Live like a local: Art Walks in London
Modern Art | 4-8 Helmet Row London EC1V 3QJ
London is a city that constantly hums with creativity. From famous museums to hidden galleries, the capital offers an art experience like no other. Luckily, staying at The Warehouse places you right in the heart of this vibrant scene, with a host of world-class institutions just a short walk away. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or simply looking to soak up some culture during your city escape, we’ve assembled a collection of some of our favourite destinations for your artistic adventures.
The Barbican | Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS
1. Modern Art, Modern Vibes
Kick off your creative journey with our neighbours at Modern Art, a leading contemporary gallery founded by Stuart Shave in 1998. With spaces in London and Paris, it showcases a dynamic program of international artists. The gallery's exhibitions often feature bold and thought-provoking works that challenge traditional notions of art. Recent exhibitions have included artists like Richard Aldrich, Justin Caguiat, and most recently, Nicolas Deshayes, whose works explore themes of abstraction, identity, and the human experience.
2. The Barbican
No art walk in London is complete without a visit to the Barbican, especially when it is so close to the Warehouse, just on the other end of Whitecross Street. More than just a gallery, the Barbican is an architectural masterpiece, offering not only exhibitions of international contemporary art but also a mix of theatre, cinema, and live music. Don’t miss the conservatory, a lush oasis tucked within the brutalist concrete exterior, perfect for a reflective pause during your tour. The Barbican's commitment to interdisciplinary and diverse programming and its rich architectural history make it a unique cultural destination in London. Make sure to read our guide to learn more about its conception and design.
Victoria Miro | 16 Wharf Rd, London N1 7RW
3. Victoria Miro
Victoria Miro is one of our favourites. This contemporary art gallery represents a diverse roster of artists working across various media, often exploring themes of identity, politics, and the human condition. Recent exhibitions have featured artists like Kudzanai-Violet Hwami, whose work addresses issues of Black and Queer identities, and Yayoi Kusama, whose immersive and vibrant conceptions communicate her feminist, anti-war ideologies. Victoria Miro's commitment to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking art makes it a significant player in London's contemporary art scene and we love them for it.
4. Peer
For a more intimate experience, head to Peer, a not-for-profit gallery that focuses on supporting emerging artists and experimental practices. The gallery's exhibitions often feature site-specific installations, performances, and collaborative projects that engage with social and political issues. Peer's commitment to providing a platform for new voices and its emphasis on community engagement make it a vital part of London's contemporary art landscape. Make sure to check out their Programme for interesting talks, events and workshops.
Tate Modern | Bankside, London SE1 9TG
5. Tate Modern
Arguably London’s most famous modern art institution, Tate Modern is just a stunning 30-minute walk via St. Pauls. Housed in a former power station on the South Bank, Tate Modern is one of the world's leading modern art museums, and its collection spans from the early 20th century to the present day, featuring works by artists such as Picasso, Rothko, and Hockney. If you are lucky to be in town, The Genesis Exhibition: Do Ho Suh: Walk the House is an absolute must for architecture and art lovers alike. Uniquely transportive, you’ll be able to go through the passages and thresholds of Suh's renowned fabric architecture and experience Seoul, New York and London through his life-sized replicas of past and present homes.
6. Whitechapel Gallery
Finish your art walk at Whitechapel Gallery, a cornerstone of East London’s art scene. The gallery has been supporting contemporary artists since 1901, with exhibitions ranging from experimental new media to established international figures. Its location in Whitechapel also gives you a taste of the local neighbourhood, as you get to walk through fabulously hip and always exciting Shoreditch, perfect for a reflective coffee break or a restorative shopping spree between your gallery visits.
Exploring the galleries around The Warehouse is about more than famous names; it’s moving through the living heart of London’s contemporary art world. All of these galleries remind us why London remains a global hub for modern and contemporary work that always aims to uplift bold and diverse contemporary voices. The best part of walking around is that you get to experience the city as well; you do not see the art in isolation.
All over, East London feels alive with creativity: cafés, restaurants, and shops, offering quiet moments to pause and reflect between exhibitions and after a day of gallery-hopping, you can always return to The Warehouse, your stylish London home away from home. By the end, it’s not just the art that lingers, but the texture of the neighbourhoods, the unexpected encounters, and the feeling of moving within a city that constantly reinvents itself through creativity.
And of course, Frieze London 2025 is scheduled to take place from October 15–19, 2025. As every year, we’re excited to be attending events featuring the best of the best from contemporary art from leading galleries, so stay tuned to find out more!
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