London has always been one of the best choices for artists exhibitions of artworks whether budding or established. A diverse and vibrant international contemporary art scene is found at Art Galleries in East London. Since struggling artists came to the region to set up studios in the 1970s, East London has been associated with art in a variety of ways, from group exhibitions to solo shows by rising and popular artists from various creative backgrounds. Work by established modern artists as well as upcoming young talent is displayed in a variety of spaces, from modest craft stores to upscale art galleries in East London.
Present-day spaces range from creative artist-run venues to glitzy, white cubes. After a rush of urban regeneration in the 1990s and 2000s, east London galleries now have strong roots, and the surrounding economy is booming. Here are 8 must-see art galleries in east London for your city visit.
Table of Contents
Exploring East London’s 8 Most Exciting Art Galleries
Whitechapel Gallery
The Whitechapel Gallery, a gallery for contemporary art established in 1901, has included works by masters like Picasso and Frida Kahlo as well as modern artists like Sarah Lucas and Sophie Calle. Even though it’s among the most obvious options on our list, it couldn’t hurt.
The gallery also has historical archives, art courses, and a sizable art bookstore. Whitechapel Gallery is a must-visit if you’re interested in contemporary artists with global recognition. Since 1901, the Public Gallery has been a leader in London’s modern art scene, showcasing artists even before they became well-known.
Entry-:
Tuesday-Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Address-:
Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High Street – London, E1 7QX
Mail-:
info@whitechapelgallery.org
The Approach Gallery
The Approach Gallery is a comparatively small venue located above a bar of the same name. One of its original goals was to provide solo shows to London-based artists at the early stages of their careers. Several of these artists have since gone on to find success on a global scale. Since its founding in 1997, the gallery has become more successful and currently represents a wide range of artists from across the world.
For more than 20 years, The Approach has brought modern art to east London. Although it initially centred on assisting budding artists at the beginning of their careers, several of these practitioners have now gone on to receive recognition on a global scale. They now have works by renowned artists in their collection.
Entry-:
Opening hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 12 – 6 pm
Booking not necessary
Address-:
1st Floor, 47 Approach Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9LY
Mail-:
info@theapproach.co.uk
Cell Project Space
The gallery itself began as an artist-run venue in the year 1999 but has evolved into a charity organisation with ten artist studios on the property and hundreds more all around London. Eddie Peake, Jessica Warboys, and Celine Condorelli, three of the UK’s top up-and-coming artists, have all displayed work in it. It would be fairly simple to pass by Cell Project Space if you weren’t aware that it was an art gallery if you weren’t in the know.
Passing down a passageway below Cambridge Heath Road overground station that is lined with lush plants and gives the impression that one is intruding into a restricted warehouse complex gives visitors the impression that they are intruding. A bustling network of studios is located beyond this trail and is accessible to aspiring artists who are still fresh to the gallery scene at affordable costs.
The charity group arranges exhibitions and other activities for its members to showcase their work, ranging from avant-garde performances to artist lectures and movie screenings. Cell Project Space seems like the cradle of the next big thing in its finest moments.
Entry-:
Thursday – Sunday 12-6 pm or by appointment
Office opening hours
Monday–Friday 10-6 pm
Address-:
258 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9DA
Mail-:
info@cellprojects.org
The Brick Lane Gallery
The Brick Lane Gallery features a diverse selection of modern and street art created by British and global artists, with a primary emphasis on showcasing rising and mid-career artists. They provide a comprehensive schedule of exhibits, including solo and group shows, showcasing cutting-edge advances in works on paper, sculpture, photography, performance, and video.
It is one of the East London galleries with two rooms that are close to one another and is located on the most recognised street in London for arts. A new exhibition is shown every two weeks, guaranteeing there is always a variety of fresh artists that you can explore. With artists ranging from mid-career to emerging, you’re sure to discover unique investment items there.
Entry-:
Monday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
Address-:
216 Brick Lane | London | E1 6SA
93-95 Sclater Street | London | E1 6HR
Mail-:
info@thebricklanegallery.com
Chisenhale Gallery
The Chisenhale promotes contemporary art and commissions new pieces intending to present the most interesting and cutting-edge pieces from both foreign and UK-based artists. Since its founding 38 years ago, the gallery has always encouraged its artists to take on new challenges and produce ambitious pieces, resulting in engaging and varied shows.
The gallery has quite a history of spotting emerging artists who are dedicated to engaging a broad audience.
