White Cube Mason's Yard
Premier contemporary art gallery in St James's, free admission, architectural landmark housing international exhibitions.
White Cube Mason's Yard is a premier contemporary art gallery nestled in the historic St James's district of London. Opened in 2006, this architecturally distinctive venue occupies a rare free-standing building constructed on the site of a former electricity sub-station. The gallery spans two levels—a ground-floor exhibition space and a naturally-lit double-height basement gallery—showcasing rotating exhibitions by internationally acclaimed contemporary artists. Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for art enthusiasts exploring London's vibrant gallery scene.
A brief summary to White Cube Mason's Yard
- 25-26 Masons Yard, London, SW1Y 6BU, GB
- +442077663550
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early in the day or mid-week to experience the galleries with fewer visitors, allowing for contemplative engagement with artworks.
- Allow time to explore the surrounding St James's neighbourhood, including nearby auction houses, independent shops, and historic courtyards.
- Check the gallery's website before visiting to confirm current exhibitions and any special programming or artist talks.
- Visit the ground-floor windows to observe the courtyard setting, which provides context for the building's architectural significance within the historic district.
- Combine your visit with nearby galleries and cultural venues to maximise your engagement with London's contemporary art scene.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground Train
From Piccadilly Circus station, take the exit towards Regent Street and walk south-west towards St James's Street. Follow the narrow alleyways leading into Mason's Yard. Journey time approximately 8–10 minutes. Service runs frequently throughout the day. No additional cost beyond standard Transport for London fares.
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Walking from Green Park
Exit Green Park station and head north-east towards Piccadilly. Navigate through the St James's neighbourhood's network of alleyways and courtyards towards Mason's Yard. The route takes approximately 10–12 minutes on foot. This option offers an immersive experience of the historic district's architecture and character.
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Bus Service
Multiple bus routes serve the Piccadilly and St James's area, including routes 9, 14, 19, and 38. Alight at Piccadilly Circus or Regent Street stops and walk to Mason's Yard via the alleyways. Journey times vary depending on traffic conditions, typically 15–25 minutes from central London locations. Standard Transport for London fares apply.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Request drop-off at Mason's Yard, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Drivers familiar with the area will navigate to the courtyard entrance. Journey times from central London typically range from 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Costs vary based on origin and current demand, typically £8–20 for journeys within central London.
White Cube Mason's Yard location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about White Cube Mason's Yard
A Modern Landmark in Historic St James's
White Cube Mason's Yard stands as a striking architectural achievement in one of London's most prestigious neighbourhoods. Designed by MRJ Rundell & Associates and completed in 2006, the building represents the first free-standing structure erected in the historic St James's area for more than three decades. Built on the site of a former electricity sub-station, the gallery's contemporary design creates an intriguing contrast with its Georgian surroundings. The building's modest street frontage belies its generous interior, which comprises approximately 1,110 square metres of exhibition space across two distinct levels.Spatial Design and Exhibition Architecture
The gallery's innovative layout maximises natural light and visitor flow through its dual-level configuration. The ground-floor gallery opens directly onto Mason's Yard, a secluded courtyard accessed via narrow alleyways off Duke Street, creating an intimate arrival experience. This street-level space features expansive windows that frame views of the surrounding courtyard, establishing a dialogue between interior and exterior. The double-height basement gallery, naturally illuminated through architectural intervention, provides a dramatic secondary exhibition space that has hosted monumental works by internationally recognised artists. This spatial arrangement allows White Cube to present diverse exhibition formats, from intimate single-artist presentations to expansive installations.Curatorial Significance and Artistic Legacy
Since its inauguration with a solo exhibition by Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco, Mason's Yard has established itself as a significant venue within the global contemporary art landscape. The gallery forms part of White Cube's international network, regarded among the world's most influential exhibition spaces for contemporary art. The venue has hosted landmark exhibitions by seminal figures including Andreas Gursky, Georg Baselitz, Jeff Wall, Anselm Kiefer, Robert Irwin, and Miroslaw Balka. The gallery's programming reflects a commitment to rigorous artistic enquiry, presenting works that extend conversations around contemporary culture, material experimentation, and conceptual innovation. Current and upcoming exhibitions feature artists such as Beatriz Milhazes, Jessica Rankin, and Sarah Morris, demonstrating the gallery's continued engagement with diverse artistic practices.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
White Cube Mason's Yard prioritises accessibility for all visitors. Both gallery levels are connected by a lift, ensuring wheelchair users can access the full exhibition programme. A wheelchair-accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor, and fold-out seating is available from reception for visitors requiring rest. Hearing loops are installed for video-based works, supporting visitors with hearing impairments. The gallery's free admission policy removes financial barriers to engagement with contemporary art, welcoming casual visitors and serious collectors alike. The intimate scale of the space encourages close engagement with artworks, fostering a contemplative viewing experience distinct from larger institutional venues.Location and Neighbourhood Context
Positioned in the heart of St James's, one of London's most exclusive districts, Mason's Yard benefits from proximity to world-renowned cultural institutions and historic landmarks. The gallery sits near Christie's auction house and within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus and Green Park, placing it at the intersection of London's art market and cultural heritage. The location's discretion—accessed through a hidden courtyard rather than a prominent street frontage—adds to its allure, creating a sense of discovery for visitors navigating the neighbourhood's intricate network of alleyways and courtyards. This positioning reflects the gallery's role as a destination for serious art engagement rather than casual tourism.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Beau Brummell Statue
0.1 km
The dandy who revolutionised menswear and defined Regency elegance in bronze.
