Somerset House

Somerset House was built on the site of the Palace of the Dukes of Somerset in the late eighteenth century by William Chambers. Until the nineteenth century Somerset House reached the waters edge, but this was changed with the building of the embankment, though the southern face of the building still features boat moorings.

Previously known for holding the register of births, deaths and marriages, Somerset House is now primarily an arts centre and haven; also home to the Courtauld Gallery, with the most impressive collection of paintings on display anywhere in London including works by Rubens, Bottecilli, Renoir, Manet and many, many more. Also housed here is the Gillbert Collection, an impressive museum of decorative art that first opened in 2000. The Hermitage Rooms regularly feature exhibitions from the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

The beautiful, central courtyard area is regularly used as a venue for cultural events; including open air film screenings, concerts, and an ice-skating rink in winter months which proves so popular that tickets are often sold out well in advance!

Waterloo Bridge connects to the River Terrace which has a café and is often used to display sculpture.

Admission to each museum is charged separately, although admission to Fountain Court is free of charge.

Somerset House gallery and exhibitions spaces are currently open:
Monday, Tuesday, Saturday & Sundays 10.00 - 18.00
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 11.00 - 20.00
but will have different times for certain special events.

The courtyard is accessible until 11pm daily.