iHayward Gallery
The Hayward's concrete fortress on the South Bank is love-it-or-hate-it architecturally, but the exhibitions are consistently among London's most ambitious. Shows here tend to be immersive, large-scale, and thought-provoking — think light installations that fill entire rooms, or retrospectives that redefine an artist's reputation. The rooftop sculpture terrace offers excellent Thames views. Closed between exhibitions, so always check before visiting.
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What's On
Andrius Arutiunian: They Tried to Count Us
The Armenian-Lithuanian artist's first UK solo show, reconstructing a fragment of an unfinished radio anechoic chamber from an Armenian radio telescope alongside sculptures and a new sound piece exploring myth and cosmic phenomena.
Nan Goldin: You Never Did Anything Wrong
A major solo show by the American photographer and activist, spanning five decades of intimate work on relationships, addiction and queer subcultures, alongside four recent films including the public debut of a new work.
Cao Fei
The Chinese multimedia artist's largest UK solo exhibition to date, tracing her practice from the early 2000s to the present across five thematic chapters, including Whose Utopia, RMB City, Asia One and the new work The Birth.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there
Hours
| Mon | 12:00–18:00 |
| Tue | 10:00–18:00 |
| Wed | 10:00–18:00 |
| Thu | 10:00–20:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–20:00 |
| SatToday | 10:00–18:00 |
| Sun | 10:00–18:00 |
Admission
From £18
Prices vary by exhibition. Under 12s free with paying adult.
Accessibility
Step-free access to all floors via lift. Wheelchairs available. Hearing loops installed. Accessible toilets on all levels.
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Visitor Information
- How much does Hayward Gallery cost?
- Standard adult admission to Hayward Gallery is £18. Prices vary by exhibition. Under 12s free with paying adult.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
- What are the opening hours of Hayward Gallery?
- Hayward Gallery is open Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00, Mon 12:00–18:00, Thu–Fri until 20:00. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is Hayward Gallery?
- Hayward Gallery is located at Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX, in the South Bank area of London. The nearest stations are Waterloo and Embankment.
- What can I see at Hayward Gallery?
- Bold contemporary art exhibitions in one of London's most iconic brutalist buildings on the South Bank. Current highlights include Cao Fei, Andrius Arutiunian: They Tried to Count Us and Nan Goldin: You Never Did Anything Wrong.
- Do I need to book Hayward Gallery in advance?
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
- When is the best time to visit Hayward Gallery?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
- Is Hayward Gallery accessible?
- Step-free access to all floors via lift. Wheelchairs available. Hearing loops installed. Accessible toilets on all levels.
Image credits
8
- Hayward GalleryMykReeve / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Cao FeiCourtesy of Hayward Gallery
- Andrius Arutiunian: They Tried to Count UsCourtesy of Hayward Gallery
- Nan Goldin: You Never Did Anything WrongCourtesy of Hayward Gallery
- Courtauld GalleryAnthony O'Neil / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
- London Transport MuseumColin Park / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
- National GalleryCarlos Delgado / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- National Portrait GalleryIstvánka / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0