Somerset House

Somerset House is located in central London east of Waterloo Bridge. The central block of the building was designed by architect Sir William Chambers and was completed in 1796. Somerset House is a built on neo-classical style and was the home of the Dukes of Somerset.

During winter the central courtyard at Somerset House is converted into an open air ice rink.  During the non-freeze period arrays of 55 fountains display vertical jets of water rising to random heights. The courtyard at Somerset House has also been used for hosting concerts, films, contemporary art and design exhibitions and family workshops.

Somerset House was also home to the Gilbert Collection, a superb collection of gold, silver, micro mosaics and gold boxes, given to the nation by the late Sir Arthur Gilbert in 1996. This collection is in the process of being moved to the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Somerset House also has a vibrant programme of literary events which include poetry and prose readings and programmes especially organized for schools. Somerst House also organizes talks, lectures and hands-on workshops to intrigue and inform children, families and adults.