Somerset House at 25

SOMERSET HOUSE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH A SPECIAL YEAR OF PROGRAMMING AND NEW INITIATIVES

FULL PRESS KIT AVAILABLE HERE

25 years ago, Somerset House was a set of government offices and a carpark, a far step away from its radical transformation to become an unrivalled centre for cultural innovators and internationally acclaimed arts destination. To mark its 25th birthday year, the organisation announced a number of ‘firsts’: a special year of programming and a brand new visual identity. A number of cultural luminaries also comment on the role Somerset House has played and continues to play in the cultural world.

HIGHLIGHTS

• TALENT 25: Acclaimed interdisciplinary artist, Yinka Ilori, will helm a brand-new initiative which will expand upon Somerset House’s existing commitment to investing in creative potential. The scheme, aided by an industry-leading panel, will spotlight five innovative gamechangers from Somerset House’s creative community who are shaping the future, providing them with financial and professional developmental support. 
• STEP INSIDE 25: In a way that’s not been done before, the entire building, including its lesser-known artist studios, will be opened to the public. This free, inclusive and family-friendly event invites everyone to connect with the resident cultural innovators and their inspiring work. The diverse programme features dance, music, performances, exhibition viewings, film screenings, workshops, tours, and family-friendly activities, offering something for all.
• NEW RIVERSIDE BAR SETLIST: Setlist, a brand-new riverside bar, will be joining the existing onsite culinary offerings when it launches in April 2025. Featuring innovative chefs, inspiring artists, and exceptional musicians.
• NEW VISUAL IDENTITY: Today Somerset House also revealed a fresh visual identity designed to reflect its role as a hub for cultural innovation. The new design embodies the essence of its spirit line: “Step inside, think outside’. 
• SPECIAL YEAR OF PROGRAMMING: including large-scale courtyard commissions and multidisciplinary commissions from Tai Shani to Sir Wayne McGregor.
• CULTURAL LUMINARIES: From Pedro Almodovar to Nitin Sawhney comment on the impact of Somerset House’s role in cultural life. 

Alongside these firsts, a number of PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS were unveiled with major courtyard takeovers from high profile artists and distinctively ‘Somerset House’ exhibitions looking at real world problems with a creative lens;

• Landmark exhibition SOIL: The World at Our Feet, celebrating the wonder of soil and its unbreakable bond to all life on Earth.  
• A large-scale courtyard sculpture from Turner prize winning artist and Somerset House Studios resident Tai Shani, drawing on the archetypal fairytale image of a sleeping figure. The Spell and the Dream brings together sculpture, radio, live gatherings and a host of guest contributors, to collectively dream of new horizons.
• The first ever exhibition exploring the polymath practice of acclaimed choreographer Sir Wayne McGregor, and his trail-blazing collaborations that have radically redefined how we think about performance, movement and the body.  
• As part of the acclaimed annual Summer Series, Somerset House Studios resident Akinola Davies Jr. will premiere his latest film, capturing the everyday rituals that shape the rhythms of Black life in the UK. The screening will be accompanied by live music, creating a unique and immersive experience.
• Virtual Beauty explores the impact of digital technologies on the traditional concept of beauty, inviting visitors to examine their relationship with identity in the post-internet era. 
• Salt Cosmologies - a multi-dimensional project featuring a large-scale courtyard installation by cross-disciplinary collective Hylozoic/Desires exploring the complex weave of histories and myths around Britain’s imperial salt monopoly in India. 
• Jennie Baptiste - celebrating the visionary work of renowned British photographer known for her portraits capturing the essence of youth culture, music, fashion, and urban life of the Black British diaspora in the 1990s and beyond. 
• Researched and developed in residence at Somerset House Studios, artists Sophia Al-Maria and Lydia Ourahmane create a new outdoor artwork on site inspired by the history of the building, and their collaborative exploration around the idea of ‘right to remain'.

Jonathan Reekie, Director of Somerset House commented: “Somerset House’s 25th birthday programme has been carefully curated to showcase the artistic innovation and cross- disciplinary creativity that defines who we are today. Our intention is not only to celebrate our history but also to  highlight our role as a platform for bold new ideas, fostering an inclusive  creative community. By turning over space to artists and creatives, we’re supporting the next generation of cultural innovators, feeding a programme that provides creative solutions to real-world issues through alternative perspectives. It is remarkable to think how far we’ve come income since the public first entered this beautiful building and courtyard 25 years – establishing Somerset House as a welcoming, leading international arts destination for all."

