Gallery
Kitchen
Bar / Coffee Shop
Public Areas
Neighbourhood
Top 7 Art Galleries In East London
If you’re looking for some culture this summer in and around East London, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to art galleries. Whether you prefer modern street art or the classics there really is something for everyone. Here are our top 7 art galleries in East London to get you started….
Rich Mix Cultural Foundation – 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA (photo credit: Richmix)
Housed in a former leather factory, Richmix is an independent arts venue situated on Bethnal Green Road in Shoreditch. It is home to three cinemas and a multitude of flexible spaces for exhibitions and a hub for real artists from all countries and backgrounds.
Their mission is to be the place where all of the communities of the world come together to make and experience art and feel like they belong. Working with both emerging and established artists there is always something to see at Richmix whether it’s the latest blockbuster movie or a street art exhibition. They also run and promote events, shows and workshops for the under 25’s if you wanted to get involved.
Hales Gallery – 7 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA (photo credit: Hales Gallery)
Open 11am to 6pm Wednesday to Saturday, the Hales Gallery is now in the Tea Building in London’s East End. They feature contemporary art in the form of paintings, sculptures, photographs and other media such a video, which attract worldwide attention. Over the last 20 years, the Hales Gallery has gained a reputation for successfully launching the careers of emerging artists, alongside exhibiting for some of the 21st century’s most significant creative artists.
Barbican Centre – Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (photo credit: Barbican)
In addition to being home to the London Symphony Orchestra, the Barbican is Europe’s largest multi-arts centre and as such have a diverse programme of art, music, theatre, dance and film.
Declared as a ‘modern wonder of the world’ by the Queen in 1982, the Barbican is situated in the heart of London and offers a wealth of culture. It’s well worth checking what’s on during your stay in the City and visiting the Barbican, even if it is only to visit one of the fantastic restaurants, bars or cafes.
Hoxton Gallery – 59 Old Street, EC1V 9HX (photo credit: Hoxton Gallery)
Literally across the road from The Dictionary Hostel (you can see it from the front door!), you’ll find the Hoxton Gallery, which is housed in a Victorian railway arch complete with the exposed brickwork walls and many original features.
The Hoxton Gallery has 160 square metres of exhibition and event space in which to showcase the talented artists and exclusive pop-up exhibitions. Located in the heart of East London’s art and shopping hub it’s one to put on your to-do list.
CNB Gallery @ Tramshed – 32 Rivington Street, EC2A 3LX (photo credit: CNB Gallery)
If you love art and food then the Cock ‘n’ Bull Gallery is the perfect place for you to combine both. This subterranean art space known as CNB gallery showcase the work of established and up and coming artists, presenting 12 exhibitions each year.
You can find the CNB gallery in the basement of Mark Hix’s Tramshed on Rivington Street, in Shoreditch. As a renowned chef, Mark Hix has combined his love for art and food so you can also eat in one of the coolest dining spaces in London and enjoy the Tramshed’s delicious menu.
Whitechapel Gallery – 77-82 Whitechapel High St, E1 7QX (photo credit: Whitechapel Gallery)
Modern masters such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko have premiered at the Whitechapel Gallery since opening in 1901 with the aim to bring great art to the people of East London. Contemporary artists such as Paul Noble, Thomas Struth, Sarah Lucas and Mark Wallinger have followed in their footsteps.
Today the beautiful surroundings of the gallery provide a stunning backdrop to exhibitions, displays and collections and have internationally renowned reputation. The gallery is open all year round (Tuesday to Sunday) and there’s always something free to see – Whitechapel Gallery really is the ‘artists gallery for everyone’.
Matt’s Gallery – 2, 65 Decima Street, SE1 4QR (photo credit: Matt’s Gallery)
This contemporary art space located on Copperfield Road in Bow, East London opened in 1979 in the studio of its director, Robin Klassnik OBE. Today it is truly a unique exhibition space for emerging and established contemporary artists, with the philosophy to support artists with the space and time to take risks, test their limits and surprise even their own intentions.
There are millions of other galleries too so check them out on the app. Or tweet us for gallery suggestions if you think we missed any out!
art, art gallery, brick lane, budget travelling, Hostels, London, photography, Shoreditch, The Dictionary Hostel