Whitechapel Gallery
Pioneering contemporary art gallery in East London, free admission, historic venue for world-class exhibitions since 1901.
A pioneering public art gallery established in 1901 in London's East End, Whitechapel Gallery has shaped contemporary art history by premiering world-class artists from Picasso and Jackson Pollock to emerging talents today. Housed in a striking Arts and Crafts building expanded in 2009, it offers free general admission to nine exhibition spaces, a specialist bookshop, and a café. Located steps from Aldgate East station, it remains a touchstone for international contemporary art and a vital cultural institution for East London.
A brief summary to Whitechapel Gallery
- 77-82 Whitechapel High St, London, E1 7QX, GB
- +442075227888
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-9 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 11 am-6 pm
- Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit on Thursday evenings for Whitechapel Lates (6–9pm) to enjoy free entry to all exhibitions in a more relaxed atmosphere with extended opening hours.
- Explore the ground-floor gallery first—it is one of London's most memorable art spaces and offers a direct connection to Whitechapel High Street's vibrant street life.
- Check the website before visiting to confirm current exhibitions; some shows require advance booking and may have a fee, while general admission remains free.
- Allow time to admire the building's architectural details, including the golden leaves and the cupola's weather vane featuring a Canadian artist's whimsical sculpture of Erasmus reading backwards on horseback.
- Combine your visit with exploration of nearby Whitechapel Market and the surrounding East End creative quarter, one of the world's most vibrant contemporary art neighborhoods.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground (Tube)
Aldgate East station on the District and Hammersmith & City lines is less than one minute walk from the gallery entrance. Liverpool Street station (Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines) is approximately 15 minutes walk away. Journey times from central London vary between 5–20 minutes depending on your starting point. No booking required; standard Transport for London fares apply.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area. Routes 25, 205, and 254 stop directly outside the gallery. Routes 15, 115, 40, 42, 45, and 67 stop near Aldgate Station. Routes 35, 43, 78, 149, 242, 344, and 388 serve Commercial Road. Routes 242 and 253 stop near Liverpool Street Station. Journey times from central London typically range from 20–40 minutes depending on traffic and route. Standard Transport for London fares apply.
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Overground
Shoreditch High Street station on the East London Line is approximately 15 minutes walk from the gallery. Tower Gateway DLR station is also within walking distance. These options provide alternative connections to East London and surrounding areas with standard Transport for London fares.
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Walking
The gallery is centrally located in Whitechapel, accessible on foot from Liverpool Street (15 minutes), Tower of London (10 minutes), and Brick Lane (5 minutes). The surrounding area is pedestrian-friendly with level pavements and clear street signage. The neighborhood is well-lit and busy during daytime hours.
Whitechapel Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Whitechapel Gallery
A Century of Artistic Pioneering
Founded in 1901 by Samuel and Henrietta Barnett, the Whitechapel Gallery emerged from a vision to bring great art to the people of East London. The Barnetts believed that art could educate communities and reveal the beauty of nature and substance of hope. Designed by Charles Harrison Townsend, the original building opened as one of London's first publicly funded galleries for temporary exhibitions, embodying the British Modern Style with its distinctive Arts and Crafts aesthetic. The gallery's history is marked by a series of firsts that fundamentally shaped post-war British and international art: in 1939, Picasso's masterpiece Guernica was displayed here during its only visit to Britain; in 1958, the gallery presented the first major exhibition of American abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock in the UK; and in 1970–1971, it staged the first major shows of David Hockney, Gilbert & George, and Richard Long to widespread acclaim.Landmark Exhibitions and Cultural Impact
The gallery played a defining role in post-war British art history through exhibitions such as This is Tomorrow in 1956 and The New Generation in 1964, which introduced audiences to Bridget Riley, John Hoyland, and Patrick Caulfield. In 1961, it hosted the first UK retrospective of Mark Rothko, cementing its reputation as a venue for major artistic statements. Beyond Western contemporary art, the gallery has consistently championed diverse perspectives, including the 1908 exhibition Muhammadan Art and Life in Turkey, Persia, Egypt, Morocco and India, and more recently, the 2015 show Imperfect Chronology: Arab Art from the Modern to the Contemporary. This commitment to breadth and innovation continues through exhibitions featuring artists such as Thomas Ruff, Elmgreen & Dragset, and Mark Dion.Architectural Evolution and Expansion
The gallery's physical form reflects its growing ambitions. The original 1901 building, though designed with incomplete elements due to budget constraints and site limitations, created a memorable sequence of spaces culminating in a broad lower gallery with a soaring vaulted hallway. In 2009, after a two-year renovation project costing approximately £13.5 million, the gallery approximately doubled in size by incorporating the adjacent former Passmore Edwards library building. This expansion, partly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, created nine exhibition spaces, a fully equipped auditorium, dedicated study and studio areas, a specialist bookshop, and a café. The building now houses a full-size tapestry based on Picasso's Guernica, loaned from the United Nations Art Collection, a permanent reminder of the gallery's historic role in global artistic discourse.Community and Contemporary Practice
Since 1932, the gallery has run an open-call exhibition for artists living and working in East London, originally called the East End Academy and now known as The London Open. For nearly 90 years, this annual show has provided a platform for local artists to exhibit publicly, fostering a direct relationship between the institution and its community. The programme has launched the careers of artists including Antony Gormley, Richard Wentworth, Cornelia Parker, and Rachel Whiteread. Today, the gallery remains embedded in one of the world's most diverse and creative quarters, balancing its role as a touchstone for international contemporary art with its commitment to East London's artistic vitality.Access and Visitor Experience
General admission to the gallery is free, making world-class contemporary art accessible to all visitors. The ground-floor gallery, one of London's most memorable art spaces, opens directly onto Whitechapel High Street, creating an immediate connection between the street and the art within. The gallery offers free displays year-round alongside selected ticketed exhibitions. Thursday evenings feature Whitechapel Lates, providing free entry to all exhibitions between 6–9pm, extending access to working professionals and evening visitors. The onsite café Alba serves sweet and savoury options, while the bookshop, managed by Walther Koenig Books, stocks beautifully illustrated titles on modern and contemporary art, photography, architecture, and art theory.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
0.1 km
Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
0.5 km
Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
Northumbria University - London
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Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
182 Bishopsgate
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Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
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Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
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A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
London Wall
0.8 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.9 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
Lloyd's of London
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A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
1 Tower Hl Ter
1.0 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Tower of London
1.0 km
Explore the Tower of London, a historic castle filled with captivating stories, stunning architecture, and the dazzling Crown Jewels of Britain.