Justine Simons, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries said: “Over the last 25 years, Somerset House has become a staple of London’s cultural scene and a dynamic home for creatives, bringing people together and nurturing the tremendous talent in our city. I’m really looking forward to this great 25th birthday programme which will inspire and excite audiences,helping us create a better London for everyone.”

STARS PAY TRIBUTE TO ‘CULTURAL FORCE’

Gareth Pugh, fashion designer said: “I think of Somerset House as a cultural aorta, pumping creative, well-oxygenated ideas from the margins upstream. As home to one of the largest and most diverse creative communities in the UK, Somerset House continues to challenge the notion that art and culture are solely the province of the elite. Somerset House is willing to take risks and create space for new ideas to flourish. That’s why within just 25 years it has transformed itself from being a dreary old backwater of the civil service into London’s leading repository of bold ideas and new thinking.”

Leah Williamson, England footballer said: “Somerset House has always been somewhere for us to come as a family and just spend time together. Be that in the fountains on a summer day back when I was a kid, ice skating at Christmas or coming to concerts here with my Grandma. It’s always been my favourite place in the world since I was a little kid and I now recognise Somerset House as less of a place and more of a feeling.”

Pedro Almodóvar, filmmaker said: “I hosted three of my own premieres there and, watching films in Somerset House’s magnificent courtyard under the stars, come rain or shine, are some of my most memorable cinematic experiences. These screenings reminded me of the ones in the village square open-air cinema of my childhood and these are moments I will always cherish and treasure.”

Brian Eno, musician, songwriter, record producer and visual artist said: “This great institution is evolving into something beautiful and significant for the future.”
 
Alison Goldfrapp, musician and record producer said: "Somerset House is truly a special place. To perform there under the open sky and within its historical grounds is a real treat and an honour.  The building has a unique atmosphere. It’s a space where art, music, and life converge so beautifully. Whether on stage or wandering through an exhibition, I feel a deep connection to the spirit of the place – it fuels my imagination every time.”   

Floella Benjamin, broadcaster and author said: “Somerset House has become an oasis for creative inspiration in the heart of the city. It’s somewhere for Londoners of all generations to explore their own creativity and to view the world afresh through the eyes of artists. I’ve seen the impact of this on young people myself through my involvement in Zak Ové’s Get Up, Stand Up Now exhibition back in 2019 that celebrated 50 years of Black creative pioneers. Long may Somerset House continue to encourage creativity nirvana.”

Nitin Sawhney, musician and artist said: "For me Somerset House perfectly embodies the spirit of London.  With its neoclassical grandeur and versatile history, it stands as a timeless treasure bridging the past and present.  Since Jonathan Reekie’s appointment as Director, Somerset House has blossomed into a cultural hub, transforming with the seasons from a shimmering ice-rink in winter to a vibrant stage for summer’s live events. Ever changing, shifting with the times and inspiring both innovation and historical understanding, Somerset House is at the core of London’s heartbeat."

FURTHER  INFORMATION

TALENT 25 – 5 CREATIVE TALENTS TO WATCH

In collaboration with multi-disciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori, Somerset House today announces a brand-new initiative, Talent 25 expanding upon Somerset House’s existing commitment to investing in creative potential by offering a range of opportunities for emerging cultural innovators to thrive. Their existing talent development programmes create career pathways for young people by providing skills, experience and access to an invaluable network, with a firm emphasis on those who are underrepresented in the creative industries. 
  
This year, five leading talents are being selected from across Somerset House’s creative community, from emerging talent to those at the cusp of a breakthrough moment. Throughout 2025, Somerset House will platform their practice and work across multiple outlets and each of the five Talent25 will receive a bursary towards supporting their personal and professional growth. The final selection will be made by an esteemed panel of multi-disciplinary, forward-thinking creatives, led by Yinka IIlori.

”Somerset House has played a pivotal role in my creative journey, offering a platform that nurtures innovation and amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard. I'm proud to support Talent 25, an initiative that reflects Somerset House’s ongoing commitment to fostering the next generation of forward-thinking talent. This is about opening opportunities for cultural pioneers to thrive and providing the support needed to turn ideas into impactful work. Together, we’re building pathways for the future of creativity.” - Yinka Ilori

Further information announcing the panel and selected talent will be announced in March 2025.

