Although museums close up and put their exhibits to sleep in the evenings, many have late nights aimed at adults without the concern of having children or families around.

These adults nights at the museums are often themed, most are free, and usually have a bar open.

Here is a list of the late night openings for London Museums.

Mondays

Every week

Until 8pm – Free – British Library – Euston

The main free exhibitions and the ongoing paid exhibition are open in the evenings.

Tuesdays

Every week

Until 8pm – Free – British Library – Euston

The main free exhibitions and the ongoing paid exhibition are open in the evenings.

First Tuesday of the month

Until 9pm – Free – Sir John Soane’s Museum – Holborn

Candlelit evenings in the eclectic collection. You need to arrive early to secure a place as the museum is quite cramped.

Wednesdays

Every week

Until 8pm – Free – British Library – Euston

The main free exhibitions and the ongoing paid exhibition are open in the evenings.

Until 8pm – Free – Somerset House – Strand

Regular late openings for most of the displays and exhibitions. Most are free, but some are paid for. Note, last entry is 7pm.

First Wednesday of the month

Until 7pm – £10 – Westminster Abbey – Westminster

Doors open at 4:30pm with last entry at 6pm. The entry price is discounted from the usual £20

Until 8pm – Free – National Army Museum, Chelsea

Large recently refurbished museum with five thematic displays about the British Army.

Last Wednesday of the month

Until 10pm – Free – The Science Museum – South Kensington

Each month has a different theme, with most events free on the night. Note, the queue to go in looks daunting, but it goes very quickly.

Thursdays

Every week

Until 8pm – Free – Somerset House – Strand

Regular late openings for most of the displays and exhibitions. Most are free, but some are paid for. Note, last entry is 7pm.

Until 8pm – Free – British Library – Euston

The main free exhibitions and the ongoing paid exhibition are open in the evenings.

Until 8pm – £9.90 – Fashion and Textile Museum – London Bridge

Late night openings with talks based around the exhibition they have on at the time.

Until 8pm – Free – Brunei Gallery – Bloomsbury

Their main Asian themed exhibition is open late each week. No events are planned, it’s just a chance to visit the gallery

Until 9pm – £1 – ICA – Trafalgar Square

Regular late night opening to visit the exhibitions.

Until 9pm – Free – National Portrait Gallery – Trafalgar Square

Unwind with a cocktail from the Late Shift Bar, enjoy the DJ as you explore the Gallery and engage in talks and discussions every Thursday night.

Until 9pm – Free – Barbican Art Gallery – Barbican

The main foyer area and art displays are open each week later than usual.

Until 10pm – Free – Wellcome Collection – Euston

The famous medical museum with its free galleries and regular changing exhibitions, and cafe. (note, not Jan or Aug)

First Thursday of the month

Until 8pm – Free – Whitechapel Gallery – East London

A range of art galleries across East London open late, with the event coordinated by the Whitechapel Gallery

Fridays

Every week

Until 8pm – Free – Somerset House – Strand

Regular late openings for most of the displays and exhibitions. Most are free, but some are paid for. Note, last entry is 7pm.

Until 8:30pm – Free – British Museum – Holborn

A range of events each week with gallery tours, films and events based around their ongoing exhibitions.

Until 9pm – Free – National Portrait Gallery – Trafalgar Square

Unwind with a cocktail from the Late Shift Bar, listen to live music or get creative in drop-in drawing classes.

Until 9pm – Free – Barbican Art Gallery – Barbican

The main foyer area and art displays are open each week later than usual.

Until 9pm – Free – National Gallery – Trafalgar Square

Regular late night opening of the gallery and exhibitions, with occasional themed nights throughout the year.

Until 10pm – Prices vary – Royal Academy – Piccadilly 

Regular late opening of the galleries and exhibitions.

First Friday of the month

Until 8pm – Free – Design Museum – Kensington

Recently relaunched museum of design and domestic style, has a main free exhibition, and regular paid displays. Note, last admission is 7pm.

Until 10pm – Free – Wellcome Collection – Euston

The famous medical museum with its free galleries and regular changing exhibitions, and cafe. (note, not Jan or Aug)

Last Friday of the month

Until 10pm – Free – Natural History Museum – South Kensington

A range of events and activities, most are free, but paid exhibitions are also open late

Until 10pm – Free – The Victoria & Albert Museum – South Kensington

Regular themed events each month, along side music and debates.

Until 10pm – Free – Tate Modern – Southwark

Music, exhibitions, pop-up talks, artistic activations and hands-on workshops.


I’ve only listed the regular late openings, some venues have occasional Lates, which I add to the calendar as they occur.

If I’ve missed any regular Lates, add the details below:

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