London’s iconic Greenwich Peninsula is no stranger to total transformation. Once a marshland on the River Thames, then an industrial hub, and now the vibrant cultural quarter we know and love today, it’s a cornerstone of London’s evolutionary spirit with a plethora of fantastic things to do. One of the most unexpectedly beloved is the Greenwich Peninsula Art Trail, which features an eclectic collection of sculptures and artworks that beautifully blend and contrast with the surrounding urban landscape – and best of all, it’s completely free.
This trail offers a unique exploration of contemporary art, with pieces that intrigue, inspire, and invite conversation. Among the trail’s standout pieces are six contributions from Damien Hirst, a renowned British artist whose controversial and provocative works have made him a household name in the art world.
Highlights from the Greenwich Peninsula Art Trial:
The Greenwich Peninsula has become the ultimate destination for arts and culture; it is home to the O2 Arena after all. However, this fabulous public art trial won’t cost you an arm and a leg like a sold-out concert, but expect to pay for your transportation and a lovely, little lunch perhaps. So without further ado, here are some of the must-see artworks and sculptures to check out on the Greenwich Peninsula Art Trail.
- Demon with Bowl by Damien Hirst: The undisputed crown jewel of the art trail, this striking 60ft sculpture embodies Hirst’s signature blend of beauty and the macabre. Positioned against the backdrop of the Thames, this piece features a monumental model of the human form, being a celebration of our bodies and a stark reminder of our mortality.
- Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos by Murugiah: Located near the O2 Arena, this piece encompasses the cosmos in a spectacle of colour and light. Inspired by his roots and ideas of intersectionality, surreal Rangoli are painted on the ground, which are patterns found in Hindu homes to welcome the goddess Lakshmi. It’s truly a feast for the eyes (returning this Autumn).
- 33 by Studio Weave: Walk inside this magnificent sculpture to explore its detail and beauty. Enter a three-storey, make-believe world of large-scale murals, mixing Georgian, Victorian and Tudor architectural styles together to form this whimsical artwork. Once at the top, enjoy great views of the Design District and Central Park.
- Siblings by Morag Myerscough: Add a splash of colour to your day by visiting this stunning celebration of bold patterns and bright vibrancy. Myerscough has used colour blocking to transform functional spaces into literal works of art, playing with perspective using geometric shapes and repetition.
More artworks from Damien Hirst on the trail:
As mentioned previously, this fabulous art trail features several works by the renowned artist Damien Hirst, making it the largest free, publicly accessible collection of his art in the entire world. Beyond Demon with Bowl, Hirst has created five other sculptures, including those made for his Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable project.
Other notable pieces you need to check out include The Mermaid, which is a gorgeous and intricate sculpture of the beloved mythical creature, as well as Hyda and Kali, a 17-foot-high sculpture depicting the Hindu goddess fighting a serpent.
There’s also The Diver, which beautifully contrasts the mystical-driven counterparts, portraying a woman about to take a dive, in the form of a large-scale, bronze sculpture. However, there are so many more pieces to discover all across the Greenwich Peninsula, so make sure to get out there and start exploring.
More info on this self-guided art tour around Greenwich:
To explore the Greenwich Peninsula Art Trail, visitors can start at Peninsula Square near North Greenwich tube station, however, we highly recommend flying in on the Cable Car. It’s an unforgettable experience, plus you get a brilliant view of one of Damien Hirst’s Demon with Bowl.
A digital map is recommended to navigate the trail and ensure all artworks are seen. The trial not only showcases stunning art but also offers picturesque views of the Thames and the surrounding cityscape. It’s the perfect outing for art enthusiasts or for those looking to enjoy a scenic weekend walk through one of London’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.
If you want even more art and culture in Greenwich, you can even visit the NOW Gallery, who specialise in large-scale installations with a focus on fashion, photography, design and art.