NEW RIVERSIDE BAR – SETLIST

Somerset House is excited to announce the expansion of its food and beverage offerings with the upcoming launch of the riverside bar Setlist opening in April 2025. Setlist will platform the breadth of London’s culinary and cultural excellence with innovative chefs, inspiring artists and incredible musicians, all within a bespoke structure offering views across the Thames.
 
Setlist will be home to some of London’s most exciting food talent – inviting monthly guest chefs from diverse backgrounds with an emphasis on female chefs, and an eclectic drinks offer, including hand-picked London-based draft beer, a curated cocktail list and a wine list sourced using the city’s top sommeliers.  
 
Setlist will be powered by its events programme including live music nights, DJ sessions and a custom-made Setlist sound system. Devised by James Dye (of London’s Bambi, Frank’s and Camberwell Arms), Tom Kidd (Nightcap) and Paul Smyth (Somerset House resident and founder of Makerversity).

This new addition will join the much-loved cafe-bar Watch House and the recently opened (mostly) vegan Cafe Petiole, both of which offer views of the iconic courtyard. Completing the current lineup is the award-winning Spring restaurant, renowned for its seasonal British menu crafted by acclaimed chef Skye Gyngell. A further two new dining offers will be announced soon. 

 

STEP INSIDE 25 BIRTHDAY WEEKEND
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September | Free for all 

To mark the 25th Birthday Year, Step Inside 25 will be a free, open-to-all invitation for audiences to celebrate Somerset House’s milestone year and role as the home of cultural innovators. Opening up the entire building, audiences will be invited to discover and explore the lesser-known spaces including London’s best kept secrets, the Deadhouse and Maker Street where visitors can rub shoulders with resident creatives who call Somerset House their home. Reflecting the range of multi-disciplinary talent, the diverse programme will span dance, music, performance, exhibition viewings, film showings. workshops, tours, family activities, retail and more. 
 
 
THE SPELL OR THE DREAM BY TAI SHANI 
8 August – 14 September | Free for all

The Spell or The Dream is a major new work by Turner Prize winner and Somerset House Studios resident artist Tai Shani, drawing together sculpture, radio, live gatherings and a host of guest contributors, to collectively dream of new horizons. Drawing on the archetypal fairytale image of a sleeping figure in a glass box and devised for the iconic Somerset House courtyard, the sculpture - The Dreamer - invokes myths of cursed or enchanted sleeps that last a hundred years, millennia, an eternity; poisoned apples and pricked fingers that lead to suspended states of animation.  
 
Featuring contributions from artists, writers, thinkers, economists, ecologists and academics from around the globe, including many Somerset House Studios artists, The Spell or The Dream is an invitation to understand the necessity of imagining new and hopeful ways of being and building together. 

“To have the opportunity to make work in such a striking, historic venue, at Somerset House and to then present it in the courtyard, is a huge privilege. I’m really looking forward to exploring and weaving together various histories, pop cultural mythologies and politics. The theme of this work is based on our surroundings and how as a society we are seemingly under an 'unbreakable spell or curse' of capitalism - sleeping our way through present and future catastrophes. I want this work to inspire makers, creators and innovators, as well as being a place full of hope for the future.”  Somerset House Studios Artist, Tai Shani.

Curated by Marie McPartlin, Director of Somerset House Studios, and Rahila Haque, Curator
With support from Cockayne – Grants for the Arts

WAYNE McGREGOR: INFINITE BODIES 
24 October 2025 – 22 February 2026 | Ticketed 

This major new show will celebrate internationally renowned director and choreographer Sir Wayne McGregor and his trail-blazing collaborations that have radically redefined how we think about performance, movement and the body.  Audiences will be invited to step inside McGregor’s polymath practice, which has led him beyond the stage and into creative collaborations across an array of artistic forms, scientific disciplines and cutting-edge technologies - all centred around the nature of physical intelligence.  
 
This immersive exhibition will bring together McGregor's celebrated choreographic installations and spectacular new commissions that will explore the incredible possibilities and untapped potentials afforded to the body by rapidly evolving technologies. 

“It is a rare and thrilling opportunity for a choreographic artist’s work to be experienced in an exhibition context where time spent with each creative expression can be longer and less transient than on stage.  Infinite Bodies invites visitors to explore the power of movement through dance, design, and technology as essential interlocutors in humanity's startling physical intelligence – our embodied sense. I'm honoured to be included in the 25th birthday programme, celebrating the vibrant creative community that convenes at Somerset House." Sir Wayne McGregor CBE

Curated by Dr Cliff Lauson, Director of Exhibitions at Somerset House, and writer Philippa Dunn.

