An inspiring space for art, culture and creative exchange

Somerset House is a spectacular neo-classical building in the heart of London, sitting between the Strand and the River Thames. During summer months 55 fountains dance in the courtyard, and in winter you can skate on London's favourite ice rink. Somerset House also hosts open-air concerts and films, contemporary art and design exhibitions, a learning programme for families and adults and Free Guided Tours of spaces usually hidden to visitors. The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House is home to a collection which stretches from the early Renaissance into the 20th century and is particularly renowned for the unrivalled collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings.  

What’s on in December

Tiffany & Co. presents Skate at Somerset House

Until 24 January

Skate beneath the stars in the heart of London this winter, as Somerset House ice rink celebrates its 10th birthday. A calendar of special events includes Breakfast with Tiffany, DJ nights and Penguin Club.
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Super Christmas Market

18-22 Dec

It's back again! This year it's bigger, better and on for longer. Buy truly original Christmas gifts at affordable prices, most items are under £10. Designers include Lady Luck Rules OK, Michael Marriott, Sebastian Bergne, Royal College of Art and Off-cut Design.
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SHOWstudio: Fashion Revolution

Until 20 December

A major fashion exhibition, Somerset House collaborates with world famous photographer Nick Knight. A live programme of events accompanies the exhibition including 100 Portraits, where you can watch Knight shoot 100 of London’s beau monde. Names confirmed so far include Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, Gareth Pugh, and Florence & The Machine.
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Norman Parkinson: A Very British Glamour

Free exhibition, until 31 January

One of the great pioneers of fashion photography and a decisive influence on subsequent generations of fashion photographers, Norman Parkinson is famous for redefining glamour in fashion as something far more spontaneous and modern than it had ever been before him.
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Frank Auerbach: London Building Sites 1952-62
The Courtauld Gallery

Until 17 January

Discover paintings of post-war London building sites by Frank Auerbach, one of Britain’s greatest living artists. Fascinated by the rebuilding of London after the Second World War, Auerbach combed the city’s numerous building sites with his sketchbook in hand.
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Shop at Somerset House

Whether you’re browsing our online shop or at Somerset House, you’ll find prints, designer wallpaper and t-shirts, books, ceramics, jewellery and more. The ideal place for a spot of Christmas shopping.
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Learning at Somerset House

Free Family Workshops take place every Saturday, where families can be creative and learn together. Studio Days offer 13-18s a taste of how artists and designers work in  studio setting – from  fashion styling to graphic branding, Adults can enjoy one-off taster days in painting, drawing, design, printmaking and sculpture, led by an experienced practitioner. 

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Guided Tours
Thursdays and Saturdays
In approximately 45 minutes, you'll discover evidence of Tudor intrigue and Georgian Enlightenment, scientific curiosity and naval power, extravagant entertainments and 'the King's Shilling', as we lead you from the airy lightwells of graceful staircases to the atmospheric Deadhouse.
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