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The Smallest Gallery in Soho: A Tiny Window to Big Ideas

Discover London’s tiniest gallery on Dean Street, where big ideas shine through a small window, open 24/7 to inspire and engage all who pass by.

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Nestled at 62 Dean Street in London’s vibrant Soho, The Smallest Gallery in Soho is a unique, window-only art space that showcases site-specific contemporary art installations visible 24/7 from the street. Established in 2016 by The Garage Soho, this diminutive gallery offers a free, accessible platform for emerging and established artists to engage passersby with thought-provoking exhibitions that change every few months, redefining the traditional gallery experience.

A brief summary to The Smallest Gallery in Soho

  • 62 Dean St, London, W1D 4QF, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-11 pm
  • Friday 11 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Visit at night between 3 pm and 11 pm to see the expertly designed lighting that enhances the artworks.
  • Stop by frequently as exhibitions rotate every two to three months, showcasing diverse contemporary artists.
  • Try to arrange an appointment to visit inside for a different perspective and to see details not visible from the street.
  • Engage with the art from the street anytime—there are no tickets or opening hours to restrict your visit.
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Getting There

  • London Underground

    Take the London Underground to Tottenham Court Road station, served by the Central and Northern lines. From there, it is a 7-10 minute walk to 62 Dean Street. The station is well connected, with frequent trains every 2-5 minutes. No parking is available nearby, and the area is best accessed on foot or by public transport. Tube fare ranges from £2.50 to £6.00 depending on time and ticket type.

  • Bus

    Multiple London bus routes serve Dean Street, including routes 24, 29, 176, and 390. Buses run every 10-15 minutes during the day, with reduced service at night. The nearest stop is within a 2-minute walk of the gallery. Bus fares are £1.75 with contactless payment or Oyster card. Note that traffic congestion may affect journey times.

  • Walking

    If you are nearby in Soho or the West End, walking to The Smallest Gallery in Soho is a pleasant option. The area is pedestrian-friendly but can be busy, especially in the evenings. Walking times vary from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point. The terrain is flat and accessible.

The Smallest Gallery in Soho location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about The Smallest Gallery in Soho

A Gallery Without Walls in the Heart of Soho

The Smallest Gallery in Soho is a pioneering art space located on bustling Dean Street, London. Unlike conventional galleries, it has no interior for public entry; instead, it invites visitors to experience art through its large street-facing window at any hour. This innovative concept transforms a tiny shopfront into a permanent, accessible cultural fixture, open 24/7. The gallery’s mission is to democratize art, removing barriers such as tickets, queues, and opening hours, making contemporary art part of everyday urban life.

Origins Rooted in Passion and Community

Founded in 2016 by The Garage Soho, an early-stage investor firm, the gallery began as a passion project for its curators, Andreia and Philip. They maintain full-time jobs and family commitments yet have nurtured this space as a creative outlet and community hub. The Garage Soho generously provides the space without commercial pressure, allowing the gallery to focus purely on artistic expression. Over the years, it has become a beloved fixture that champions the spirit of Soho’s creative heritage and supports artists with a unique platform to experiment and engage.

Dynamic Exhibitions with Site-Specific Impact

Each exhibition at The Smallest Gallery in Soho is carefully curated to fit the intimate space, typically lasting two to three months before rotating to new installations. Artists create site-specific works that maximize the small footprint, often incorporating lighting design innovations to enhance visual impact despite the limited size. The gallery’s lighting, designed by Ana Stojadinovic of Syntax Lighting, cleverly balances energy efficiency with artistic needs, earning recognition at the 2024 LIT Lighting Design Awards. Past shows have included evocative installations like James Tailor’s inflatable teddy bear symbolizing confinement, and William Martin’s immersive art referencing Soho’s history.

An Inclusive and Ever-Accessible Cultural Experience

The gallery’s window display format makes art accessible to everyone passing by, day or night, fostering spontaneous engagement. Visitors can absorb the exhibitions during their daily routines without needing appointments or tickets, though inside visits by appointment are occasionally possible to explore the space’s details. This open-door philosophy challenges traditional gallery norms and invites a diverse audience to connect with contemporary art in a casual, unpressured way.

Soho’s Creative Pulse Preserved in Miniature

Despite its small scale, the gallery plays a significant role in preserving Soho’s artistic vibrancy amid ongoing urban change. It acts as a beacon for creativity, reflecting the neighborhood’s eclectic spirit and history. The gallery’s ability to continuously host fresh, relevant art while operating on a minimal budget is a testament to the dedication of its founders and the support of the local community, including The Garage Soho’s co-founders.

A Sustainable and Thoughtful Approach to Art Display

Sustainability is integral to the gallery’s operation, with lighting and equipment creatively reused and adapted for each exhibition. The gallery’s modest footprint and energy-conscious design underscore a commitment to eco-friendly practices in the arts. This mindful approach enhances the gallery’s identity as a small but impactful cultural space, proving that innovation and responsibility can coexist in contemporary art presentation.

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