The Best Contemporary Art Galleries in East London
East London is known for its vibrant and diverse art scene, with several neighbourhoods that have become hubs for artists, galleries, studios, and creative events, including Shoreditch, Hoxton, Bethnal Green, Whitechapel and Hackney Wick. In this article, I will list the best contemporary art galleries in East London to help you plan your trip to the area.
1. Whitechapel Gallery
Address: Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 7QX
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am - 6pm
Whitechapel Gallery showcases a diverse programme of global art, including art from China, Brazil, and the Islamic world and also aims to support local artists.
The historic building houses nine exhibition spaces, an auditorium, study and studio spaces, a bookshop, and a restaurant.
Admission to the Gallery is free, offering exhibitions, talks, screenings, and events. Some events may require tickets.
2. Barbican Centre
Address: Barbican Centre, Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS
Admission: Varied. Free entry to the Curve Gallery
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am - 11pm
The Barbican Centre is conveniently located within walking distance of several tube and train stations, including Barbican, Moorgate and Farringdon.
The Barbican Centre is a multifunctional space that often features contemporary art exhibitions and events alongside its other cultural exhibitions and events. Exhibition themes include architecture, design, fashion, photography, and film.
Their exhibitions focus on interconnections between different fields, cultures, and periods, aiming to offer new perspectives on the world. They also sometimes collaborate with renowned museums and galleries around the world.
The Curve gallery is a free admission gallery within the Barbican Centre that showcases some exciting contemporary art exhibitions.
3. Chisenhale Gallery
Address: Chisenhale Gallery, 64 Chisenhale Road, London, E3 5QZ
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm - 6pm
Photo Credit: Benoît Piéron, Production image (2023). Commissioned and produced by Chisenhale Gallery, London. Courtesy of the artist.
Chisenhale Gallery was founded by artists and is committed to supporting contemporary art. It is located in the Bow area of East London, in a former veneer factory and brewery warehouse. It has been transformed into an art space with an experimental vision that is dedicated to supporting contemporary visual artists.
Recent exhibitions have included those by Ravelle Pillay, Lotus Laurie Kang, Benoît Piéron, and Alia Farid, each exploring various mediums and themes related to the body and its experiences. Over its history, Chisenhale Gallery has exhibited influential artists and presented group shows, highlighting artistic talent.
4. Maureen Paley
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am - 6pm
Maureen Paley is a gallery in Bethnal Green, East London that has played a pioneering role in introducing contemporary art to London’s East End.
Maureen Paley is a contemporary art gallery that promotes innovative artists, with a focus on international artists and a diverse range of media. The gallery has multiple spaces and a history of supporting renowned artists. Gallery artists have included notable figures such as Turner Prize winners Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Wolfgang Tillmans, and Gillian Wearing. Turner Prize nominees are also represented, such as Rebecca Warren, Liam Gillick, Jane and Louise Wilson, and Hannah Collins.
The gallery’s history began in 1984 in a Victorian terraced house in London’s East End, originally named Interim Art. In 2004, the gallery was renamed Maureen Paley to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
5. Cell Project Space
Address: Cell Project Space, 258 Cambridge Heath Rd, Cambridge Heath, London E2 9DA
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 12 - 6pm
Cell Project Space is an artist run studio and gallery. The gallery supports emerging and underrepresented artists by developing ambitious new commissions and revisiting overlooked projects.
The gallery’s exhibitions encompass a wide range of themes and artistic approaches, reflecting its experimental and diverse nature. Alongside exhibitions, Cell Project Space offers a public program including gallery tours, talks, events, workshops, and screenings.
6. God’s Own Junkyard
Address: God's Own Junkyard, Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, London E17 9HQ
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Friday, 11am - 10pm; Saturday, 11am - 10pm; Sunday, 11am - 6pm
God’s Own Junkyard is a neon art gallery located in Walthamstow in East London. It is known for its collection of neon signs and its exhibitions of neon art, including vibrant neon displays, salvaged signs, and retro lighting fixtures.
The museum features a diverse collection, including salvaged signs used in films like “Eyes Wide Shut” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.
7. Autograph
Address: Autograph, Rivington Place, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3BA
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Wednesday & Friday, 11am - 6pm; Thursday: 11am - 9pm, Saturday: 12:30 - 6pm
Autograph is located at Rivington Place in Shoreditch. The building houses gallery spaces, a pop-up cinema, an education studio, and Autograph’s photographic collection.
Autograph’s artist ethos is to champion artists using photography and film to address questions of race, representation, human rights, and social justice. They engage people through exhibitions, events, and projects to explore visual representation’s power.
8. Pure Evil Gallery
Address: Pure Evil Gallery, 108 Leonard Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4XS
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm daily
The Pure Evil Gallery is located in the Shoreditch / Hoxton area of East London.
The Pure Evil Gallery showcases the work of the artist Pure Evil. It also celebrates street art and displays works by other street artists. The Pure Evil Gallery sells street art prints and originals.
9. Street Art in East London
East London has emerged as a vibrant and dynamic hub for street art, offering a captivating journey through the world of artistic expression.
The origins of street art can be traced back to its controversial beginnings as a form of vandalism. However, over time, a remarkable shift has occurred, elevating street art to the status of a legitimate art form that transcends traditional boundaries.
Shoreditch stands as a testament to unbridled creativity, boasting iconic spots like Brick Lane, Old Street and Redchurch Street which offer a multifaceted showcase of street art.
The transformation of industrial spaces into vibrant art havens characterises Hackney Wick. Dynamic murals are featured along the walls along the Regents Canal, creating an immersive experience that seamlessly blends industry with artistry. For more information about street art in Hackney Wick, read here.
Stencil art has emerged as a powerful tool for conveying messages and making bold statements. Drawing inspiration from Banksy’s innovative techniques, artists employ stencils to convey political and social commentary that resonates with the public. Mosaic art adds an intriguing layer of texture and detail to the streets of East London.
Transience is an integral aspect of street art, contributing to its allure and mystique. Murals come and go at a regular speed. This energy created by street art has the remarkable ability to transform neglected areas into vibrant artistic hubs. Through captivating murals and installations, artists contribute to revitalising public spaces, fostering a sense of pride, and engaging the local community.
I hope you have found this information about contemporary art galleries in East London interesting. If you have visited this area, I would love to hear your thoughts, please email me and let me know at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.
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