SOIL: THE WORLD AT OUR FEET  
23 January - 13 April 2025 | from £15*, tickets on sale now

  This landmark exhibition opens on 23 January 2025 in the Embankment Galleries, inviting the audience to think about soil as much more than just dirt. With over 50 global and local artists, each seek to unlock the secrets of soil, demonstrating how it is the priceless foundation of all life on Earth and celebrating the everyday encounters that most of us don’t typically realise come from the soil.   
 
Running alongside the exhibition, there is also a new digital programme and an extensive programme of public events, including a communal dining experience at Somerset House’s Spring restaurant, a sketching workshop using soil, and a week of activity over the February half-term. 
  
Co-curated by The Land Gardeners, Henrietta Courtauld and Bridget Elworthy; May Rosenthal Sloan, curator and writer, and Claire Catterall, Senior Curator at Somerset House.
 

SUMMER SERIES WITH AMERICAN EXPRESS + AKINOLA DAVIES JR
10 - 20 July 2025 | Ticketed

Featuring as part of the Summer Series and in celebration of Somerset House at 25, BAFTA-nominated filmmaker and Somerset House Studios resident Akinola Davies Jr will premiere a new film, featuring a specially commissioned score performed live by an incredible line up of contemporary musical talent. Made with support from BBC Film, the film documents the everyday rituals that underscore rhythms of Black life in the UK, paying tribute to the collective resonances of the Black British communities in abundance.

Akinola Davies Jr’s commission and live performance is supported by GRoW @ Annenberg as part of the Summer Series with American Express.

 

JENNIE BAPTISTE  
October 2025 – January 2026 | Pay What You Can

Somerset House celebrates the visionary work of Jennie Baptiste, renowned British photographer known for her portraits capturing the essence of youth culture, music, fashion, and urban life of the Black British diaspora in the 1990s and beyond. Her work is deeply inspired by her love for music and platforms people from the ragga and hip-hop scenes, reflecting the vibrant era of 90s pop culture. Bringing together a curated selection of Baptiste's most iconic images, the exhibition will offer an intimate glimpse into the worlds she has documented through her lens. It will be the first solo survey of Jennie Baptiste's work, featuring rare and celebrated works alongside exploratory pieces and unseen work from Baptiste’s personal archive.   

Curated by Kinnari Saraiya, Curator at Somerset House..   
 

SALT COSMOLOGIES 
20 February – 27 April 2025  | Free for all

For the annual Spring commission, Somerset House presents a new multi-dimensional project by Hylozoic/Desires, the cross-disciplinary collective of Himali Singh Soin & David Soin Tappeser. Branching out across three diverse spaces – the Courtyard, Terrace Rooms and Salt Stair – Salt Cosmologies explores the complex weave of histories and myths around Britain’s imperial salt monopoly in India.  
  
Outside in the courtyard, the artists present a large-scale installation that maps out the cartographic path of the Inland Customs Line, a monumental 2500 mile-long ‘hedge’ composed of living vegetation. Established by the British in the 19th century to control the movement and taxation of salt, the artists’ interpretation will feature a series of block-printed fabrics, depicting colonial-era botanical drawings with natural dyes from the plants that composed the vegetal barrier.   
 
Continuing into the South Wing of Somerset House the Salt Stair once administered Britain’s salt duty and this newly refurbished staircase will be made accessible for the first time, allowing the public to revisit the entangled histories of salt in a site-specific setting.    
  
Curated by Dr Cliff Lauson, Director of Exhibitions at Somerset House, and Kinnari Saraiya, Curator at Somerset House. Salt Stair restoration and associated programming supported by a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. 
 

VIRTUAL BEAUTY
23 July – 21 September 2025 | Pay What You Can

Arriving at Somerset House this summer, Virtual Beauty explores the impact of digital technologies on the traditional concept of beauty, inviting visitors to examine their relationship with identity in the post-internet era. The proliferation of social media filters, avatars, artificial intelligence and digital self-curation has radically changed the boundaries of identity, race, gender and sexuality.  This thought-provoking show will feature the work of numerous international artists working across sculpture, photography, installation and video, interrogating the influence of digitalisation on physical bodies and questioning who defines beauty today.  

The exhibition, a project initiated by HEK (House of Electronic Arts, Basel), is co-curated by Bunny Kinney, Gonzalo Herrero Delicado, Mathilde Friis and Claire Catterall, Senior Curator at Somerset House.  
 

SOPHIA AL-MARIA AND LYDIA OURAHMANE: 2125 
From April onwards | Free for all

Researched and developed in residence at Somerset House Studios, Sophia Al-Maria and Lydia Ourahmane’s Lancaster Place commission continues their collaborative exploration of the ‘grey areas’ of England’s narratives, focusing on the notion of the ‘right to remain’.  A quiet rebellion against the unforgiving urban design of central London, Al-Maria and Ourahmane will craft a series of benches from reclaimed Portland stone to mirror the fabric and texture of the building. Each bench will be more than just a place of rest and refuge - but will be designed by the artists to challenge the historical narratives connected to the origins of the reclaimed stone and the new environment they will inhabit.  

Curated by Marie McPartlin, Director of Somerset House Studios and Marina Doritis, Curator at Somerset House Studiios Studios. 

 
2025 SKATE COMMISSION – HAROLD OFFEH
November 2025 – Jan 2026 | Ticketed

To end the birthday year, Somerset House has invited celebrated contemporary artist Harold Offeh to design a unique commission in response to SKATE in the iconic Edmond J. Safra Courtyard. Working in a range of media including performance, video, photography, learning and social arts practice, Offeh is interested in the space created by the inhabiting or embodying of histories, employing humour as a means to confront the viewer with historical narratives and contemporary culture. 

OTHER EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS AND INSTALLATIONS

Now Play This
April 2025 
New Wing, Tickets on sale in February 2025 

Now Play This, the UK’s leading experimental games festival, returns to Somerset House this spring to celebrate Folk Games. This year’s edition focuses on games with traditional roots and learning about other cultures, celebrating diversity and bridging worlds through play. The popular festival offers engaging interaction for all ages to enjoy, fusing art and games to showcase the very latest in independent and innovative game design from around the world.                
                                                                                   
Now Play This is supported by the London Games Festival and Arts Council England. 


London Design Biennale
5-29 June 2025                                                                            
Site-wide, Tickets on sale in February 2025                                                     

London Design Biennale features world-leading design innovation and creativity from countries and institutions around the world. The theme of the 2025 edition, Surface Reflections, will explore how our ideas are fuelled by both our internal experiences and external influences.  Dr. Samuel Ross MBE - founder of A-COLD-WALL* and SR_A SR_A, and the Black British Artists Grants Programme - has been appointed Artistic Director for London Design Biennale 2025.  As well as inviting industry-leading figures from across the world to collaborate for the Biennale, Ross will debut a series of large-scale sculptural works in the courtyard at Somerset House – his first major UK installation. The acclaimed international exhibition will showcase spectacular installations across Somerset House alongside talks, screenings, workshops and a lively events programme for all.

Upgrade Yourself Festival
June 2025 and November 2025
New Wing, Free

Upgrade Yourself, Somerset House’s free programme dedicated to supporting aspiring young creatives make meaningful connections with like-minded individuals and network with industry professionals, will return in 2025, with a series of interactive takeovers and workshops throughout the year. A highlight will be Upgrade Yourself Festival, taking place twice in 2025.  The free weekend festival will feature guest speakers, workshops and bespoke mentoring sessions, empowering 18-30 year olds to access the creative industries.

AGM
October 2025
Somerset House Studios, Tickets on sale in summer 2025

Somerset House Studios celebrates its exceptional resident artist community with its annual  AGM, an unmissable late-night party taking over the pioneering experimental workspace of Somerset House Studios. This year’s edition of AGM will takeover the whole of the New Wing building, and feature captivating live performances and collaborative art installations.

Curated by Somerset House Studios. 

Skate at Somerset House 
12 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
Edmond J. Safra Court, special events announcement and ticket on sale in September 2025

A beloved staple of London’s winter season, Somerset House’s spectacular courtyard will be transformed into an iconic festive destination once again in November 2025, welcoming visitors for an unparalleled skating experience, delectable and decadent warming winter treats, contemporary music and unique gift shopping, all in the heart of the capital. 

Channel 
Somerset House’s online curated space for art, ideas and the artistic process
channel.somersethouse.org.uk

Powered by Somerset House Studios, Channel draws on Somerset House’s unique community to drive a distinctive and evolving programme of new commissions, original films, talks, podcasts and curated content.  The first commission of 2025 will be Sidsel Meineche Hansen: Grumpy, premiering from January, a new digital artwork delving into the relationship between automation and arousal, desire and denial.

