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What's Hot for 2025

November 2024

You might be busy preparing for your festive events and activities, but it’s never too early to think about what amazing events and exhibitions our member venues will be holding next year, that you could integrate into your own event or even visit at your leisure. You could for example marvel at precious jewels and show stopping objects, take a fascinating journey through the ancient past to modern day, learn how the health of the natural world is intimately connected to our own health and wellbeing, enjoy trailblazing music from breakthrough artists and established acts from across the globe, create your own immersive and innovative event experiences that take inspiration from these groundbreaking displays. Not only will you be able to enjoy these wonderful events, but be sure to also look out for our members new venue space openings and exciting redevelopments, featuring contemporary design and state of the art facilities and equipment.  

The National Gallery

Image credit: © The National Gallery, London

The National Gallery continues celebrating its 200th anniversary with the ambitious NG200 transformation. The newly redesigned daytime event spaces will open in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the bicentenary celebrations.

The Gallery will unveil a fully upgraded auditorium with brand-new equipment and a conference space flooded with natural daylight. Whether you’re hosting a quick lunchtime review or a full-day presentation, these flexible and renewed event spaces will cater to your needs.

The new Supporters House will also open in 2025. This elegant venue, with private access from Trafalgar Square, features a variety of versatile spaces including a private dining room, lounge, and standalone event space for up to 100 guests. Available for private hire outside of our public opening hours, it’s perfect for intimate gatherings and corporate events.

An exciting year ahead at the National Gallery!

V&A South Kensington

Image credit: Bandeau in emerald, ruby, sapphire, diamond and platinum, Cartier London, 1928 (c) Victoria & Albert Museum, London

Cartier

12 April 2025 – 16 November 2025

V&A South Kensington

The V&A will stage the UK’s first major exhibition in almost 30 years dedicated to the creations of Cartier, exploring how the Maison became an unparalleled force in the jewellery and watch world. Featuring more than 350 objects, it will chart the evolution of the house’s legacy of art, design and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century, when the three grandsons of founder Louis-François set out to create the first globally recognised jewellery house, establishing branches in Paris, London and New York. With an enviable client list of royalty and aristocracy from all over the world, Cartier was ‘the jeweller of kings and king of jewellers’ and later broadened its appeal thanks to the devotion of eminent creatives from the worlds of cinema, music and fashion.

The exhibition will include precious jewels and showstopping objects, historic gemstones, iconic watches and clocks from the V&A and Cartier Collection as well as previously unseen drawings from the V&A and Cartier archives, together with works lent by His Majesty The King from the Royal Collection, major UK and international museums, and private collections.

Young V&A

Image credit: Set of nine photographic prints on aluminium, by Chant Avedissian, 1990 © Victoria & Albert Museum, London

Making Egypt

15 February 2025 – 2 November 2025

Young V&A

Sparking creativity through history, Young V&A’s second family-focused exhibition will take visitors on a fascinating journey through the ancient past to modern day, exploring how stories and images of ancient Egypt continue to influence art, design and popular culture today. Told across three sections exploring themes of imagining, communicating and making, with gods guiding each step of the way, Making Egypt will journey through the Nile, inviting visitors to uncover ancient Egypt’s myths and gods and the landscape that inspired them.

Visitors will try their hand at deciphering the mysteries of hieroglyphs, discover meaning and messages communicated through colour, plus explore hands-on the making of objects that populated ancient Egypt. Making Egypt will feature ancient artefacts, many on display for the first time, contemporary fashion, jewellery, comics, film, games, sculpture, ceramics and more from across V&A’s collection and beyond

Science Gallery London

Science Gallery London is pleased to announce our latest exhibition: VITAL SIGNS: another world is possible from 13th November 2024 to 17th May 2025.

The health of our planet is essential for the survival of all living things, including you. To thrive, we need to build stronger alliances with each other, and with all other species. 

The exhibition brings together artists, designers and researchers to explore these relationships and how the health of the natural world is intimately connected to our own health and wellbeing.  

Revealing unique perspectives on our surrounding environments through creative, sensory works and multiple voices, reinforcing the fact that humans are fundamentally a part of nature rather than apart from it.

The exhibition is open to the public for free Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 18:00, but it can be also hired privately in the evening for drinks reception.

Somerset House

Image credit: Kevin Meredith

In 2025, Somerset House celebrates its 25th birthday, marking its extraordinary transformation to one of London’s best loved cultural spaces and home to one of the largest creative communities in the UK. This milestone year will feature genre-defying exhibitions, new commissions, and immersive events.

