Whitechapel Gallery

What is it? 

Since 1901, Whitechapel Art Gallery has built a reputation as a pioneering contemporary institution, giving early, important exhibitions to artists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Frida Kahlo. It got a big refurb in 2009, when it was transformed into a vibrant, holistic centre of art complete with a research centre, archives room and café.

Why go? 

This place has been an art hotbed for over a century, and it’s still doing sterling work, giving space and attention to artists that other institutions might overlook.

Don’t miss

Its main exhibitions are often great, but it’s the more experimental stuff in the archive and library areas that are usually the most interesting. 

When to visit

Open Tue-Sun 11am-6pm; Thu 11am-9pm.

Ticket info

Ticket prices vary, and some shows are free. Check the website for details. 

Time Out tip

The downstairs cafe is an atmospheric, intimate place to have a coffee while browsing through your latest art mag purchase from the gallery’s bookshop.