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: