Installation view of the ‘Spain and the Hispanic World: Treasures from the Hispanic Society Museum & Library’ exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, London (17 January – 10 April 2023). Photo: © Royal Academy of Arts, London / David Parry
Art of London’s latest initiative welcomes the culturally curious to explore the galleries and museums of Central London after work and as part of an evening out.
The well-reported perfect storm of Covid, Brexit and the cost of living crisis has done much to reshape our current way of life. More ‘living’ is done online, and working from home has become the norm. Even many of us that have returned to the office only go in from Tuesday to Thursday. This radical change to the flow and energy of our cities has knock-on effects on the museums and cultural sector, as well as long-suffering restaurants and nightlife.
Art After Dark is the latest scheme to tackle our collective reluctance to engage with the arts as we used to. Imagined by Heart of London Business Alliance’s cultural initiative
The fertile ground of London’s West End doesn’t sit still or quiet for very long. Still, Art of London is essentially an itinerary that promotes the vast array of cultural offerings and adds to the nighttime economy. The first confirmed dates are Thursday, 23 and Friday, 24 March. A second opportunity, tieing in with Mayfair Art Weekend, is in the diary for Thursday, 29 and Friday, 30 June. And a third is planned around Frieze Week in October.
Nalini Malani My Reality is Different, 2022 (detail); Animation chamber, 9-channel installation, sound: 25.15 mins © Nalini Malani; Photo: Luke Walker
A Rake’s Progress Hole In Her Stocking (3), 2022. Courtesy Lubaina Himid and Cristea Roberts Gallery, London © Lubaina Himid
The breadth of art on display within a small walkable area (Green Park Tube Station, down Piccadilly, St James’, Leicester Sq to St Martin’s Lane) lends itself to taking in many shows at several independent commercial galleries as well as ticking off one of the season’s must-see exhibitions at a great London institution.
Dozens of venues are planning to remain open. This month
All of the above are free to see, and as always, several exhibits at the
Alighiero Boetti (1940–1994), Mappa, 1993, embroidery, 117 x 216 cm (46 x 85 in.) Courtesy of Robilant+Voena
Attributed to Manuel Chili, called Caspicara, The Four Fates of Man: Death, Soul in Hell, Soul in Purgatory, Soul in Heaven, Ecuador c. 1775. On loan fromThe HIspanic Society of America, New York, NY. ‘Spain and the Hispanic World: Treasures from the Hispanic Society Museum & Library’ exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, London (17 January – 10 April 2023). Photo: © Royal Academy of Arts, London / David Parry
Nalini Malani My Reality is Different, 2022 (detail); Animation chamber, 9-channel installation, sound: 25.15 mins © Nalini Malani; Photo: Luke Walker
For those that have made it further east, the
In June, the scheme welcomes the National Portrait Gallery, which is set to reopen after extensive remodelling and a new public entrance. The hanging collection will also be refreshed with equality in mind: 48% of portraits from 1900 onwards are of women.
Art After Dark is ideal for Londoners to get their mojo back and enjoy an evening of art and culture after their working day. It’s even a chance to catch up on shows that would otherwise pass them by – but for those not living in the capital, the scheme makes a perfect excuse to visit. What better way to begin a long weekend than with extended opening times and unparalleled visual delights? If you are planning a stay from further afield, Philippe Starck-designed
Nalini Malani My Reality is Different, 2022 (detail); Animation chamber, 9-channel installation, sound: 25.15 mins © Nalini Malani; Photo: Luke Walker
National Portrait Gallery forecourt proposal by Jamie Fobert Architects © Forbes Massie.
Whether a tourist or resident, one thing under no debate is the option of having a great meal: London’s culinary scene caters from crowd-pleasing street food to Michelin Stars, every cuisine and budget catered for.
Extending the evening, those looking for another drink might want to try newly opened
Art After Dark is on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 March and again on 29 and 30 June with mid-October dates to be announced.