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Somerset House Review

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Somerset House

Address: The Strand, Covent Garden, London, WC2R 1LA
Phone: 020/7845-4600
www.somerset-house.org.uk

Category: Museums/Galleries
Location: Soho and Covent Garden

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Fodor's Review:

An old royal palace once stood on the site, but it was eventually replaced by this 18th-century building, the work of Sir William Chambers (1726-96), during the reign of George III. It was built to house government offices, principally those of the navy. Now, for the first time in more than 100 years, these gracious rooms are on view, including the Seamen's Waiting Hall and the Nelson Stair. In addition, the Navy Commissioners' Barge has returned to dry dock at the Water Gate. The rooms are on the south side of the building, by the river. The Courtauld Institute Gallery occupies most of the north building, facing the busy Strand. In between is the cobbled Italianate courtyard where Admiral Nelson used to walk, the scene of an ice rink in the winter holiday season as well as summer concerts and other cultural events. Cafés and a restored river terrace adjoin the property, and a stone-and-glass footbridge leads up to Waterloo Bridge, which you can walk across to get to the South Bank. Exhibitions have included works by Renoir and exquisite medieval ivories. A new gallery devoted to contemporary art, design, fashion, architecture, and photography hosts three exhibitions a year.

Cost: Embankment Gallery £8, Courtauld Gallery £5, other areas free
Open: Daily 10-6; last admission 5:30
Tube: Charing Cross

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