Roman Wall of Londinium
1.0 km
Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
Wakefield Tower
1.0 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
1.1 km
Medieval guild church with Wren's only 'true spire'—a 950-year sanctuary in the City's financial heart.
20 Fenchurch St
1.1 km
Iconic London skyscraper with a unique top-heavy design, featuring the Sky Garden — a free public rooftop oasis with panoramic city views and dining.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Jack the Ripper Tour
0.1 km
Step into Victorian London’s eerie East End on a gripping walking tour tracing Jack the Ripper’s chilling footsteps and stories.
The White Hart
0.1 km
Historic Whitechapel pub blending centuries-old charm with Jack the Ripper lore and vibrant East London culture.
Altab Ali Park
0.1 km
A historic East London park honoring Altab Ali’s legacy, blending cultural heritage, community activism, and peaceful green space.
Whitechapel Bell Foundry
0.2 km
Discover the historic Whitechapel Bell Foundry, London's legendary birthplace of iconic bells like Big Ben and the Liberty Bell.
Fashion St
0.3 km
Historic Fashion Street in Spitalfields blends East London’s rich past with contemporary creative life and urban renewal.
Brick Lane Mosque
0.4 km
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid: A historic mosque embodying centuries of faith, migration, and community in East London’s vibrant Spitalfields.
Princelet St
0.4 km
Step back into London’s rich immigrant past on Princelet Street, where Georgian heritage meets vibrant cultural history in Spitalfields.
Christ Church Spitalfields
0.4 km
Discover the architectural marvel and vibrant history of Christ Church Spitalfields, a must-visit Anglican church in the heart of London.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant history and diverse culture of Petticoat Lane Market, East London's iconic hub for textiles, fashion, and street food.
Commercial St
0.5 km
A vibrant East London artery blending historic industry, lively markets, and evolving urban culture between Shoreditch and Whitechapel.
St Botolph without Aldgate
0.5 km
Historic Anglican church at London’s ancient eastern gate, blending centuries of architecture, community stories, and the oldest working organ in the UK.
Upmarket Brick Lane Food Hall
0.5 km
Discover a lively indoor market in East London offering diverse global street food and a vibrant cultural atmosphere at Brick Lane.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
0.5 km
Explore the UK's largest vintage market in East London, a vibrant hub for retro fashion, unique collectibles, and cultural energy seven days a week.
Old Spitalfields Market
0.5 km
Discover East London's vibrant blend of history, artisan crafts, and global street food beneath a stunning Victorian glass roof.
Sclater Street Market
0.6 km
Discover eclectic vintage finds, street food delights, and creative energy at Sclater Street Market in London’s dynamic East End.
Essential places to dine
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.4 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.4 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.6 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
14 Hills
0.9 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
0.9 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Lyle's
1.0 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
The Clove Club
1.4 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.4 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Brawn
1.4 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
Restaurant Story
1.6 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Madison
1.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Da Terra Restaurant
1.9 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
George
1.9 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
St. John
2.2 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
2.3 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Middlesex Textiles
0.5 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
DPUS Designer Outlet
0.6 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
0.7 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
Traders Gate
1.0 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower of London Shop
1.1 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Luna & Curious
1.2 km
Discover Shoreditch’s curated boutique of British craftsmanship, quirky design, and independent retail at Luna & Curious.
The Royal Exchange
1.2 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.4 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
1 Poultry
1.4 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Hay's Galleria
1.5 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Barbican Shop
1.7 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
One New Change
1.8 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
1.8 km
Explore the enchanting Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, a whimsical gift shop in London filled with unique monster-themed treasures and delightful surprises.
Borough Yards
1.9 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Smithfield Market
2.2 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
0.1 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Discount Suit Company
0.4 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Bell
0.4 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.6 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
0.7 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.7 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Dirty Dicks
0.7 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
0.9 km
Inventive cocktails and retro charm blend seamlessly in Shoreditch’s cozy and quirky Cocktail Trading Co.
BrewDog Shoreditch
1.0 km
Craft beer haven in Shoreditch blending bold brews, lively atmosphere, and a welcoming beer garden in the heart of East London.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
1.0 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
The Bootlegger
1.0 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.1 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Old Blue Last
1.2 km
Historic Shoreditch pub and iconic live music venue where London’s grassroots artists rise amid a raw, vibrant atmosphere.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.2 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
1.2 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
E1
1.0 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
The Hoxton Pony
1.2 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Trafik
1.4 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
XOYO LONDON
1.5 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.5 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
The Steel Yard
1.6 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
London Best Night Clubs
2.4 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Ministry of Sound
2.9 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Corsica Studios
3.2 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Proud Late
3.4 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
3.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Club 701
3.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
3.5 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
3.5 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
3.5 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Architectural Shots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly