Congratulations to all of our new students joining us in September!

We’re delighted to welcome you to the #KingsCulturalCommunity.

Anyone and everyone can be part of this community. You can find out about some of the initiatives supported led by the Culture team on our student pages, checking out our Instagram @CulturalKings, or find out about upcoming arts and culture events on the 'Events' section of our website.

The Culture team also support and lead on cultural exhibitions and events within the university. Viewing the Invisible (2-20 September at the Arcade at Bush House) brings together scientists and artists to explore the similarities in their working methods; Sara Shamma: Modern Slavery (1 October - 22 November, also at the Arcade) brings a raw artistic perspective to human trafficking.

To help you get your bearings on London’s vast and vibrant cultural scene, we thought we’d share five of our favourite cultural organisations who run amazing events for young people.  

1. Science Gallery London

Science Gallery London connects art, science and health to drive innovation in the heart of the city. Each new season places King’s research at its core, enabling innovative collaborations between artists, academics and students. A diverse events programme also accompanies each season, with many events and activities designed for and created in collaboration with young people and King’s students.

The upcoming season ON EDGE: Living in an Age of Anxiety will explore anxiety from different perspectives and lived experience. More detailed information and events programme coming soon – follow @scigallerylon for more!

DETAILS:

• Science Gallery London: https://london.sciencegallery.com/
• Great Maze Pond, SE1 9GU
• Free entry
• Open Tuesdays – Sundays

2. Emerge Festival

The newest festival on the block, Emerge Festival is big on creativity and low on convention. Think 'Night at the Museum' meets Glastonbury, with 43 unique events in 43 venues across London.  

Featuring more live music than you can handle (including a silent disco), an aristocrat’s scandal themed soiree, an escape room, a theatrical demonstration of a Victorian amputation – there’s something for everyone.

DETAILS:

• Emerge Festival: https://emergefestival.co.uk/
• Friday 27 September and Saturday 28 September from 5pm.
• Multiple locations across London city
• Tickets: From £10 per night or both nights from £20. *** 1/3 off with discount code EMERGESTUDENTS ***

3. Somerset House

One of our favourite neighbours, Somerset House is more than just a space to grab a coffee and take a picture in the stunning courtyard. A working arts centre, Somerset House is home to an exciting creative community that hosts an incredible range of exhibitions, live music performances and events.

Upcoming events include the tenth annual Wysing Polyphonic festival, celebrating the Wysing Arts Centre as an experimental arts space, as well as the annual Somerset House Studios AGM, which sees artists take over Admiralty HQ in an intense performance-led programme.

DETAILS:

• Somerset House: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/
• Strand, London WC2R 1LA
• Entry to Somerset House is free, but you need to pay for entry to exhibitions and events
• See the Events section of their website for more details about upcoming events  

4. Wellcome Collection

The home of all things scientific with a generous sprinkling of kooky, Wellcome Collection is one of our favourite exhibition spaces. It also has incredible Reading Room to study, read and relax in.

Open late every Thursday, Wellcome Collection also hosts more structured-late night events such as performances, lectures and tours to tie in with their current exhibitions.  

DETAILS:

• Wellcome Collection: https://wellcomecollection.org/
• 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
• All exhibitions and most events are free
• See the Events section of their website for more details about upcoming events

5. V&A

The home of the Friday Late, the Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum is also the world’s leading museum on art and design. A celebration of the creative process, the V&A is your go-to for blockbuster exhibitions, exquisite fashion, architecture and photography, as well as some of the best museum events in town.

Friday Lates are hosted on the last Friday of every month and are free. The next Late ‘No Place Like Home’ considers what the concept of home means to each of us. Take part in a queer house party, consider how smart technologies merge our private and public lives and hear stories of those who’ve crossed borders to call a new place home. Also worth checking out is the London Design Festival which starts on Saturday 14 September.

DETAILS:

• Victoria and Albert Museum: https://www.vam.ac.uk/
• Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL
• Entry is free, although certain exhibitions and events are paid
• See the What’s On section of their website for more information about events

What are your favourite cultural institutions to visit in London? Which events are you keen to attend? Tweet us @CulturalKings!