St James's Square
0.2 km
London’s oldest garden square, where Georgian elegance meets centuries of power, politics, and high society in the heart of Westminster.
Pickering Pl
0.2 km
Discover Pickering Place, London's smallest square, a hidden Georgian courtyard steeped in duels, diplomacy, and timeless charm.
Republic of Texas Plaque
0.2 km
A hidden brass plaque marking where the Republic of Texas once sought recognition from the British Crown.
Burlington House
0.2 km
A grand 17th-century mansion on Piccadilly, now home to the Royal Academy of Arts and Britain’s leading learned societies, blending Palladian elegance with centuries of art and science.
Guards Crimean War Memorial
0.3 km
A poignant bronze tribute in central London honoring the valor and sacrifice of ordinary soldiers in the Crimean War.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
0.3 km
Iconic London landmark honoring Victorian philanthropy with the world’s first aluminium statue, set amidst Piccadilly Circus’s vibrant theatre district.
225 Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
St. James's Palace
0.3 km
Discover the Tudor grandeur and royal ceremonies at London’s oldest palace, the enduring heart of British monarchy.
3 Carlton House Terrace
0.4 km
Elegant Grade I listed townhouse in London’s historic Carlton House Terrace, blending royal heritage with refined Georgian architecture.
3 Savile Row
0.4 km
Historic Georgian townhouse in London, famed as The Beatles’ Apple Corps HQ and site of their legendary 1969 rooftop concert.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother Memorial
0.4 km
A dignified London memorial honoring King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, through iconic bronze statues and historic symbolism.
Equestrian statue of Edward Ⅶ
0.4 km
Majestic bronze tribute to King Edward VII in the heart of London’s historic Waterloo Place, blending regal artistry with imperial heritage.
Ziggy Stardust album cover
0.4 km
Step into the legendary London street where David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona was born on an iconic 1972 album cover.
Unmissable attractions to see
Masons Yard
0.0 km
Discover Mason's Yard, a historic London square blending rich artistic heritage with cutting-edge contemporary galleries in the heart of St James's.
Paxton & Whitfield Ltd
0.1 km
Discover the rich heritage of British cheese at Paxton & Whitfield, London's historic cheese shop on Jermyn Street, featuring exceptional selections and gourmet delights.
Prestat Chocolates
0.1 km
Discover London’s oldest royal chocolate shop, where century-old truffle traditions meet theatrical elegance in Piccadilly’s charming Princes Arcade.
The Red Lion, Mayfair
0.1 km
Experience authentic British pub culture at The Red Lion in Mayfair, where history meets hospitality in the heart of London.
Piccadilly Arcade
0.1 km
Step into Piccadilly Arcade, a refined Edwardian shopping haven blending heritage tailoring, unique boutiques, and timeless London charm.
Fortnum & Mason
0.1 km
Three centuries of British luxury, tradition, and culinary excellence on Piccadilly
Hatchards - Piccadilly
0.1 km
Explore Hatchards, London's oldest bookshop since 1797, a historic literary haven with royal warrants and timeless charm on Piccadilly.
Christie's London
0.1 km
Christie's London, at 8 King Street, is a historic and prestigious auction house renowned for its world-class art and luxury sales since 1766.
St James's Piccadilly
0.1 km
Discover St James's Piccadilly, a historic Wren-designed church blending artistic heritage and serene gardens in the heart of London’s vibrant West End.
