Whitechapel Gallery –  for artists and audiences everywhere

Whitechapel Gallery is a ground-breaking arts institution located in the heart of London’s East-End – one of the most diverse and creative quarters in the world.  Locally embedded and globally connected, the Gallery was founded in 1901 to enrich the cultural offer for the people of East London.

Our historic building, which incorporates the former Whitechapel Public Library, houses nine exhibition spaces, a fully equipped auditorium, a variety of study and studio spaces as well as a specialist bookshop and lovely café.

Over the years, the Gallery has played host to some of the world’s most significant and visionary artists, showcasing art from across the globe, including China, Brazil and the Islamic world.  We are equally committed to supporting local artists and communities, many of whom come from, or reflect, the many migrants that have made Whitechapel and its surrounding areas their home.

We aim to make contemporary art accessible and exciting to the widest possible audiences through a bold, radical and distinctive programme that puts artists and ideas at the heart of everything we do. We are particularly commited to showing under-represented, under-served artists, especially women and people of colour, and to present provocative artworks that expand thinking around the key socio-political concerns of our time.

Our Participation and Outreach programmes prioritise our local communities, offering artist-led activities for all ages that encourage curiosity, learning and exchange.  We believe that art plays a critical role in firing imaginations, reflecting lived experiences, and opening up new possibilities for thinking, feeling and dreaming.

Main Entrance is free and gives access to an inspiring and dynamic programme of exhibitions, displays, screenings, talks and events.

Some exhibitions and events are ticketed. Please check our website or contact our front of house team for details of these.

We aim to be as inclusive as possible and offer generous concessions and other discounts – especially for our local communities. Please let us know if you have any special requirements, or if, for any reason you are not able to pay and not eligible for a concession as we will do our best to accommodate you.