A little art area for individuals who enjoy surprises is right around the block from Victoria Park’s lush flora. In the 1980s, a group of talented artists formed the non-profit Chisenhale Gallery. Its works are mostly made up of innovative new commissions, including speeches, performances, and exhibitions. Often, the gallery is filled on opening nights for exhibitions.
Entry-:
Gallery opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 12 – 6 pm (during exhibitions)
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 10 am – 6 pm
Address-:
64 Chisenhale Road, London E3 5QZ
Mail-:
mail@chisenhale.org.uk
Victoria Miro
Yayoi Kusama and Alex Hartle have both had works displayed at Victoria Miro Art Gallery. Having its garden area, it can present immersive, distinctive, outdoor exhibitions. With hallways of mirrors and the iconic pumpkin sculptures surrounding the area, Yayoi Kusama’s polka dot display was among the most well-known exhibits of 2018. Several of the most well-known modern artists of the current time had exhibitions at Victoria Miro.
A stalwart of the London commercial gallery market, The Victoria Miro represents a sparkling array of well-known artists. When you first arrive at Victoria Miro’s East London location, you might think you’ve lost your way because the gallery is located right off a major road in the city’s Silicon Roundabout, which is home to many of London’s IT companies. Beware of a different Victoria Miro gallery location in the city’s centre. Don’t let your smartphone maps take you to the Mayfair one if you want to see the vast East London gallery!
Entry-:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10 am–6 pm.
Address-:
16 Wharf Road, London N1 7RW
Mail-:
info@victoria-miro.com
Gods Own Junkyard
One of the coolest art galleries in East London is without a doubt God’s Junkyard. It features the collection of the late neon artist Chris Bracey and is a salvage yard filled floor-to-ceiling with glowing signs. Imagine the set of a classic science fiction movie merged with Aladdin’s cave. For celebrities like Martin Creed and David La Chappelle, Chris Bracey has long been known as the Neon Man, producing famous works of art.
Gods Own Junk Yard, an East London establishment with a huge neon collection, is the place your social media account has been seeking. You’re sure to find innumerable artistically beautiful images with inspiring words and love hearts everywhere. Overall, it’s an uncommon experience that’s especially suggested for families, devotees of social networking sites, and those searching for a unique pastime. The ideal location to enjoy your weekend is here.
Entry-:
Friday – 11 am to 10 pm
Saturday – 11 am to 10 pm
Sunday – 11 am to 6 pm.
Address-:
Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, London, E17 9HQ
Mail-:
info@godsownjunkyard.co.uk
The William Morris Gallery
For history aficionados, Walthamstow’s William Morris Gallery is a well-kept gem among the art galleries in east London. The Victorian designer William Morris is best known today for his exquisite wallpaper patterns, but this museum celebrates a much more fascinating artist than such recognition might imply. Morris, the visionary group’s leader who felt that using art and crafts might help build a more just society, tells his narrative over the course of two levels.
Due to the regular availability of interactive exhibits and children’s activities, the gallery is particularly convenient for families. Another appeal is the expansive, beautifully maintained gardens. In addition to its art collection, the gallery often presents small but very well-curated exhibitions. As to the polymath’s ideals, entry is always free.
Entry-:
Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am-5 pm
Free entry
Address-:
Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 4PP
Mail-:
wmg.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk
FAQs
What is the oldest art gallery in East London?
The oldest art gallery in London is the Dulwich Picture Gallery of Southwark, which was created by British architect Sir John Soane. It was established in 1817, making it England’s first public art gallery. Later, art galleries in east London began to get popularised and today we have a number of east London galleries making their names.
Which city has the best art galleries?
Florence, London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Berlin are the top cities with the best- beautiful, contemporary art galleries.
What should you not do in art galleries?
Although all art galleries have their own separate rules to follow, certain common don’t of visiting an art gallery can be:
- Please Do Not Touch The Artwork.
- Please do not bring food or beverages inside the gallery.
- When a person is admiring a single piece of art, do not interrupt or block the view.
- Make no phone calls.
- Don’t violate the Gallery’s rules.
Can you touch art in a gallery?
Generally, you can’t touch the artwork of an art gallery whether it be an east London art gallery or one from another country. Given that certain pieces of art are quite ancient and can be damaged by even the slightest touch, even the tiniest contact can create a mark. If you do touch a piece of art at a gallery, you can be forced to leave and possibly face vandalism charges.
