8 Best Nights Out In London’s Galleries, Museums & Theatres
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2 hours ago
Party amid world-famous art, stages and artefacts
Looking to do something a bit different for your next night out? A plethora of London’s major cultural institutions have started opening their doors after hours, giving you the chance to dance the night away while surrounded by timeless pieces of art, history, and architecture. From galleries and museums to theatres and auction houses, these venues that ooze prestige during the day are breaking expectations to become more accessible at night. With many events offering free entry, here are some of the best nights out in that London has to offer right now.
London Nights Out In Cultural Institutions
Barbican – Anyone Can Dance
Following two successful late-night parties in 2025, the Barbican announced a new five-part series for 2026: anyone can dance, which looks to celebrate dance and diaspora. The launch event in February sold out, so we can expect the rest of the events to be well sought after. The party takes over the Barbican’s Level-1 foyer space from 11pm until 3am playing club music from around the world, with the theme reflecting the venue’s arts programme.
The Royal Court (© Helen Murray)
Royal Court X Roundhouse DJ Nights
The Royal Court Theatre has teamed up with the music venue Roundhouse to put on DJ nights spotlighting young talent. In support of Roundhouse’s Young Creatives Programme, which gives creative opportunities for people aged 11-30, the exclusive DJ nights will take place on Thursday 2 April and Saturday 25 April. The party will be in the Royal Court Theatre’s bar area and starts after its current show, John Proctor is the Villain, but you don’t need a ticket to the show to attend.
Tate Modern Lates
One of the most well-known late-night events, the Tate Modern has been letting visitors stay after hours since 2016. At the end of every month, the modern art gallery stays open until 10pm where you will find DJs scattered around different areas of the building, as well as a variety of workshops, talks, and film screenings. The Corner, the gallery’s late night bar, also offers weekly DJs and events from Tuesday to Saturday each week, with a drinks menu featuring cocktails, natural wine, and craft beer.
Natural History Museum – Silent Discos
The Natural History Museum is infamous for hosting a fantastic New Year’s Eve party, but you don’t have to wait until the end of the year to dance amongst the dinosaurs as the museum also offers silent disco parties throughout the year. Don one of their glamorous headsets and flick through the channels as three DJs battle for your attention, playing music both old and new. For your very own Night at the Museum experience, this is not one to miss.
(c) Murphy May
Natural History Museum – Sofar Sounds
A brand new one for this year: the Natural History Museum has teamed up with Sofar Sounds, the community putting secret gigs on in surprising places, to host an evening of live music on 10 July. Taking place in the museum’s Hintze Hall, otherwise known as their Cathedral to Nature, the secret lineup will show upcoming talent putting on acoustic performances in a historic venue. Sofar Sounds has previously hosted countless big artists early in their career, such as Olivia Dean, George Ezra, and Lola Young.
Christie’s Lates
The world-leading art and luxury auction house has been hosting its Lates since 2022. Evenings are curated around a theme with the aim of bringing art to life and you can expect to find guest talks, DJs, dance shows, and food and drinks. With free entry, Christie’s wants to create a space where like-minded art lovers can come together and inspire conversation.
(c) The V&A
V&A South Kensington – Friday Late
Proudly describing itself as the original contemporary late night event, the V&A in South Kensington hosts Lates on the last Friday of every month. The museum looks to bring audiences together with both leading and emerging artists and designers through live performances, film, installations, debates, DJs and more. It’s both free and on a drop-in basis, so easy to swing by for a spontaneous evening out.
Science Museum Lates
The Science Museum’s adults-only events are free to attend and offer the unique opportunity to explore the museum after dark. Staying open until 10pm, visitors can take part in hands-on workshops, talks, themed activities, and have previously been known to host a silent disco.
