Explore London’s museums after dark at some of the best Museum Lates, the evening events which bring the collections alive
There is something extra special about discovering the capital’s world-class museums and galleries after dark. Experience special shows and immersive events, listen to talks, grab a drink at the on-site bar and see works in a different light, literally. Read on for 10 of London’s Best Museum Lates.
1. Natural History Museum
There’s perhaps nowhere more atmospheric than this iconic museum, where visitors rub shoulders (almost) with prehistoric artefacts. Keep an eye on updates for their occasional programme of Lates: last year’s interactive event focused on fashion and its link to the natural world. The super-popular Dino Snores event gives kids aged seven to 11 the chance to explore the Museum after dark, by torchlight. They’ll also listen to an educational science show and camp beneath the staggering blue whale skeleton in the historic Hintze Hall. There’s an adults-only version, too, featuring a pub quiz, drinks and more. Don’t miss the Silent Disco (various dates), which also takes place in Hintze Hall. Don your headset and choose your DJ as you party the night away and enjoy drinks available to purchase from the bar.
2. Science Museum
You may assume that the Science Museum is more suited to kids than adults, but think again. The regular, adults-only Lates events (6.30pm-10.30pm) include pub quizzes, silent discos and the chance to get involved in interactive exhibitions, Wonderlab experiments and panel discussions. Don’t miss Christmas Lates on 18th December. Explore the science behind Christmas, from the chemistry of festive food to the mathematics of making your very own decorations. All while enjoying a mulled wine and a minced pie.
3. Tate Modern
© Tate/Ben Fisher
- © Tate/Ben Fisher
The arresting Tate Modern, housed in an ex-power station, offers a vast space for after-hours entertainment. It opens its doors until 10pm for Tate Lates. Expect live music, DJ sets and interactive workshops (the last event was an Aphex Twin listening experience). Wander around the permanent displays to your heart’s content without the daytime crowds, or check out blockbuster shows. Keep an eye on the website for details of the next Tate Lates event.
4. Tate Britain
Late at Tate Britain © Diana Agunbiade Kolawole
The other Tate in London, Tate Britain, also offers a programme of Late events, which go on until 10pm. Expect live music, workshops, talks and bars offering drinks on-site. The last event examined football and its power to inspire creativity, communities and fans. Watch this space for news of the next.
5. National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery keep its Tracy Emin-adorned doors open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. There are occasional Lates events, some member-only, but there are also regular artist-led drawing and life drawing classes, gallery talks and tours and live performances that take place throughout the month. Check out Ben Okri, Deborah Pritchard and Harriet Mackenzie on Friday 22 November 2024. The special event combines art, music and poetry.
6. Wellcome Collection
The Wellcome Collection is a fascinating gallery located in a majestic space in Euston. It challenges how we think about health and the links between science, medicine, life and art. Check out the free permanent displays and temporary exhibitions, such as Hard Graft: Work, Health and Rights (to 27 Apr) – open later til 8pm on Thursdays.
7. Victoria and Albert Museum
London’s revered art and design museum, the V&A Museum, generally holds its celebrated late-night events on the last Friday of the month until 10pm (except January, May and December). From live performance, film and installation to debate and DJs, it’s free and you can simply drop in. The next event is Wild Digits on 29 November: offering a re-imagining of what digital technology can bring to our lives.
8. Sir John Soane’s Museum
This handsome house in Lincoln’s Inn Fields was once home to renowned architect and collector Sir John Soane. Soane Lates take place on the last Friday of the month. Wander around the collection crammed full of beautiful things, see special drawings and usually hidden masterpieces and enjoy a glass of wine in the Library Dining Room. The next Soane Late, Spotlight on Soane, takes place on 29 November.
9. The British Museum
Housing at least 8 million objects that span a whopping 2 million years of human history, the British Museum is not to be missed. Beat the crowds and head there on a Friday when the museum stays late until 8.30pm. Most of the free galleries will be open to browse, but it’s also a good chance to catch paid exhibitions such as Silk Roads (to 23 Feb).
10. Royal Academy of Arts
Catch hyped exhibitions (such as Michael Craig-Martin, to 10 Dec) and browse permanent displays until 9pm every Friday at the Royal Academy of Arts. Or Drop in and draw on the first Friday of every month. The Poster Bar by José is a buzzing cocktail bar offering Spanish pintxos by acclaimed chef José Pizarro. On Friday evenings, enjoy a complimentary pinto with every drink you buy from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Fancy something more substantial? Head to José Pizarro at the Royal Academy, open until 9pm on Friday nights.
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