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If you’ve lived in London long enough, you’ll know that before Somerset House was Somerset House, it was just a set of government offices and a car park. This year marks 25 years since it was transformed into the spectacular cultural institution we know and love today. So, of course, big congratulations are in order.
To mark the big two-five, Somerset House is putting on a huge programme that includes a series of stuff it’s doing for the very first time.
Highlights of the programme include a new riverside bar named Setlist launching in April, a creative funding initiative and the entire building opening up to the public for free ‘in a way that’s never been done before’. Visitors will be able to see artist studios and workshops and chat to resident creatives.
Other things happening this year include a ‘landmark’ exhibition celebrating all things soil (yes, soil) and a film premiere of resident Akinola Davies Jr.’s latest work at the annual Summer Series.
Jonathan Reekie, the director of Somerset House, said: ‘Our intention is not only to celebrate our history but also to highlight our role as a platform for bold new ideas, fostering an inclusive creative community.
‘It is remarkable to think how far we’ve come since the public first entered this beautiful building and courtyard 25 years ago – establishing Somerset House as a welcoming, leading international arts destination for all.’
Several big names have paid tribute to the venue in its 25th year. Lioness Leah Williamson called it her ‘ favourite place in the world’ and Baroness Floella Benjamin praised it as ‘an oasis for creative inspiration in the heart of the city’.
You can explore Somerset House’s full calendar of 25th anniversary events here.
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