Somerset House
A grand neoclassical arts centre on the Strand — free courtyards, world-class exhibitions and 55 dancing fountains on the Thames
A grand neoclassical arts centre on the Strand — free courtyards, world-class exhibitions and 55 dancing fountains on the Thames
Somerset House has occupied this Thames-side site since 1547, when Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, built the first Renaissance palace in England here. The current neoclassical building, designed by Sir William Chambers and completed in 1801, was effectively the world's first purpose-built office block — though its grand colonnades and sweeping river terrace suggest something far more ambitious.
Today the building is London's leading arts centre, hosting major exhibitions, art fairs and cultural festivals throughout the year. The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, with its 55 choreographed water jets, is free to enjoy and transforms into an ice rink each winter.
Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset and Lord Protector of England, began building a grand Renaissance palace on this site in 1547. He demolished several churches and a bishop's residence to clear the ground but was executed for treason in 1552 before the work was finished. The Crown seized the property and it became a royal residence — the young Princess Elizabeth lived here before ascending the throne as Elizabeth I in 1558.
By the late eighteenth century the original Tudor palace was in ruins. King George III commissioned Sir William Chambers to design a replacement in 1775, and the resulting neoclassical building was completed in 1801. It served as the headquarters of the Royal Academy of Arts, the Royal Society and the Navy Board, making it the first purpose-built government office block in the world. The Inland Revenue, the Registrar General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, and the Probate Registry all operated from here well into the twentieth century.
The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court is the centrepiece. From spring to autumn its 55 water jets perform choreographed sequences against the backdrop of Chambers's grand facades. In winter the courtyard becomes Skate at Somerset House, one of London's most popular seasonal ice rinks, complete with a towering Christmas tree.
The Courtauld Gallery occupies the north wing and houses one of the country's finest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Highlights include Manet's A Bar at the Folies-Bergere, Van Gogh's Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, and several important Cezannes. The gallery reopened in 2021 after a major refurbishment.
Beyond the Courtauld, Somerset House runs a year-round programme of temporary exhibitions, art fairs and festivals. Photo London, the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair and the London Design Biennale are regular fixtures. The South Wing galleries and Embankment Galleries host shows ranging from contemporary photography to fashion and design.
Covent Garden is a five-minute walk north, with its street performers, covered market and the Royal Opera House. The river terrace offers direct views across to the South Bank, where the National Theatre, BFI Southbank and Oxo Tower are all within a fifteen-minute walk via Waterloo Bridge.
Heading east along the Strand brings you to the Royal Courts of Justice and Temple Church within ten minutes. To the west, Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery are an easy fifteen-minute stroll past Charing Cross station.
The courtyard, river terrace and many public spaces are free. The Courtauld Gallery offers free entry for under 18s and Monday mornings for all.
The 55 water jets run from April to October and are at their best on warm afternoons when children paddle between them. Bring a towel if you plan to join in.
Major shows like Photo London and Collect sell out quickly. Book online as soon as dates are announced to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
Temple is the closest Tube station and rarely crowded. Covent Garden station has steep lifts and long queues, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
The south-facing terrace catches golden light in the evening. Head down for free views across to the South Bank and Waterloo Bridge as the sun drops.
Somerset House runs regular free talks, screenings and open days throughout the year. Check the website's What's On section before your visit.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
