August at Somerset House means watching the best cinema under the stars with Film4 Summer Screen. You’d better book fast, as our first two screenings are already sold out. With DJs setting the mood as the sun goes down, Jimmy Garcia’s BBQ Club in residence and enhanced seating options this year, don't miss out on, “the most anticipated outdoor cinema in London” (Mark Kermode).
As you'd expect, there's a whole lot more happening across the site this month, including ground breaking exhibitions and new opportunities to join our creative community, so read on below for more details.
London’s largest outdoor screen returns to our courtyard with two weeks of unmissable films in surround-sound glory. Along with much loved classics like The Matrix, This is England and The Princess Bride, we’re also screening works of striking cinematic beauty such as The Piano and God’s Own Country, introduced onstage by director Francis Lee and lead actor Josh O’Connor.
Our acclaimed double-bill tradition continues this year with two brilliantly off-the-wall pairings – a Nicolas Cage double bill and a night of mind bending horror and sci-fi with Get Out + They Live.
Look out too for new international cinema, including the UK premiere of feel-good reggae documentary Inna de Yard introduced by director Peter Webber.
THU 08 - WED 21 AUG
TICKETS FROM £20.75
THE EDMOND J. SAFRA FOUNTAIN COURT
Enjoy a complimentary pre-film drink with our celebrated Behind the Screentalks programme, bringing the world of cinema into sharper focus and giving you the opportunity to hear from leading industry insiders.
This year we chat with The Crown creator Peter Morgan, screen must see short films from Random Acts, and as The Matrix celebrates its 20thanniversary, we're looking forward to a very lively panel discussing whether 1999 ranks as the greatest year in modern Hollywood history.
12 JUN - 15 SEP
TICKETS £9.50 / £12.50
WEST WING GALLERIES
Don’t miss our landmark summer exhibition, celebrating 50 years of Black creative pioneers. Alongside the exhibition there's an incredible range of associated talks and events, plus we've created a five-part podcast series to delve deeper into the themes of the show with key contributors. Watch our trailer above and join us for a remarkable exhibition featuring groundbreaking artists.
“Curator Zak Ové [creates] a legacy that every Black Briton can be proud of. This is my space. This my culture. This is where I belong”. The Wire
"★★★★★ The abundance of great work make this unmissable"
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
UNTIL 15 SEP
TICKETS £9.50 / £12.50 / U12s FREE
WEST WING GALLERIES
Something new is coming to Somerset House this autumn with a shared workspace for freelancers, individuals and small businesses in the arts and creative industries.
Somerset House Exchange members will enjoy a stunning, newly renovated space in our New Wing and benefit from being part of our thriving creative community, which already includes artist studios and resident businesses.
Applications are now open, and we advise applying as early as possible. With 200 desk spaces, don’t miss this opportunity to join our unique creative community.
UNTIL 08 SEP
FREE
TERRACE ROOMS, SOUTH WING
PART OF THE CHARLES RUSSELL SPEECHLYS TERRACE ROOM SERIES
In collaboration with ERICFest, and in celebration of pioneers featured in Get Up, Stand Up Now, we welcome young creatives aged 14-25 to dive into the world of storytelling with a dynamic programme of workshops, performances and tours exploring publishing careers.
SAT 31 AUG, 12.00 - 17.00
FREE
RIVER ROOMS & LANCASTER ROOMS
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, the leading art fair dedicated to the promotion of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, returns to Somerset House for its seventh edition in October. Take advantage of an early bird ticket offer and book your tickets now.