Curated by Marie McPartlin and Eleanor Ritter-Scott. 

 

PARTNER PROJECTS

Collect, the leading international fair for contemporary craft and design
28 February - 2 March 2025 (previews 26-27 February)
Somerset House site-wide, tickets on sale now
 
Having honed its distinctive edge over 20 years, Collect celebrates the very best collectable contemporary craft and design from around the world. 
Collect fills Somerset House, bringing together 40 international galleries representing over 400 exceptional contemporary craft artists, allowing collectors to buy with confidence.  Exhibitors at Collect are approved by an external Advisory Panel and over 80% of the work has been made in the past five years, with many newly commissioned pieces created especially for the fair.


London Original Print Fair
20 – 23 March 2025
Somerset House site-wide, tickets on sale now

London Original Print Fair (LOPF) returns for its landmark 40th edition.  Established in 1985, LOPF is the UK capital’s longest-running art fair and one of the world’s oldest specialist print fairs. This special anniversary edition celebrates four decades of dedication to the art of printmaking, bringing together over forty leading international dealers, publishers, and studios. Visitors can look forward to an inspiring programme of curated exhibitions, exclusive launches, engaging talks, and live printmaking demonstrations. The fair offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore and collect original prints, spanning from timeless old masters to contemporary icons, and showcasing the latest works by a new generation of artist-printmakers. Discover six centuries of art history with iconic pieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Dürer, Picasso, Matisse, Miró, Hockney, Freud, Emin, Riley, Rego, and many more.


Sony World Photography Awards 2025 Exhibition
17 April – 5 May 2025
East and West Wing Galleries, Tickets available February 2025

The acclaimed Sony World Photography Awards exhibition returns to Somerset House in April 2025, celebrating the photography shaping our visual language. Now in its 18th edition, this major exhibition spotlights photography today in all its diversity; bringing together artists working across the medium from around the world. Spanning the East and West Wing, the works on view are selected from the winning and shortlisted entries to the Sony World Photography Awards 2025. Also on display is a special showcase by Juliette Pavy, winner of the Photographer of the Year 2024, and a solo presentation from the Outstanding Contribution to Photography recipient, an award which each year celebrates the career and legacy of an artist who has made a significant impact upon the medium. Curated by Monica Allende, the Chair of the Sony World Photography Awards Professional jury, the exhibition and Awards are partnered with Sony and are organised by Creo under its photography strand: the World Photography Organisation.

Photo London
15 – 18 May 2025 (Preview Wednesday 14 May 2025)
Somerset House site-wide, Tickets on sale in February 2025 

Photo London is delighted to return to Somerset House for its 10th anniversary edition. The leading photography fair will once again feature exhibitors from all across the world showing the very best of the past, present and future of the medium, alongside a Public Programme of Exhibitions, Talks, Awards and Book signings.

The tenth edition will feature artists working at the forefront of photographic innovation whilst also celebrating the legacy of Photo London, making it a must-see cultural event.


National Saturday Club Summer Show
12-15 July 2025
Embankment Galleries, Free

The National Saturday Club’s annual summer show returns to Somerset House in July. The exhibition presents the work of more than 2,000 13–16-year-olds who have been attending free, weekly Saturday Clubs at universities, colleges and museums across the country. An inspirational showcase of the creativity and innovation of the nation’s next generation.

1-54
October 2025
Somerset House site-wide, Tickets on sale in 2025

The leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and the African diaspora, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, will return to Somerset House for the 13th consecutive year over four days in October.

ABOUT SOMERSET HOUSE

As the home of cultural innovators, Somerset House is a site of origination, with a cultural programme offering alternative perspectives on the biggest issues of our time. We are a place of joy and discovery, where everyone is invited to Step Inside and Think Outside

From our historic site in the heart of London, we work globally across art, creativity, business, and non-profit, nurturing new talent, methods and technologies. Our resident community of creative enterprises, arts organisations, artists and makers, makes us a centre of ideas, with most of our programme home-grown.    
   
We sit at the meeting point of artistic and social innovation, bringing worlds and minds together to create surprising and often magical results. Our spirit of constant curiosity and counter perspective is integral to our history and key to our future.     

www.somersethouse.org.uk  
@somersethouse

THANK YOUs

With special thanks to Gusbourne who have become Somerset House’s official sparkling wine partner across 2025 and beyond. Gusbourne creates the finest vintage wines using grapes exclusively from their vineyards in Kent and West Sussex.