Ask even the most cultured Londoner, and they’ll probably tell you that they don’t have enough time or energy to see as much art as they’d like, such is the fast pace of our fair capital.
But, the good news is that there’s a handy cheat: in just a few days time, for the third year running, Art of London’s Art After Dark is turning the West End into a gigantic exhibition space, making it a one-stop shop for would-be culture vultures.
The spectacular seasonal event – running from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 March, and later this year in October – supports its mission to showcase a ‘gallery without walls’ in the capital, with three nights of free late-night gallery openings, a gallery HOP! and a clutch of exclusive restaurant offers to celebrate the occasion.
So, what’s planned at Art After Dark – and, culture lovers, what should you see?
This March, see art for free in the West End
An artist’s impression of the Piccadilly Un:Plugged artwork, coming to central London for just three days in March
Art of London
All eyes will be on the West End over three days as the area becomes an immersive experience courtesy of award-winning multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian.
Referred to as the ‘Willy Wonka of design and science’, her sensory masterpiece Piccadilly Un:Plugged invites you to disconnect from everyday life and ponder the mysteries of the universe.
Inspired by the district’s vibrant culture, the 360-degree exhibition will reflect on astronomy, outer space and environmentalism through surrealist art – and it’s also the ideal spectacle to whet your appetite for March’s partial solar eclipse.
Visitors to Piccadilly Un:Plugged can look forward to asteroid-sized moon rocks scattered across Piccadilly Circus, a pair of towering inflatable sculptures inspired by Schrödinger’s famous quantum physics thought experiment, and an otherworldly soundscape that seemingly connects planet Earth with the moon, courtesy of a partnership with Jodrell Bank observatory. It’s all guaranteed to inspire awe and wonder.
Don’t miss the Art of London Gallery HOP!
Head to Piccadilly Circus to experience award-winning artist and filmmaker Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian’s sensory masterpiece
Nick Ballon
Elsewhere in the West End, the Art of London Gallery HOP! takes place on Thursday 6 March. This allows you to discover up to 20 galleries on a single night with a combination of independent displays and commercial exhibitions.
Simply grab a map from participating venues – everyone from Browse & Darby to Colnaghi and Larkin Durey, among others – and take a self-guided tour at your leisure while uncovering myriad hidden gems in Piccadilly and St James’s. The Art of London Gallery HOP! is like a bar crawl – only with inspiring and intoxicating art on the menu instead of drinks.
Central London late-night gallery openings on 7 March
Also, the capital’s most iconic institutions will throw open their doors until 9pm on Friday 7 March – meaning you’ll finally have time between finishing work and going to bed to enjoy them.
On the night, you’ll get to take in over 220,000 works spanning centuries of history at The National Portrait Gallery, while the Royal Academy of Arts will be showcasing more than 130 works by 10 influential Brazilian artists, and the exhibition at The National Gallery will transport you to the heart of 14th-century Siena.
The West End is alive with creativity at the biannual multi-venue Art After Dark event – and it’s also a great place for food and drink
Art of London
All that culture can help you work up an appetite, but Art After Dark has exclusive dining offers for attendees – simply quote ‘Art After Dark’. Here are three of our favourite foodie offers
- Serving authentic Italian cuisine to the well-heeled of St James’s, Franco’s, Jermyn Street, is offering a complimentary glass of fizz or an alcohol-free alternative when you book in advance
- For the duration of the event, you’ll get a complimentary Japanese sencha tea at the Mochi Donut Bar at Japan Centre, Panton Street, when you quote ‘Art After Dark’ to staff. It’s the ideal accompaniment to a mochi cookie
- Bistrot at Wild Honey, Waterloo Place, is a great spot to cosy up after gallery-hopping with a glass of champagne or a cocktail – yours for free when you book à la carte dining in advance
Terms & Conditions apply for all
Art of London champions art and culture in the West End. To discover more about Art After Dark: Spring Edition 2025, which runs 6-8 March, visit artoflondon.co.uk