Princes Arcade
0.1 km
Discover Princes Arcade, a historic London shopping passage blending timeless craftsmanship with modern menswear in the heart of Piccadilly.
Jermyn St
0.1 km
Discover Jermyn Street, London’s iconic destination for timeless menswear, bespoke tailoring, and refined British craftsmanship in a historic setting.
Burlington Arcade
0.2 km
Step into Burlington Arcade, a historic 1819 luxury shopping gallery in London, where Regency charm meets exclusive boutiques and timeless traditions.
Lock & Co. Hatters
0.2 km
Discover centuries of British hat-making tradition at Lock & Co., the world's oldest hat shop since 1676, crafting iconic styles for royalty and legends.
Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop
0.2 km
Discover the rich heritage and exquisite selection of wines at Berry Bros. & Rudd, London's historic wine shop and event venue.
Pall Mall
0.2 km
Pall Mall: London’s historic street of royal games, elegant clubs, and pioneering urban charm.
Essential places to dine
Quaglino's
0.1 km
Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
Golden Lion
0.1 km
Historic 1690s pub in St James's offering classic British fare, rich heritage, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Buckingham Palace.
Seven Park Place by William Drabble
0.3 km
An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair offering refined British-French cuisine by Chef William Drabble in an elegant Art Deco setting.
Great British Restaurant
0.3 km
Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
Wild Honey St James
0.4 km
Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
Kricket Soho
0.4 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
Mele e Pere
0.5 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
NOPI
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Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
Bantof
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Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Blacklock Soho
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A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Evelyn's Table
0.5 km
Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
HIDE
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Discover refined Modern European cuisine with panoramic Green Park views at HIDE, a Michelin-starred gem blending innovation and elegance in Mayfair.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
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Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
0.6 km
Michelin-starred modern British dining in an elegant 1930s-style Mayfair setting, offering inventive tasting menus and impeccable service.
Kingly Court
0.6 km
Discover a world of flavors in London’s vibrant Kingly Court, where global cuisine meets Soho’s lively spirit.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Floris London
0.1 km
Experience nearly three centuries of British fragrance heritage at Floris London’s historic boutique on iconic Jermyn Street.
Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
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Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
John Lobb St. James
0.2 km
Where 170 years of royal patronage meets handcrafted perfection in every stitch.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.4 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.5 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.5 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
M&M'S London
0.5 km
Experience the colorful world of M&M'S London, where candy dreams come true with personalized treats and vibrant merchandise.
Kingly Ct
0.6 km
A vibrant three-storey courtyard in Soho offering eclectic global dining and unique shops in a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Machine-A
0.6 km
Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
Bond St
0.6 km
London's most exclusive luxury shopping street, where three centuries of elegance meet contemporary high fashion.
Cool Britania
0.6 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
LONGCHAMP
0.6 km
Discover French luxury and craftsmanship at Longchamp’s elegant Bond Street boutique in London’s exclusive Mayfair district.
Hamleys
0.6 km
Seven floors of toy wonder in London's most iconic toy shop since 1760.
JW Anderson London Soho
0.6 km
Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
Carnaby St
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London's iconic fashion hub where 1960s counterculture meets contemporary style across 14 vibrant streets.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Thin White Duke
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Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
Duke of Argyll
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Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
Below
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Discover Below at HIDE, a hidden Mayfair cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks and rare spirits beneath a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Disrepute - Soho
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Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.5 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
Cahoots London
0.5 km
Step into a 1940s London underground tube station and enjoy creative cocktails in a vibrant, theatrical vintage setting.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.6 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
Duke Of Wellington
0.6 km
A lively Soho pub blending traditional British charm with modern nightlife energy on Wardour Street.
Village Soho
0.6 km
A lively, inclusive gay bar in Soho with energetic dance floors, go-go dancers, karaoke nights, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ atmosphere.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.6 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
The Admiral Duncan - Soho
0.7 km
Historic Soho gay pub and resilient LGBTQ+ landmark, symbolizing community strength and vibrant nightlife since the 1830s.
The Blind Pig at Social Eating House
0.7 km
Soho's hidden speakeasy gem: storybook cocktails and Michelin bites in Prohibition-style elegance.
Ku Bar
0.7 km
Soho's legendary gay bar icon: three levels of inclusive vibes, cocktails, and basement beats in Chinatown's electric heart.
Old Shades
0.7 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
Basement Sate
0.7 km
Discover Soho’s chic basement bar where decadent desserts meet expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Scenic
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
