Venue Hire

Host your event at Somerset House, the home of cultural innovators.

We offer flexible, blank-canvas spaces suitable for staging a breadth of bespoke events from our historic site in the heart of London. From private dinners and presentations to weddings, riverside drinks receptions, brand activations and more, our versatile suite of spaces offer an unparalleled array of choices and options for your hire.

As an independent charity that does not receive any regular public funding, all event hire income directly contributes to our diverse programme, pioneering outreach work, supports emerging artists, and helps maintain a Grade I listed site. You can be confident that your event will directly support an organisation offering immense value to an audience which goes far beyond your attendees.

Download our Venue Hire brochure for more information regarding Somerset House spaces.

Venue Hire brochure

Discover our spaces

Portico Rooms

This network of graceful and versatile 18th century rooms can be adapted and tailored to any event brief.

South Wing200 Capacity

River Terrace

Set against the backdrop of Somerset House’s iconic 18th century façade and with sweeping views across the Thames, the River Terrace is one of our most scenic and atmospheric spaces.

South Wing500 Capacity

Navy Board Rooms

The Georgian-era Navy Board Rooms are an impressive & theatrical suite of rooms with a distinct heritage & unique charisma.

South Wing100 Capacity

Seamen's Hall

A majestic ground floor space located on our South Wing, the Seamen’s Hall boasts original period features: beautiful monochrome marble flooring throughout, Corinthian columns, and large windows offering abundant natural light and panoramic views of the Thames and London’s iconic riverside cityscape.

South Wing200 Capacity

East Wing

The East Wing offers an abundance of space and natural light, combining ultramodern flourishes with neoclassical lines to convey a sense of occasion.

East Wing299 Capacity

The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court

The Edmond J. Safra Court, framed by Sir William Chambers’ neoclassical quad, is at the heart of Somerset House and offers a spectacular setting for bespoke and unforgettable events.

South Wing3000 Capacity

Embankment Galleries

Spread over the ground floor and mezzanine level, the Embankment Galleries have hosted a number of Somerset House’s most celebrated exhibitions and is now one of our most popular event spaces.

South Wing800 Capacity

Lightwells & Deadhouse

A unique and enigmatic subterranean space, the Lightwells and Deadhouse are rich in atmosphere and character, and the ideal location if you are looking for an out of the ordinary setting.

South Wing200 Capacity

Lancaster Room

With dramatic pillars, high ceilings and exposed floorboards set against the stunning views over the Thames, the Lancaster Room takes the original features of Somerset House and adds a contemporary flair.

New Wing220 Capacity

River Rooms

The River Rooms are an adaptable suite of rooms situated in the New Wing that offset Somerset House’s neoclassical architecture with a contemporary and raw visual appeal.

New Wing220 Capacity

West Wing

Linked via spacious, stylish corridors and connecting doors, the West Wing can be adapted for a multitude of events.

West Wing500 Capacity

Screening Room

A custom-designed auditorium for small-scale presentations with fixed theatre seating and a comprehensive range of audio-visual facilities.

South Wing70 Capacity

As the home of cultural innovators, Somerset House is a site of origination, with a cultural programme offering alternative perspectives on the biggest issues of our time – working globally across art, creativity, business, and non-profit sectors, nurturing new talent, methods and technologies – we are a place of joy and discovery where everyone is invited to ‘Step Inside and Think Outside.’

This philosophy extends to our hire opportunities. We partner with leading caterers and sustainably-minded suppliers to ensure a seamless and individualised offer in spaces that simultaneously showcase and spotlight both Somerset House’s architectural history and central seat in contemporary cultural conversation.

Download our brochures

Location Filming and Photography