Somerset House, once the site of a spectacular Tudor palace, now includes a magnificent 18th century art gallery housing celebrated collections belonging to the Courtauld Institute Gallery, as well as the Embankment Galleries (which replaced the Hermitage Rooms and The Gilbert Collection - the latter re-opened at the Victoria and Albert Museum in June 2009). Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset and Lord Protector of Edward VI, built the great mansion on the banks of the river to match his new-found status and rank. Following the Duke's execution for treason in 1552, the house passed onto Queen Elizabeth I and then Anne of Denmark and Norway - wife of James I - who christened it 'Denmark House'. Charles I's Queen, Henrietta Maria of France, was the next royal occupant. Having lived through the Civil War, the Great Fire, various refurbishments and other regal guests including Queen Catherine of Braganza, the palace fell into disrepair in the 1700s and was eventually demolished. Sir William Chambers was commissioned to design a replacement building whose purpose was to house various learned societies of the day. The current building still looks and feels like a palace with its great courtyard and elegant fountains, riverside terrace and magnificent collection of art and sculpture. It's easy to imagine a time when kings, queens and courtiers graced its grounds. Modern-day concerts now held in the courtyard echo the dramatic and musical masque entertainments popular during the reign of Anne of Denmark. While visitors have to pay to view the main galleries, admission to the courtyard, riverside terrace, restored Seamen's Hall, Nelson Stair, interpretation gallery and 18th century Commissioner's Barge are all free.
Tom's Terrace at Somerset House
Strand, WC2R 1LA
Sun traps, river breezes and 18th-century grandeur off the Strand
For summer 2010, Michelin starred chef Tom Aikens takes over the riverside... More
Somerset House Fountains
Somerset House, WC2R 1LA
10am-11pm Daily
So you can't actually swim here but the Somerset House Fountains, also known as the Edmond J. Safra... More
Somerset House Summer Series
Somerset House, WC2R 1LA
8th - 18th July 2010
Some of the best current live acts drop into the central courtyard of ... More
Langham Hotel - GoldenEye (1995)
1C Portland Place, Regent Street, Marylebone, W1B 1JA
The beauty about film locations is that they don't have to tell the... More
London Fashion Week
Somerset House, WC2R 1LA
19th - 23rd February 2010
In February, London Fashion Week A/W 2010 arrives at Somerset House, the iconic... More
Middle Temple Hall, completed in 1574, is late-Gothic in style. Its attractions are a rare double-hammer beam roof, an intricately carved screen (which, although heavily ... More
A stunning example of Gothic architecture, London's Inns of Court date back to before the 14th century. It is here that barristers train and traditionally ... More
Courtauld Institute of Art,
Somerset House,Covent Garden,
London,
WC2RMap
Manet's 'Bar at the Folies-Bergeres', Van Gogh's 'Self-Portrait with a Bandaged Ear' and Renoir's 'La Loge' are just a few of the celebrated artworks displayed ... More
Opened on 24th April 2008, the Embankment Galleries at Somerset House offer 750 square metres of exhibition space where the Hermitage Rooms used to be. ... More
Just off the Embankment and overlooking the River Thames, this highly rated hotel is close to Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and the South Bank. Premium ... More
The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House is always a favourite with kids. These jets of water are especially popular when they provide ...More
A Disappearing Number returns to the West End for a limited run this September at the Novello Theatre. Complicite's play tells the story of one ...More
In the evenings, approach this restaurant through the fountained courtyard of Somerset House to get yourself in the mood for a magical meal. The Admiralty ... More
The best of the Americas over two floors of this grade II listed building in the heart of Covent Garden and overlooking Waterloo Bridge. Lobsters ... More
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and ... More
Imperial College London is the foremost medical training faculty in the country but for non-medical graduates wishing for a change of career, King’s is the ... More
This day spa exclusively for women is a total pampering experience from the minute you step through the door. Located in bustling Covent Garden you'll ... More
Before it was a hip private members' club designed specifically for the creative industries - complete with bar and dining rooms, cinema, TV and recording ... More
Overlooking Covent Garden Piazza, the Cove is a world away from the crowds outside. Tucked up in a worn, leather armchair under the pub’s low, ... More
London's oldest wine bar and family-run underground tavern.
Home to Samuel Pepys in the 1680s, the building housing Gordon’s is now home to a regular, thriving ... More
Courtauld Institute of Art,
Somerset House,Strand,Covent Garden,
London,
WC2RMap
The Courtauld Institute Gallery houses wonderful Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections. Manet's 'Bar at the Folies-Bergeres', Van Gogh's 'Self-Portrait with a Bandaged Ear' and Renoir's 'La ...More
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The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House is always a favourite with kids. These jets of water are especially popular when they provide ...More
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Somerset House, once the site of a spectacular Tudor palace, now includes a magnificent 18th century art gallery housing celebrated collections belonging to the 
