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Since then, numerous extensions have been added onto Somerset House and it remains a residence with a very eclectic selection of tenants. From small tech start-ups to the British Fashion Council and King’s College of London’s Law School, it really is a vast array. Catherine Braganza, wife of King Charles II, was the next – and last – royal resident, living at Somerset House until her death in 1693. While resident, theatre-loving Anne commissioned some of the best architects in Europe to add onto Somerset House, then renamed “Denmark House” in her honour. Unfortunately, she never saw it completed as she died before it is finished. Over the next 150 years, the Palace became a home for at least two princesses – Princess Elizabeth who moved in at age 20, staying until she became Queen Elizabeth I, and Princess Anne of Denmark, wife of James I.
Things To Do in Somerset House
The story of Somerset House reads much like an epic saga, filled with lords, princesses and dramatic battles. Ultimately, they wanted to create a foundation for the serious study of art – a project that was realised when the Institute opened its doors in 1932 – the first academic centre devoted to the history of art. The Courtauld dates back to 1933 and has been busy amassing an impressive collection of artworks ever since.
Experience our history in person
Review: Sebastião Salgado at London’s Somerset House - Observer
Review: Sebastião Salgado at London’s Somerset House.
Posted: Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:06:52 GMT [source]
Somerset House Studios is an experimental workspace in the centre of London connecting artists, makers and thinkers with audiences. The Courtauld Gallery | North WingThe Courtauld Gallery has reopened its doors following the most significant modernisation project in its history. The multiple listings information is provided by The MLS/CLAW from a copyrighted compilation of listings.
Somerset House Studios
Never one to be put in a box, past exhibitions have ranged from a collection of Snoopy cartoons to shows as part of London Fashion Week and just about everything in between. From the interesting and challenging temporary art exhibitions hosted in its gallery space to the outdoor music gigs and film screenings, there’s always something new to explore. Information provided is for viewer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties the viewer may be interested in purchasing.
The compilation of listings and each individual listing are © 2024 The MLS/CLAW. The information provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate, and should be independently verified. If you’re looking to get the tube, the closest stop is Temple. This will drop you off just metres from the riverside entrance to Somerset House.
It’s pretty amazing to revel to the sounds of your current faves while in the shadow of one of London’s most historic buildings. Somerset House is one of my favourite places to visit in London – a beautiful palace on the outskirts of Covent Garden that has been turned into one of the city’s coolest cultural hubs. Admission to Somerset House is free, but you’ll need to buy a ticket for some exhibitions and events. As the home of cultural innovators, Somerset House connects creativity and the arts with wider society.
When was this home built and last sold?
For a time, it was then used by the wife of Charles I, Henrietta Maria of France, who was a Roman Catholic and had a chapel created within the buildings. Unfortunately for Edward, just three years later he was the victim of a dramatic coup which culminated in his execution in the Tower of London in 1552. It’s not only in the summertime when Somerset House’s iconic courtyard is transformed into something spectacular. Each winter, the courtyard becomes a little slice of a winter wonderland, with its own skating rink. The concerts are held in the expansive courtyard area of Somerset House.
Places to Eat and Drink in Somerset House
Perhaps most fitting, given its history, though, was the 2008 film The Duchess starring Keira Knightley. By this time, royal purses were also nearly exhausted by the constant expenses of war, and the decision was made to try to sell Somerset House. Somerset House is really an incredible sight to behold, but it’s even more spectacular when you know the history behind it.
In its place, William Chamberlain designed a new building, which would be open, at least in part, to the public to enjoy (lest they get any more ideas about overthrowing the monarchy). After a recent renovation, the prestigious art gallery has reopened and features brand new exhibition spaces for their impressive collection. Another of the most famous summer Somerset House events is Summer Screen, which sees the beautiful courtyard become London’s premier outdoor cinema. Somerset House plays host to a revolving door of artistic exhibitions. These include visual art across mediums including sculpture, painting, photography as well as live performances.
It enables surprising alliances, convergences and chance encounters, which move people and disciplines outside of themselves. This constant sideways take is also felt in its public programming which brings subjects and methods together in experimental forms. It celebrates differences and apparent incompatibilities with surprising, often magical results. Somerset House’s most iconic experiences, staged in its courtyard, cannot be created elsewhere. They mix the unusual, the transgressive and the joyful in the most original and memorable ways. It’s refreshing to see such an important historical site showcasing such an eclectic range of contemporary arts.
Somerset House sits on the banks of the Thames, one of London’s former riverside palaces, now transformed into a cultural and arts hub. Admission to Somerset House is free, you can book in advance for certain exhibitions and events. Somerset House is a new kind of arts centre in the heart of London, designed for today’s audiences and creatives. Around this time, England fell into a series of bitter civil wars and only after a few years in London, Henrietta fled for Oxford with Charles. Charles was executed as part of the English Civil Wars (I’m sensing a pattern here) and Henrietta Maria returned to Paris, almost destitute.
One of favourite galleries in London, there are more than 500 paintings and 26,000 other works, spanning from medieval times through to today. Running for two weeks, the event sees the courtyard brimming with movie lovers from everyday Londoners (and visitors) to even a few famous faces. Somerset House looks like pretty much any other Neoclassical Georgian building at first glance – albeit a rather impressive one (there’s a reason I chose it as one of the most handsome spots in London). The buildings are striking, but wait until you hear the stories behind them. Somerset House pursues a spirit of ‘Step Inside, Think Outside’ for everyone, regardless of age, stage or background. Its energy is unending - intensifying creativity, multiplying opportunity, driving artistic and social innovation, sometimes personal transformation, all at once.
Construction began on the beautiful palace, which would be one of the most lavish in all of England. A sleek-yet-approachable bar on the roof of one of London’s most recognisable and impressive buildings? Beautiful as the pieces at the Courtauld are, its history also warrants a glance. The Institute that runs the Gallery (the Courtauld Institute of Art) and the Gallery itself were both founded by three men, Samuel Courtauld, Lord Lee of Fareham and Sir Robert Witt. While by day it’s all very family-friendly, there are also “lates” where DJs spin some great tracks and the vibe becomes significantly more festive.
It brings worlds and minds together to intensify creativity and multiply opportunity, driving artistic and social innovation at once. If you’re looking for where Somerset House is, it can be a little tricky as there are actually four entrances. However, each one will take you through to the exhibitions, cafe and restaurant. As it is such a well-known and loved icon of London, Somerset House has featured as a film location in many movies, from James Bond to Sherlock Holmes.
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