Last checked: 19 September 2023
Most major free London museums and galleries are open late at least one evening a week. Some are open later than normal, others have a themed event or adult evening.
Look out for last admission time. It could be up to 1 hour before closing.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
British Library
The Treasures Gallery is open until 8pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Last admission 7pm.
Tuesday
British Library
The Treasures Gallery is open until 8pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Last admission 7pm.
Wednesday
Science Museum
Last Wednesday of the month – the Science Museum holds an over-18’s themed Lates evening from 6.45pm–10pm. Events relate to that month’s theme. Regular events include live music, DJ’s and bars on each floor, a pub quiz and silent disco. Pre-book.
British Library
The Treasures Gallery is open until 8pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Last admission 7pm.
Thursday
British Library
The Treasures Gallery is open until 8pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Last admission 7pm.
Whitechapel Gallery
Whitechapel art gallery is open until 9pm on Thursday.
Wellcome Collection
The Wellcome Collection is open until 8pm on Thursday.
Friday
Tate Modern
Every month there’s Uniqlo Tate Lates. A special late night opening with DJ’s, films and special events. Some events require a pre-booked ticked.
British Museum
Selected galleries in the British Museum are open until 8.30pm on Friday. There are free 20-minute tours of some galleries. Check website before visiting. Strike action can affect opening hours.
National Gallery
The National Gallery is open until 9pm on Friday.
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is open until 9pm on Friday
V&A
The V&A is open until 10pm every Friday.
Last Friday of the month (except January, May & December) is the Friday Late a special themed evening with events, activities, talks and tours. 6.30pm–10pm.
Tate Britain
There’s a Late at Tate at the Tate Britain on the first Friday of the month, every two months. Music, discussions and hands-on activities. From 6pm–10pm.
Saturday
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is open until 9pm on Friday
Design Museum
The Design Museum is open until 9pm on Saturday for temporary exhibitions (not the free designer maker permanent collection). Last admission 8pm.