Hayward Gallery — A Landmark of Contemporary Art

Where Art Meets Architecture

Standing proudly on London’s South Bank, the Hayward Gallery is one of the city’s most important spaces for contemporary art.
Opened in 1968, it forms part of the Southbank Centre, alongside the Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Famous for its Brutalist architecture and adventurous programming, the Hayward Gallery continues to challenge, inspire, and redefine what art can be.

A Vision of Modern Creativity

From its earliest exhibitions to today’s global showcases, the Hayward Gallery has been a champion of innovation.
It was one of the first galleries in Britain to give a platform to living artists and new media — from installation and photography to light and sound.

Over the years, it has featured icons like Bridget Riley, Tracey Emin, Anish Kapoor, and Yayoi Kusama, while continuing to highlight emerging voices in the art world.

Its mission remains simple: to explore art as a living conversation between people, ideas, and the built environment.

Exploring the Hayward Gallery
1. Major Exhibitions

The gallery presents three to four major exhibitions each year, often immersive and thought-provoking.
Expect to encounter large-scale installations, interactive environments, and conceptual works that reshape how you see space and form.
In addition, each exhibition is supported by talks, tours, and creative events that deepen the experience.

2. Architecture and Design

Designed by Norman Engleback and completed by the Greater London Council architects, the Hayward is a masterpiece of Brutalist design.
Its concrete terraces, angular lines, and skylit spaces create a powerful dialogue between art and architecture.
After a major refurbishment in 2018, the gallery reopened with new roof lights, restoring natural light to its dramatic interiors.

3. The Rooftop and Surroundings

The Hayward’s terraces offer stunning views of the River Thames and London skyline.
Outside, the Southbank Centre buzzes with life — street performers, pop-up food stalls, and public art installations.
Therefore, every visit becomes part of a larger cultural adventure.

Learn more at the Hayward Gallery official website

A Platform for Progressive Art

The Hayward Gallery is renowned for pushing boundaries.
Its curators encourage artists to transform the gallery into immersive worlds — spaces that invite reflection, play, and dialogue.
Furthermore, its collaborations with international institutions ensure London remains a global centre for contemporary art.

Visiting the Hayward Gallery
How to Get There

Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

By Tube: Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo & City lines).

By Train: Waterloo Station, 5-minute walk.

By Bus: Routes 77, 211, and 381 stop nearby.

Opening Hours & Admission

Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm. Ticketed entry; concessions and memberships available.

Facilities

Café and restaurant within the Southbank Centre

Bookshop with art and design titles

Step-free access throughout

Guided tours and family events

Nearby Attractions

Royal Festival Hall: Live music and events.

Southbank Centre Book Market: A haven for book lovers.

Tate Modern: Modern art across the river via the Millennium Bridge.

National Theatre: Award-winning drama just steps away.

Together, they form the vibrant South Bank Cultural Trail.

Why Visit the Hayward Gallery?

The Hayward Gallery is more than a space — it’s a statement.
Its bold architecture and ever-changing exhibitions challenge perceptions and celebrate creativity in all its forms.

Whether you come to see the latest installation, admire the Brutalist design, or simply feel inspired, the Hayward promises an experience that stays with you.

It’s where modern art meets modern life — and imagination has no limits.