Somerset House

Somerset House is a large building situated on the south side of The Strand in central London, overlooking the River Thames, just east of Waterloo Bridge. The central block of the Neoclassical building, the outstanding project of the architect Sir William Chambers, dates from 1776–1796. It was extended by respectfully classical Victorian wings to north and south. A building of the same name was first built on the site more than two centuries earlier.

A home for arts and learning

As well as the Royal Academy, Somerset House was fitted out to house the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries. These, and the Geological Society, moved to Burlington House in Piccadilly in the early 19th century.

Related Topics:
Royal Society - Society of Antiquaries - Geological Society - Piccadilly - 19th century

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In the late 20th century the building was reinvigorated as a centre for the visual arts. The first new institution to move in was the Courtauld Institute of Art, including the Courtauld Gallery, which has an important collection of old master and impressionist paintings. In the late 1990s the main courtyard ceased to be a civil service carpark, and the main terrace overlooking the Thames was refurbished and opened to the public, these alterations being overseen by the leading conservation architects Donald Insall & Associates. A new visitor centre featuring audiovisual displays on the history of the building; the gilded Lord Mayor of London's state barge; and a shop and cafe were opened in the wing overlooking the river. The Gilbert Collection of decorative arts, and the Hermitage Rooms, which stage exhibitions of items loaned from the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, moved into the same wing.

Related Topics:
Courtauld Institute of Art - Courtauld Gallery - Old master - Impressionist - Lord Mayor of London - Gilbert Collection - Hermitage Rooms - Hermitage Museum

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In the winter the central courtyard is home to an open air ice rink. At other times an array of fountains whose vertical jets of water jump up and down to random heights afford an innovative opportunity for play and delight to children and adults alike.

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