’. Today the London Coliseum is home to English National Opera (ENO) and stages a wide variety of ENO operas, musicals, ballets and concerts. The theatre also offers guided tours throughout the year.
Retail
Since 1707, Fortnum & Mason has been home to extraordinary food, joy-giving things and unforgettable dining experiences. Situated on Piccadilly, it's the most luxurious department store in the world. Offering full range of luxury signature hampers and gift boxes, sweet and savoury treats, and gifts for every occasion.