No time during the day to catch the latest show at the National? Was the last time you went to Tate Britain when it was just the Tate? Late night exhibitions openings sound like just the ticket for you.

Late night London
Late night exhibitions in London are a great time to check out the best of the city's art galleries and museums. Not only can you browse the gallery spaces without millions of tourists getting in your way, but often there are special late night exhibitions events taking place inspired by the current exhibition or show.

Late at Tate Britain
The first Friday of every month sees Late at Tate Britain take over the gallery. Events range from live music, performances, free talks and discussions to make and create sessions. Art fans can also get half price tickets on the late nights exhibitions openings as the Tate Britain stays open until 10pm.
Late at Tate Britain

Friday Late at V&A
Taking place on the last Friday of every month, the V&A Museum invites you join it with its quirky, unusual and eccentric events. Often inspired by the current exhibitions or by the time of year, these late night sessions are free and great fun for all.
Friday Late at V&A

Design Overtime at Design Museum
Enjoy some late night exhibitions design fun at the Design Museum as special guests and residents invite you to create your own designs and enjoy live music and unusual performances. Entrance to the current exhibitions is included in the ticket price.
Design Overtime at Design Museum

National Gallery
The National Gallery is one of the most popular galleries in London and regularly hosts blockbuster exhibitions. If you can't get there during the day, head to the National after work for late night visits on Fridays until 10pm. Live music, workshops, talks and discussions also take place at the gallery throughout the week too.
Venice Exhibition London

National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is just around the corner from the National Gallery and makes an interesting counterpoint for viewing art. Open late on Thursday and Friday nights, the gallery also hosts live music every Friday for free.
Late Shift at National Portrait Gallery

Royal Academy
The Royal Academy of Arts hosts some fantastic exhibitions, ranging from the seriously old school to the contemporary and cool. Open for late night exhibitions viewing on Friday nights until 10pm, you can see the latest shows straight from work and before a trip to the pub. Some exhibitions also have their own special late night events inspired by the artist or the work on show.
Modern British Sculpture Exhibition London

British Museum
Home to some of the most stunning historical artefacts in Britain, the British Museum is open after hours every Thursday and Friday until 8.30pm for free. You can also visit the current exhibitions at the normal ticket price, and take part in specially inspired events on other evenings.
Late at British Museum

Barbican
Art exhibitions in London don't get more cutting edge than the Barbican. With late night openings until 10pm every Thursday and sporadic Lates sessions too at the Barbican Art Gallery and The Curve, there is always plenty going on after dark.
Barbican

Wellcome Collection
Crammed full of peculiar exhibits and oddities from around the world, the Wellcome Collection is just the place for a post pub visit. Is that a two headed lamb or should you not have had that last tequila slammer? Head to the Wellcome Collection on Thursdays until 10pm for free access to the galleries or exhibition related late night events.
High Society at Wellcome Collection

Hayward Gallery
Hosting major modern shows from a range of international contemporary artists, the Hayward Gallery is open until 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays for the duration of its latest exhibition.
British Art Show London

Tate Modern
Ideal for a weekend jam packed with events, the Tate Modern is open for late night art visits on Fridays and Saturdays until 10pm. Gain access to the galleries, see the latest exhibition or check out the special events that regularly take place throughout the year.
Gabriel Orozco Exhibition London

Science Museum
Hosting monthly free late night exhibitions events, the Science Museum invites you to join in a pub quiz, dance at the silent disco and enjoy the latest exhibition on the last Wednesday of the month.
Science Museum Lates

Natural History Museum
After Hours at the Natural History Museum invites you to stroll amongst the dinosaurs after dark. With an open bars and lively debate on the latest scientific topics, this is a great way to spend the evening.
After Hours at Natural History Museum

Late at the Library
With talks, live music, performances and readings on a huge variety of subjects, sometimes inspired by the current exhibtion, the British Library is the place to go after dark for any culture vulture in search of entertainment.
Evolving English at British Library

Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A hosts a special late night event on the last Friday of every month, with gallery tours, live performances and workshops to keep you happy.
Friday Late at V&A

Late night exhibitions in London take place throughout the year at various different venues. For more information, click on the relevant links below the information.

Exhibitions Events in London

Lates London

Cultural Olympiad London Festival

World Shakespeare Festival London

Nature Live at Darwin Centre

Spirit Collection Tour at Natural History Museum

Enchanted Palace Exhibition London