Five reasons to head to Art After Dark this June

The beauty of Art After Dark is that you’re in the safe hands of the experts at Art of London, who have curated special itineraries to ensure that whether you’re a discerning art maven or simply culturally curious, you’ll discover something that appeals. Thursday night is all about the West End Gallery HOP!, which will see independent and commercial galleries open until 8pm. Then on Friday night, the big institutions like the National Gallery and the Royal Academy will be open until 9pm. Outdoor public art will be on view at Piccadilly Circus both nights. Follow Art of London social channels to get the lowdown and to plan your visit. 

There are loads of independent galleries in the West End that sell – as in actually sell – works by household names like Picasso, Matisse and Yayoi Kusama. Alongside those, they exhibit some of the most exciting artists working in the world today. Use Thursday night to check them out at the likes of Cristea Roberts, 3812 Gallery and Stern Pissarro. Afterwards, why not treat yourself to a drink or dinner at a lovely nearby bar or restaurant? Check out the Art of London website for exclusive food and drink offers on the night.

Piccadilly Circus will be transformed into a seductive night garden for Art After Dark. The brand new installation by artist Amelia Kosminsky and renowned florist Philip Corps offers up a tranquil oasis. Flowers and colourful lighting adorn the famous Anteros (aka Eros) statue, alongside hypnotic videos screened on the Piccadilly Lights.

Finally, the wait is over and the National Portrait Gallery is open once more. Its latest exhibition celebrates twentieth century photographer Yevonde, famous for turning women into goddesses in her images. Accompanying this for Art After Dark on Friday 30, there’s DJ Lady Kamikaze spinning vintage tracks, plus drawing workshops and even a live-streamed in-conversation with Paul McCartney as a warm-up on Thursday.

Of course, when you’re in London’s West End it’s not just art and culture that you’re tripping over: there’s a wealth of incredible eateries and world-class bars. As you’re out with friends and loved ones, why not seize the day (and night) and dine out on the experience. Whether you choose a fancy cocktail at Lio London or sample the menu at the Farzi Cafe or Quaglinos, you’ll have plenty to talk over, while – of course – planning your next Art After Dark excursion.

Discover Art of London’s seasonal art and culture programme, Art After Dark, taking over the West End on June 29-30, 2023.