10 exhibitions to see in South Bank in August
From the smallest intricate models to epic rooftop installations, here are 10 exhibitions you don't want to miss this month.
The free annual festival that opens London’s private spaces to the public is back this September, and South Bank is joining in the festivities.
Every year Open House Festival sees hundreds of private homes, offices, studios and other interesting London spaces opening up to the public. A celebration of London’s eclectic architecture and neighbourhoods, the festival presents an opportunity to learn more about the city’s unique history and contemporary culture through drop-in days, guided tours and other free activations.
Taking place from 14 to 22 September, this year's Open House Festival lineup of events in South Bank is now open for booking! Here's a look at what's on the calendar:
Lambeth Palace Library Open Day
SAT 14 SEP, HOURLY TOURS FROM 10AM-4PM
Opened in 2021, the high-tech Lambeth Palace Library adjoins the historic home of the Archbishop of Canterbury and is the home of the Church of England’s priceless archive of centuries-old books and manuscripts.
On Saturday 9 September from 10am-3pm the library hosts an Open House open day with hourly guided tours of the building and the world-class restoration studios, plus the chance to see the library's latest exhibitions. Find out more and book HERE.
Drop in Day at Florence Nightingale Museum
SAT 14 SEP 10AM–3:30PM
Visit the Florence Nightingale Museum at St Thomas hospital in South Bank for free today as part of the 2024 Open House festival! At 11:30am and at 3:30pm you can also join a guided tour of the museum's highlights showcasing star objects from the museum's huge collection. Find out more and book HERE.
Unit 1.20 at Oxo Tower Wharf Open day
SAT 14 SEP AND SUN 15 SEP
Unit 1.20 is a workshop, showroom and teaching space for a small team of leatherworkers at Oxo Tower Wharf. For Open House the workshop opens to the public for a series of free drop-in workshops and talks. The workshops show how to make a key ring (which you will get to take home) from scrap leather, while the talk explores London's history of shoemaking and tanneries, asking 'Where have London's shoemakers gone?'. Find out more and book HERE.
The Lambeth Walk
SUN 15 SEP AT 11:30AM, 1:15PM & 3PM
An exploration of Old Lambeth, that reveals the area's links between industry and art, repurposed buildings and shows off unexpected green spaces and award-winning architecture. Starting outside the Garden Museum, the walk takes a circular route that covers areas of both South Bank and Vauxhall. Find out more and book HERE.
Lost & Hidden Architecture Walk: From Palace to Pottery & Politics Past
TUE 17 SEP FROM 11AM–1:30PM
Led by professional Lambeth Tour Guide Alison Rae this in-depth history walk explores the changing uses of South Bank's historical landmarks. Starting outside the Garden Museum, the walk takes in the stories and hidden architecture of spaces that include the Lambeth Palace, St Thomas Hospital and County Hall. Book your place on the walk HERE.
Lost & Hidden Architecture Walk: Between & Under Bridges
FRI 20 SEP FROM 11AM–1:30PM
This guided tour covers the history and architecture of the area between Blackfriars Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, taking in famous landmarks such as National Theatre, Sea Containers London and the Royal Festival Hall. The tour ends with the chance to visit the artist studio of Feliks Topolski and to view some of the many incredible paintings contained within the studio archives. Book your place on the walk HERE.
