Hayward Gallery
London Learn more about what's on at Southbank Centre and the artists shaping its programme.Hayward Gallery is a world-renowned contemporary art space in central London, housed within the Southbank Centre and known for its striking Brutalist architecture. Opened in 1968, it was designed under chief architect Norman Engleback with key contributions from Ron Herron, Warren Chalk, and John Attenborough of the Greater London Council’s Architecture Department. Today, it remains a dynamic venue for bold, large‑scale exhibitions of contemporary visual art, both inside the gallery and across the wider Southbank Centre site.
Since its inception, Hayward Gallery has specialised in presenting major temporary exhibitions rather than maintaining a permanent collection, staging ambitious solo shows and curated group exhibitions by internationally acclaimed artists and emerging voices. The programme often responds to the gallery’s powerful concrete architecture, with projects, installations, and talks taking place both in the galleries and in surrounding public spaces.
Notable past and recent exhibitions include Dan Flavin: A Retrospective (2006), and Antony Gormley: Blind Light (2007), as well as more recent presentations such as Haegue Yang: Leap Year (2025) and Yoshitomo Nara (2025). Forthcoming exhibitions including Gilbert & George: 21ST CENTURY PICTURES (7 October 2025 – 11 January 2026).
Hayward Gallery FAQs
Where is Hayward Gallery located?
Hayward Gallery is located at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX, on the South Bank of the River Thames. It sits within the Southbank Centre complex alongside Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall, and is easily reached from Waterloo and Embankment stations, with numerous bus routes stopping within 500 metres of the site.
Who designed the Hayward Gallery building?
Hayward Gallery was designed under chief architect Norman Engleback of the Greater London Council’s Architecture Department, with key contributions from Ron Herron, Warren Chalk, and John Attenborough, and was built by Higgs and Hill. The building is widely recognised as a landmark of Brutalist architecture.
What kind of art does Hayward Gallery focus on?
Hayward Gallery focuses on contemporary visual art, presenting large‑scale solo shows, curated group exhibitions, and high‑profile installations by some of the world’s most innovative and adventurous artists. Its exhibitions often include newly commissioned works and projects that extend into the wider Southbank Centre site.
When did Hayward Gallery open?
Hayward Gallery opened to the public on 9 July 1968 and has since played a central role in London’s contemporary art scene as part of the Southbank Centre.
Artworks by Southbank Centre Artists
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