Lightroom London
King's Cross immersive projection venue — 28 Panasonic projectors fill a four-storey subterranean space with artist-led shows
King's Cross immersive projection venue — 28 Panasonic projectors fill a four-storey subterranean space with artist-led shows
Lightroom occupies a purpose-built subterranean chamber in King's Cross measuring 18.5 metres wide, 26 metres long and 12 metres high. Designed by Haworth Tompkins and opened in 2023, the venue uses 28 Panasonic 3-Chip DLP projectors and a concealed multi-speaker sound system to transform its walls, floor and ceiling into a single continuous canvas.
Visitors walk freely around the carpeted space as projections shift and wrap around them. Each show runs for approximately 50 minutes, with rotating programmes that have included David Hockney, the Moonwalkers moon-landing experience and David Bowie. The format sits between gallery, theatre and cinema — immersive but unhurried.
Lightroom opened in February 2023 in a purpose-built space beneath Lewis Cubitt Square, at the heart of the King's Cross regeneration area. The venue was conceived as a joint project between London Theatre Company, founded by Nicholas Hytner and Nick Starr, and 59 Productions, the projection design studio behind the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony. It serves as a sister venue to the Bridge Theatre on the South Bank.
The building was designed by Haworth Tompkins, the architecture practice also responsible for the Bridge Theatre and the refurbishment of the National Theatre. The subterranean exhibition volume — 18.5 metres wide, 26 metres long and 12 metres high — was engineered from the outset for immersive projection, rather than being adapted from an existing structure. Borras Construction built the space, with acoustic design by Gillieron Scott and Cundall handling services engineering.
Each Lightroom show is a standalone production created by a different artist or creative team. Past programmes have included David Hockney's Bigger & Closer (Not Smaller & Further Away), the Moonwalkers moon-landing experience narrated by Tom Hanks, Prehistoric Planet and a David Bowie immersive show. Programmes typically run for several months before rotating.
Shows last approximately 50 minutes. Visitors enter at timed intervals and are free to move around the space, sit on the floor, or use the moveable seats dotted around the room. The carpeted floor keeps footstep noise to a minimum. Twenty-eight Panasonic 3-Chip DLP projectors and seven Disguise media servers deliver seamless 4K imagery across every surface, while hidden speakers synchronise audio precisely to the visuals. There is no fixed route or guided path — the experience is designed for individual exploration.
Lightroom sits directly beside Coal Drops Yard, the restored Victorian coal-drop buildings now housing independent shops, restaurants and bars. Dishoom, Barrafina and Harts Bakery are all within a two-minute walk. Granary Square and its fountains are immediately to the south, and the Regent's Canal towpath runs along the north edge of the development, connecting to Camden Lock in about 20 minutes on foot.
The British Library is a seven-minute walk south along Midland Road, and the Wellcome Collection — a free museum exploring connections between medicine and life — is 10 minutes south-west on Euston Road. King's Cross itself continues to expand as a cultural quarter, with the Central Saint Martins campus and House of Illustration also in the immediate area.
A £2 booking fee applies online or £3 by phone. In-person box office purchases have no booking fee. Blue Peter badge holders enter free with a paying adult.
Online bookings carry a £2 fee and phone bookings £3. The box office at Lewis Cubitt Square charges no booking fee at all, which saves a few pounds on group visits.
The St. JOHN cafe bar in the foyer is worth visiting before your show. Their doughnuts are excellent and Assembly Coffee is well regarded. Allow 15 minutes before your slot.
Moveable seats are scattered around the space but you can also sit on the carpeted floor or walk freely. Standing near the centre gives the most immersive projection experience.
Each show is a completely different production with its own creative team. Shows rotate every few months so check lightroom.uk for what is currently running and upcoming dates.
The restored Victorian shopping and dining quarter is right next door. Dishoom and Barrafina are popular for pre or post-show meals. Book restaurants in advance at weekends.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
