1. Hayward gallery entrance (Morley von Sternberg)
    Morley von Sternberg
  2. Hayward gallery architecture (Jonathan Perugia / Time Out)
    Jonathan Perugia / Time Out
  3. Hayward gallery architecture (Jonathan Perugia / Time Out)
    Jonathan Perugia / Time Out
  4. Hayward gallery at night (Sheila Burnett)
    Sheila Burnett

Hayward Gallery

Contemporary art in an iconic brutalist building
  • Art | Performance art
  • South Bank
  • Recommended
India Lawrence
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Time Out says

What is it?

The Southbank Centre’s modern art gallery housed in a glorious heap of concrete brutalism. The Hayward has no permanent collection but hosts a changing programme of innovative and interesting art shows spanning painting, photography and sculpture

Some people absolutely hate this building (King Charles is one of them), but it’s an iconic piece of the South Bank, and the London skyline. 

Why go?

The Hayward programmes some of the biggest and best names in contemporary art, with recent and upcoming blockbuster shows from the likes of Anish Kapoor, Nan Goldin and Yoshitomo Nara. 

Don’t miss:

Part of the sprawling concrete maze of the Southbank Centre, the Hayward Gallery has a number of free public artworks on display at its outdoor sculpture court. The permanent pieces include Ian Walters’ strikingly large bust of Nelson Mandela, Jeppe Hein’s bright park benches and an abstract statue of Chopin by Polish artist Bronislaw Kubica. 

When to visit:

Tuesday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday 10am-6pm

Ticketing info:

Tickets for exhibitions cost £22

Time Out tip:

After browsing the art, head for a drink at the Southbank Centre’s secret rooftop garden, it’s a little oasis overlooking the river. 

Details

Address
Southbank Centre
London
SE1 8XX
Transport:
Tube: Waterloo
Price:
Varies
Opening hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun 11am-7pm; Thu 11am-9pm
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What’s on

Nan Goldin: ‘You Never Did Anything Wrong’

London’s photography fans might have been dismayed that the major Nan Goldin retrospective that has been touring around Europe over the last few years never made it across the channel, but this brand new show at the Hayward Gallery should soften the blow. The American photographer and activist’s first institutional exhibition in the UK since 2022, its main focus is You Never Did Anything Wrong Part I (2024) and Part II (2026), a pair of abstract films scored by the composer Mica Levi and screened in bespoke spaces designed with architect Hala Wardé. Also shown will be Stendhal Syndrome (2024), which contrasts photographs of Goldin’s friends and lovers with classical art from museums around the world, and Memory Lost (2019–2021), exploring Goldin’s personal addiction history, plus a selection of photographic prints.
  • Photography
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