Somerset House
The Strand, London WC2

Somerset House, built by William Chambers during the 1770s, is on the site of the 16th century Renaissance palace of the Dukes of Somerset. This neo-classical building resembles four mansions grouped together around a courtyard.  

Until the Embankment was built in the 19th century Somerset House stretched down to the water's edge and the arched southern frontage of the building still has mooring rings. Next door is Robert Smirks's King's College, built in 1829 - 31. 

The neo-classical compound was the first building built for offices.  It housed government offices including the Navy Board and the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Arts and the Society of Antiquaries.  By the early 20th century Somerset House had become the headquarters of the Inland Revenue and the Registry of Births, Marriages and Deaths. 

In the 1970s it was decided to return Somerset House to public use and in 2000 the building reopened after renovations, and now it houses a art collection and two new museums. 

The Courtauld Gallery, London's most impressive collection of paintings, has been here since 1990.  The collection is located in the Fine Rooms, built for the Royal Academy of Arts. 

The Gilbert Collection, London's newest museum of decorative arts has been housed in the South Building since 2000. 

The Hermitage Rooms, opened to the public in 2001, regularly stage exhibitions from the vast State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.  Recreated here, in miniature, is the imperial splendour of the Winter Palace. 

When Somerset House reopened in 2000 its central courtyard, which had been used as a car park, was transformed into a new venue for cultural events.  Now known as Fountain Court, this open space has choreographed dancing fountains in the summer and an ice-skating rink for several weeks in the winter.  

The River Terrace, with views of the Thames, has a café and is connected to Waterloo Bridge by a glass and steel bridge. This space is used as a showcase for outdoor sculpture. 

Visitors to Somerset House can also explore the Seaman's Waiting Hall & Nelson's Stair.

Admission free to courtyard - charge for each individual museum

Opening Times

Open:  House: Daily 10:00-18:00 - Courtyard: Daily 07:30-23:00 - . Courtyard free, museums