GoTourist
The Fountain Court of Somerset House, London

No. 17 Top 100 Most Visited Art Museums 2025 · 2,895,010 visitors in 2025

Somerset House

London, United Kingdom · City guide: London

A grand Georgian palace on the Thames with exhibitions, the Courtauld Gallery and a famous courtyard.

Open in Maps Apple Maps

Photo: kitmasterbloke, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Somerset House is No. 17 in The Art Newspaper's survey of the world's most visited art museums, with 2,895,010 visitors in 2025, down 6% on 2024. The Neoclassical building between the Strand and the Thames was designed by Sir William Chambers and built from 1776.

Today it is an arts centre with changing exhibitions, events and creative studios. It is also home to the Courtauld Gallery, and its Fountain Court hosts summer concerts and films and a winter ice rink.

The winter ice rink in the courtyard of Somerset House
The winter ice rink in the courtyard of Somerset House. Photo: Matt Brown, CC BY 4.0, source

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are the quietest. Summer brings outdoor events and winter the ice rink. Check the official website for what's on.

Highlights & collections

  • 1

    The Courtauld Gallery

    A celebrated collection with Manet's A Bar at the Folies-Bergère and Van Gogh's Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear (separate ticket).

  • 2

    Fountain Court

    The grand courtyard has dancing fountains in summer.

  • 3

    Ice rink

    From November to January the courtyard becomes one of London's best-known ice rinks; book ahead.

  • 4

    Exhibitions

    Changing exhibitions of art, design, fashion and photography.

  • 5

    River Terrace

    A terrace with cafés and views over the Thames.

Getting there

Somerset House is on the Strand, near Waterloo Bridge. The nearest Underground station is Temple (District and Circle lines); Covent Garden, Embankment and Charing Cross are also within walking distance.

Visiting tips

Tickets & hours
The courtyard and public spaces are free. Exhibitions, the Courtauld Gallery and the ice rink charge. Check the official website for hours and prices.
Time needed
One to three hours, depending on exhibitions.
Currency
Pound sterling (GBP). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Visa & entry
Many visitors, including citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and EU countries, now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Check gov.uk for the current rules.

Official information: Somerset House (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

Open in Maps View larger map Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors