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Blockbuster Spaces

February 2025

Looking for a fabulous blockbuster space for your next event, film or photoshoot? Look no further, our iconic member venues have the answer. Choose from sophisticated purpose-built spaces that have blackout capabilities, extensive galleries with inspirational content, World Heritage Sites with captivating histories and beautiful architecture, awe-inspiring theatres with state of the art technology, outside terraces with Brutalist backdrops or stunning natural parks and gardens. As host to many of the latest films, hit TV programmes, documentaries, music videos, adverts, fashion shows and sporting events, our member venues showcase the very best spaces London has to offer. 

Science Museum

Image credit: Matt Chung Photography

Versatile spaces at the Science Museum

Blockbuster spaces don’t come much better than Illuminate at the Science Museum! Spanning two floors, this purpose-built space offers a flexible environment for a variety of events, filming and photoshoots. Level 5 features a striking panoramic window, providing stunning views of the London skyline, while Level 4, equipped with blackout capabilities, offers a sophisticated setting ideal for presentations or exhibitions. Together, these floors allow for two distinct atmospheres within one venue.

For more intimate events or meetings that require extra privacy, the Smith Centre provides a private, versatile setting with its own dedicated entrance. Its courtyard, showcasing original architectural features, offers a unique and tranquil space perfect for drinks receptions or private dining. This combination of privacy and character makes it well-suited for smaller gatherings or focused discussions.

Both Illuminate and the Smith Centre have been thoughtfully designed and offer adaptable spaces for events of any kind. And by being situated within the museum, it means clients also have access to the incredible galleries – from Flight and Making the Modern World to a hands-on gaming experience, Power Up, and the interactive Wonderlab.

To book an event at the Science Museum, contact the team on venuehire@sciencemuseum.ac.uk or 020 7942 4340

Royal Horticultural Halls

Image credit: Royal Horticultural Halls

Since first opening our doors in 1904, Lindley Hall has hosted a variety of famous faces, from Ellie Goulding to Harry Styles. Our central London filming location is the ideal backdrop for all manner of films, TV programmes, music videos, adverts and more. 

As one of the largest, uninterrupted venue spaces in the heart of London, the Lindley Hall is a ‘hidden gem’ located in Westminster, yours to transform precisely to your needs. Whether your filming specification requires natural daylight or a blackout, Lindley Hall is a blank canvas venue made up of 875 sqm2, with a beautiful glass-vaulted ceiling 14.75m high at the highest point. Fully accessible and boasting a 3 tonnes goods lift, our Grade II listed venue is easily accessible for load-in and out. So, if you’re looking to create a game show set, a car advert, a music video - Lindley Hall has seen it all!

Royal Museums Greenwich

Image credit: Royal Museums Greenwich

Located in the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, the Queen's House is a captivating blend of history and architectural beauty. Formerly a Royal Residence, it's now a public art gallery.

Featured in hit shows and movies like "Bridgerton," "The Crown," and "Now You See Me 2” the Queen's House is ideal for period dramas and action films. Its grand hall, iconic spiral Tulip Stairs, and regal atmosphere create a stunning backdrop.

The Queen's House is also popular for fashion photoshoots. Brands like Nensi Dojaka for Calvin Klein have used its elegant interiors and trendy vibe, showcasing modern minimalist fashion with a romantic flair.

For film or fashion projects, the Queen's House is a top choice, offering a unique mix of history and style.

The National Theatre

Image credit: Philip Vile

Commanding the South Bank, the National Theatre is an iconic backdrop for events. We are a prime blockbuster location with panoramic views of the river Thames and striking Brutalist architecture. Our unique and inspiring setting has been the chosen by high-profile clients such as Vogue, Dr Martens, Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Netflix.

Our outdoor space level stretches from the base of the theatre right to the riverfront, making it perfect for outdoor installations and events. The terraces have Brutalist backdrops and central London riverside views. Inside the theatre, warm lighting complements the high, honeycombed ceilings and open foyers. A favourite for London Fashion Week and filmed events, the space is truly versatile and unique.

The Royal Institution

Image credit: The Royal Institution

The Royal Institution has been a filming hotspot for decades, whether it’s as a location for period dramas or the annual filming of our own Christmas Lectures since 1966. The Faraday Theatre accommodates a full filming crew every year, alongside livestreaming equipment and lighting rigs. The theatre is available to hire throughout the rest of the year, with members of the Royal Institution’s AV team included in the hire to suit all your technology needs, with a capacity of over 400 people. 

From music videos to feature films and documentary interviews, the Ri has been home to filming for all different types of media and has nine different spaces to accommodate for all sorts of events and filming.

Royal College of Music

Image credit: Miya Mizuno/Max

Did you know that The Royal College of Music’s Britten Theatre, one of London’s most beloved opera venues, is also a highly sought-after filming location? Recently, the Theatre welcomed HBO, the American television network, to film the second stand-up special by Comedy Award winner and BAFTA and RTS nominee Rose Matafeo. This special, which premiered in December 2024, followed Matafeo’s sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe and a nomination for Most Outstanding Show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

The Britten Theatre is celebrated for its understated elegance, superb acoustics, and intimate tiered seating, making it ideal for filming opera, music, theatre, or ballet. Equipped with extensive technical facilities and supported by skilled Britten Theatre technicians and the RCM Studios team, the space is also perfect for lectures, product launches, and conferences. 

Want to know more? Email venuehire@rcm.ac.uk to connect with our experienced event managers and arrange a site visit.

Natural History Museum 

Image credit: (c) Trustees of the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum has featured in an array of films, TV shows and documentaries. Most recently the famed South Kensington Museum announced exciting new additions to its venue hire offering. 

For the first time the Museum is offering event organisers and location scouts the opportunity to enquire about exclusive hire of the entire Museum, for large-scale, full day filming.

Ideal for large scale filming, complex scenes, large casts and full-scale activations. The whole Museum hire will see all day exclusive access to film amongst the majestic Romanesque architecture in Hintze Hall, glistening treasures, hidden corridors stacked with specimens, dinosaur skeletons and a giant globe in the mighty Earth Hall - alongside a six-metre-long Stegosaurus called Sophie – and galleries such as the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Gallery and the Dinosaur Gallery. 

Visit nhm.ac.uk to learn more about filming at the Museum or contact the team filming@nhm.ac.uk who are taking booking now. 

66 Portland Place, the home of RIBA

Image credit: Matt Chung Photography

Florence Hall: The heart of 66 Portland Place

At the heart of RIBA’s historic 66 Portland Place is the Florence Hall, a space that perfectly captures the elegance and craftsmanship of its 1930s origins. Designed with entertaining in mind, its soaring ceilings, decorative stone carvings, and unique patterned floor create an atmosphere of understated grandeur. Think Gatsby’s mansion reinvented, where Art Deco glam combines with modern magic!

The hall’s engraved glass doors open onto a tranquil outdoor terrace, providing a secret oasis in the heart of the city. Whether used for drinks receptions, summer parties or networking, the terrace offers a peaceful retreat to chat, raise a toast or just simply, take a break.

The Florence Hall is an iconic setting and remains a versatile choice for those seeking a space with character, charm, and historical significance. And it’s got a great legacy for getting the party started!

To book an event in the Florence Hall, contact venues@riba.org  / 020 7307 388.

London Museum Docklands

Image credit: London Museum Docklands

Make an impact in the Riverside Room or Muscovado Hall

The Riverside Room and Muscovado Hall are two of the most striking spaces at London Museum Docklands, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich history. These warehouse-inspired venues retain their original 19th- century features, such as exposed brickwork and timber columns, making them a fascinating and visually impressive backdrop for special events, milestone occasions, filming projects and photoshoots.

The Riverside Room features a private entrance and terrace, offering views of Canary Wharf and the historic docks, while the Muscovado Hall provides a grand, open space full of character and charm.

Both spaces serve as a reminder of Docklands’ vibrant past and are part of a site that has been at the heart of London’s story for over 200 years. They’re able to host anything from exhibitions to creative projects, continuing the tradition of this historic location as a place where people come together.

For more information or to book an event at Docklands, contact venuehire@museumoflondon.org.uk .

London Museum Spaces

Image credit: London Museum Spaces

Bring your event vision to life at London Museum Spaces

The London Ellipse Hall and Entrance Hall at 150 London Wall both offer an impressive backdrop for events, and when combined they create a truly standout experience.

Both spaces offer a striking setting with impressive features and ample space for events of all kinds. The Entrance Hall serves as an incredibly versatile, blank canvas space, ready to be transformed to bring any event vision to life, while the London Ellipse Hall features a captivating 360-degree digital ellipse, enhancing the atmosphere of any occasion.

During the summer months, the Rotunda Garden provides a tranquil outdoor area, complemented by the surrounding Terrace Rooms. These indoor spaces, including the Terrace Gallery and Garden Room, offer natural daylight and direct access to the garden, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

For more details or to book an event at London Wall, contact the team at: venuehire@londonmuseum.org.uk

The HAC

Image credit: The HAC

Exceptional spaces at the HAC

Set within the heart of London, the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) offers a range of extraordinary spaces perfect for hosting events, filming or product launches.

Armoury House, with its exquisite architecture dating back to 1735 and which was designed by a HAC member, Thomas Stibbs provides an iconic backdrop for every event. Inside, the Long Room perhaps the most coveted space in Armoury House features antique furniture and military collections, ideal for adding sophistication to your gatherings or an iconic back drop for filming. Meanwhile, the library, minstrels’ gallery, and bar offer additional distinctive settings for filming or intimate events.

Outside the stunning Artillery Garden spans five acres and is a unique gem in the City of London. Its lush lawns, framed by the impressive architecture and London’s skyline, makes it a versatile location for events, teambuilding and outdoor photoshoots.

For more modern event concept or creative installation, the Prince Consort Rooms, a former drill hall, is a spacious, blank canvas space offering endless possibilities for filming or large-scale productions.

Get in touch with sales team for more information: sales@hac.org.uk or call 020 7382 1533.

One Birdcage Walk

Image credit: One Birdcage Walk

One Birdcage walk has several iconic spaces that capture the beauty and charm of Westminster and have been used over the years to represent Parliament, Palaces, shops, law firms, and many others besides. Two of our most impressive filming spaces are our Lecture Theatre and Library, most recently featured in Prime Video’s new hit Thriller Prime Target and Netflix’s Christmas smash Black Doves respectively. 

One Birdcage Walk is a large and versatile venue that offers a fantastic range of breakout rooms, ideal for larger film crews needing green rooms and holding spaces for cast and crew. We can also be flexible to your needs, allowing you to transform a space into your ideal set. 

The charm, character and history of this venue make it an ideal choice for period pieces and political dramas alike and we love to see our spaces lit up on screen!

Somerset House

Image credit: UEFA Champions Match - credit Tom Dulat

Somerset House, with its iconic neoclassical architecture and over twelve versatile spaces, continues to be a sought-after destination for large events and productions.

Recent highlights include:

Discover more about Somerset House’s event spaces here. Speak to the team via events@somersethouse.org.uk or 020 7845 4618, and discover how you can make the most of their unique offering.

Freemason’s Hall

Image credit: Freemason’s Hall

Freemasons’ Hall is a treasure trove of iconic spaces that have been transformed for the silver screen. The Grand Temple, with its awe-inspiring architecture, set the stage for the gripping action of Assassin’s Creed (2016) and played host to The Late Late Show with James Corden (2022), dazzling audiences with its grandeur.

The Vestibules have also stolen the spotlight. In Doctor Strange (2016), they served as the eerie location where the titular hero was held captive, while in Muppets Most Wanted (2014), they underwent an incredible transformation into a vibrant Spanish art gallery, adding a touch of whimsy to the film’s heist scenes.

From blockbuster thrillers to family-friendly adventures, Freemasons’ Hall’s versatile spaces have proved irresistible to filmmakers. Each corner of this historic venue offers cinematic magic, making it a favourite for productions seeking character, charm, and history.

Learn more about films Freemasons’ Hall has featured in here; https://www.ugle.org.uk/discover-freemasonry/blog/hollywood-movies-filmed-freemasons-hall-london

Harrow School

Image credit: Harrow School

The Fourth Form Room within the Old Schools building at Harrow School dates back to 1615 and is the original school room with many famous names of former pupils carved into the walls including Churchill, Byron and Peel.  

This special room was used as the location for the “Wingardium Leviosa” wand lesson scene in the first Harry Potter film and provides a unique historic background for filming, photoshoots and events. For even larger scale shoots and events, Harrow School’s Speech Room is another unique and spectacular room. 

Green rooms and an onsite unit base for up to 150 vehicles are also available. For more information visit harrowschoolenterprises.com/locations

Sir John Soane’s Museum

Image credit: Celia Rogge

The Library-Dining Room always proves to be a popular space for filming and events. The versatility and multifunctional nature of the space provides film crews with a great range of possibilities. The use of mirrors makes the space feel incredibly expansive and Soane’s emphasis on natural light creates an authentic and flattering ambiance. 

The unique nature of an open-plan space in a Georgian home also allows guests to consider different aspects of Sir John Soane’s personal and professional life. 

The Library boasts a collection of almost 7,000 books and all guests who enter are immediately surrounded by impressive artifacts and many stunning works of art. Even the walls, painted in their iconic Pompeian Red, and the ceilings, featuring Henry Howard’s rendition of the story of Pandora, are endlessly captivating. It really is the ideal space in which to host a Drinks Reception or an Exclusive Dinner.

Westminster Abbey

Image credit: Westminster Abbey

College Garden, hidden within the walls of the Abbey precincts, has been in cultivation for over 900 years.

In monastic times, it was used to grow food and medicinal herbs for the occupants of the Abbey. There was an orchard, as well as fishponds, beehives, and a separate plot for growing vegetables. A herbarium was first set up in 1306.

But the garden wasn't simply somewhere to grow food. It was also a place of beauty, neatly laid out and planted with roses and lilies.

Today College Garden boasts beautiful views of the Abbey and Victoria Tower. You can hire College Garden for events, either complete with the Abbey marquee in June and July or hire your own marquee made to suit your event individually throughout the rest of the year.

30 Euston Square

Image credit: 30 Euston Square

The Auditorium: A blockbuster space at 30 Euston Square

At 30 Euston Square, the Auditorium stands out as a showstopping space for large-scale events and productions. With seating for up to 300 guests, a full-size cinema screen, and state-of-the-art AV capabilities, it’s perfectly equipped for conferences, award ceremonies, film screenings, product launches, and even live broadcasts.

This purpose-built space offers an immersive experience for audiences, with surround sound and theatre-style seating ensuring every event feels like a blockbuster occasion. Its adaptability makes it a sought-after choice for both corporate events and creative productions.

Complementing the Auditorium, the Exhibition Hall provides additional space for breakout activities, drinks receptions, or production setups, offering flexibility for larger or multi-faceted events. 

For more information about the Auditorium, contact the events team at 30eustonsquare@searcys.co.uk  or call 020 8453 4610.

the Design Museum 

Image credit: the Design Museum

Experience the stunning Atrium at the Design Museum

The Design Museum’s Atrium is a striking, light-filled space that sits at the heart of the museum. With its soaring ceilings, sleek lines, and expansive glass walls, the Atrium seamlessly blends modern architecture with natural light to create an open, welcoming atmosphere.

The Atrium’s dramatic proportions and elegant design make it a truly inspiring environment, perfect for conversation, creativity and celebration! As the museum’s central hub, the Atrium is able to accommodate any kind of event, from corporate gatherings and parties to private dinners, with options to brand the space, build a creative install or let the design elements of the space take centre stage. 

With blockbuster exhibitions the norm at the Design Museum, if you host an event in the Atrium you can also book a private viewing of either Barbie®: The Exhibition (until 23 February 2025), which celebrates 65 years of the iconic doll, or The World of Tim Burton (open until 21 April 2025), which immerses guests in the filmmaker’s gothic-inspired world.

To learn more or to book this stunning space, contact the team at venuehire@designmuseum.org

or call 020 3862 5907.

The Postal Museum 

Image credit: Miles Willis

Labyrinthine passageways, authentic brickwork, and vintage railway features, the Mail Rail tunnels and Depot offers an unparalleled environment for filmmakers —perfect for everything from gripping thrillers and historical dramas to futuristic sci-fi.

Mail Rail is an exceptional, one-of-a-kind venue, offering filmmakers a unique and atmospheric setting that elevates any production. Nestled beneath the streets of London, these historic tunnels, once used to transport mail, provide an extraordinary backdrop with their gritty and industrial aesthetic.

The Depot’s combination of dark, moody lighting and its untouched, raw charm ensures your project stands out with a distinct, cinematic look. Its versatile event space can seamlessly adapt to a variety of genres, providing limitless creative possibilities. Already a sought-after location for major productions, the Mail Rail is the ultimate destination for filmmakers seeking a striking setting that will captivate audiences and enhance storytelling.

Please enquire with a member of the team at venues@postalmusuem.org 

RCP London Events

Image credit: Matt Chung Photography

RCP London Events is a modernist icon and a sought-after filming destination. Designed by the legendary Sir Denys Lasdun, this Grade I listed building boasts a striking brutalist exterior that has set the stage for Hollywood blockbusters including Wonder Woman 1984, Paddington 2, and Mamma Mia 2, as well as Netflix’s The Crown (Season 3) and 2024 spy thriller series The Agency. 

Beyond its iconic façade lies a treasure trove of spaces, each with its unique personality. The sleek Main Reception, the marble-clad Lasdun Hall and the dramatic central floating staircase offer a mix of contemporary elegance and timeless charm. The historic Dorchester Library and the atmospheric Council Chamber bring gravitas, while the versatile theatres and Osler and Long Room cater to any production need. 

If you are looking for something unique and special, the Censors' Room is steeped in history. It is the oldest room in the venue with original Spanish oak panelling dating back to 1674. The room is made up of one wall of what was the Long Room in previous RCP homes, and it was where aspiring physicians would be examined and where malpractice in medicine was prosecuted.

It’s no wonder this architectural gem has also hosted high-profile shoots for Wallpaper magazine, Rolex, and the Paul Smith fashion show.

Get in touch for more information on RCP London Events’s blockbuster spaces: events@rcp.ac.uk

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