The Hayward Gallery is a contemporary art space within the Southbank Centre. As such it is part of the major arts complex along with the Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall/Purcell Room), as well as the nearby National Theatre and BFI Southbank rep cinema. Opened in 1968 it was designed in the same Brutalist form as the rest of the Southbank Centre.
It has forged a strong reputation as one of the foremost contemporary art spaces in the world. Instead of having a permanent collection it hosts several exhibitions each year. The gallery is split over two levels.
On a personal note, the gallery will always have a special place in our editor’s heart, as it was here that he had his closest brush with stardom, when he almost stumbled upon Madonna as she was watching a Gilbert & George video. Fortunately, the body guards who were lurking nearby were not called into action.
What’s On at the Hayward Gallery
You can find out what’s on at the gallery, and the rest of the Southbank Centre, here.
In 2021, major exhibitions will include work by Matthew Barney and Igshaan Adams.
When is the Hayward Gallery Open?
The gallery is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
How to Get to the Hayward Gallery?
Information on how to get to there, including a handy map, can be found here.
The nearest tube stations are Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee and Waterloo & City lines) and Embankment (District & Circle lines). Waterloo and Waterloo East are the nearest train stations.
Nearby Attractions
It is located in the heart of the Southbank area, next to the National Theatre, the Southbank Centre and The London Eye. One of the more interesting things to do in London is to go on a riverside Southbank London walk.
