The West End Gallery HOP! is back in London's West End today, Thursday 12th October for Art After Dark. Hop from gallery to gallery and explore London's independent art and culture scene. Plus discover incredible dining spots, places to sip, and check out new public artworks.
This guide will help you make the most of Art After Dark highlighting the top activities not to miss out on.
Stop One: Where to Eat
Before immersing yourself in London's rich art and culture, indulge in the city's top-notch dining experiences. As an Art After Dark attendee, you can enjoy exclusive offers at some of London's finest restaurants.
Indulge in the flavours of Southern soul food restaurant, Americana. Enjoy an exciting new tasting menu with 11 delicious small plates, paired with drinks (including 1 Prosecco, 3 Wines, and a Bourbon) for just £30 per person (regular price is £50) when booking by quoting ‘Art After Dark’.
Nestled near Piccadilly, Americana's exterior radiates the charm of Southern American culture, nestled among London's iconic architecture and lively streets.
Stop Two: West End Gallery HOP!
Explore London's vibrant independent art and culture scene during the West End Gallery HOP! Independent galleries across Piccadilly and St James's will stay open late, inviting art and culture enthusiasts to explore different galleries after opening hours.
You can pick up a map from participating galleries or visit here to plan your art and culture-filled journey. Galleries in the St James’s area include Stern Pissarro Gallery, Saatchi Yates, Cristea Roberts Gallery, White Cube, David Gill Gallery, KOPPEL 180º, Centre for British Photography, Skarstedt and Royal Watercolour Society.
Established in 1964, Stern Pissarro Gallery is co-owned by David Stern and Lélia Pissarro, the great-granddaughter of Camille Pissarro. The Gallery specialises in Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary art, with a primary focus on the works of Camille Pissarro and his family.
Explore Lélia Pissarro's (B. 1963) 'Traces of Giverny Exhibition,' featuring a captivating series of large-scale abstract paintings. These artworks draw inspiration from her connection to the Impressionist painter Claude Monet.
With a reputation for breaking boundaries, the gallery was founded by the dynamic duo of Phoebe Saatchi Yates and Arthur Yates. This gallery not only showcases art but also serves as a vibrant hub, committed to fostering emerging talents and curating unforgettable exhibitions.
Experience the stunning art collection of Will St. John at Saatchi Yates. Inspired by the French Rococo tradition, his work beautifully captures its whimsical charm, lush brushwork, and soft pastel colours.
Cristea Roberts Gallery is a leading international contemporary art gallery specialising in original prints and works on paper.
Check out the Yinka Shonibare CBE Ritual Ecstasy of the Modern Exhibition. Presenting new woodblock prints and hand-painted sculptures inspired by African ritual artefacts, alongside earlier works featuring the iconic all-American cowboy motif and symbols of the British Empire.
MTArt Artist Claire Luxton ©
MTArt Poetic Robert Montgomery ©
Stop Three: Outdoor Artworks
Brought to you by Art of London, Art After Dark transforms the streets of London's West End with incredible public artworks.
Visit Leicester Square Gardens and experience an inflatable immersive sculpture titled 'The Cornucopia’ brought to life by British contemporary MTArt artist Claire Luxton. Known for her expertise in installations, photography, and poetry, Luxton draws inspiration from nature, exploring the connection between humanity and the natural world.
'The Cornucopia' is a striking, brightly-coloured masterpiece standing tall towering above Leicester Square Gardens. This awe-inspiring creation embodies the spirit of growth, beauty, and the lively energy of the West End, blossoming from the ground in a mythical form.
Leicester Square Gardens is also home to an illuminated, neon installation by MTArt poetic artist Robert Montgomery who fuses art and design in a poem titled 'The People You Love.'
Robert Montgomery, born in Scotland in 1972, is known for his light installations in European cities - Berlin, London, Paris, Athens, and more. His work has been displayed worldwide, including at the Aspen Art Museum and the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in the USA. His art is also part of the permanent collections at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Albright Knox Museum.
As an Art After Dark bonus on Friday 13th October you can catch an exclusive screening inspired by Marina Abramović's art on the iconic Piccadilly Lights, coinciding with her major autumn exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts.
Stop Four: Refuel and Indulge
After immersing yourself in the Art After Dark experience, end the evening on a high with exclusive dining offers.
Visit the iconic seafood restaurant, J Sheeky located in the Heart of London's West End. Savour a complimentary glass of champagne when you make a reservation in advance and quote 'Art After Dark'.
Established in 1896 'Sheeky's' has been providing theatregoers, casts, audiences and friends with the finest seafood and shellfish. You can't miss the restaurant's distinctive ruby red exterior, a central bar showcasing crustaceans, and walls filled with framed photos of well-known personalities—all of which add to the restaurant's charm.