The year kicks off with SOIL: The World at Our Feet in January, a ground-breaking exhibition exploring the essential role of soil, featuring works by artists like Marshmallow Laser Feast and Vivien Sansour.

The summer will bring Summer Series, an iconic London summer experience, presenting a trailblazing line-up of breakthrough music artists and established acts from across the globe.   

Autumn’s highlight is WAYNE McGREGOR: INFINITE BODIES, an exploration of choreographer Sir Wayne McGregor’s interdisciplinary practice that bridges performance with innovative technologies.

Additional highlights include London Design Biennale and Tai Shani’s captivating courtyard sculpture The Spell or The Dream. Read more HERE.

Speak to the Somerset House team via events@somersethouse.org.uk or 020 7845 4618, and discover how you can make the most of their unique offering by incorporating their programme into your event.

Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral’s historical ties to London history, which go back as far as 1106, are weaved throughout the Cathedral’s mission and visitor experience. Event guests are immersed in history at every moment, surrounded by the oldest example of Gothic architecture in central London.

Why not choose a Southwark Cathedral guide next year, who can immerse reception guests even further, turning the venue into a living museum, sharing captivating stories and historical insights as guests explore the space.

Conferences can add a guided tour of the Cathedral as an activity or a walking tour to learn the rich history of Southwark and its role in London and English heritage.

The Southwark Cathedral Events team are experts in how to integrate the Cathedral’s history with your event or conference in 2025. Enquire at cathedralvenues@southwark.anglican.org!

Lord’s Cricket Ground

We are excited to inform you about a renovation project to improve and enhance the facilities at the Indoor Cricket Centre here at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The works will begin in December and the space will re-open in the New Year.

The Indoor Cricket Centre is often hired out for activities alongside any of our event spaces. You can also hire out the Indoor Cricket Centre for or as part of a team building package.

Given the innate link between cricket and teamwork this is an amazing experience to add to any event! Coaches are available on the day, with an option to incorporate an Introduction to Cricket, Interactive Seminar / energisers or even used to host a game.

The Courtauld Gallery

The Courtauld Gallery’s beautiful blockbuster exhibition, The Griffin Catalyst Exhibition: Monet and London. Views of the Thames has now completely sold out. The venue hire team has two December dates and some morning private tour slots left before the exhibition finishes on 19 January.

But, rest assured, more impeccably famous Impressionists are on their way in the new year with Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection opening on 14 February. This exciting show will curate works assembled in the first half of the 20th century by Oskar Reinhart (1885-1965). For the first time in its history, a rich array of highlights from the Reinhart collection will be displayed outside Switzerland, making this exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery a unique opportunity to see some of its masterpieces.

Book a drinks reception or breakfast within the LVMH Great Room, with direct access to enjoy this once in a lifetime exhibition alongside The Courtauld’s world-renowned Impressionist collection. 

Please contact the Courtauld Events team for availability- venuehire@courtauld.ac.uk

the Design Museum

Image credit: Wes copyright- Searchlight Pictures - Photographer Charlie Gray

The Design Museum’s exciting 2025 exhibition programme will give planners the opportunity to create immersive and innovative event experiences that take inspiration from these groundbreaking displays.

Leading the lineup is an exclusive Wes Anderson exhibit, crafted with the acclaimed filmmaker, offering guests a journey through Anderson's iconic cinematic style. Blitz: The Club That Shaped the 80s, celebrates the legendary London club, with guests able to experience its vibrant music, fashion, and art scene before enjoying their own party in the Atrium.

Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style will explore swimming’s design history, from swimwear to art deco pools, while More Than Human pushes the boundaries of design, blending art and science to imagine more sustainable futures.

Each exhibition will be available for private hire as part of an event at the Design Museum. 

For more information on the Design Museum’s exhibition programme for 2025, click here or to enquire contact the team on venuehire@designmuseum.org / 020 3862 5907

30 Euston Square

Image credit: Brendan Foster Photography

With traditional ballroom-style awards ceremonies no longer hitting the mark for today’s top performers, according to 30 Euston Square’s delivered business, the venue is expecting more auditorium-style ceremonies in 2025. 

With the workplace now a more casual environment, employee recognition has shifted from black-tie formality and lengthy speeches to engaging, streamlined experiences that resonate better with attendees’ preferences. Reflecting this shift, 30 Euston Square has seen a growing demand for its Auditorium & Exhibition Hall as an awards venue, offering a more dynamic and informal setting that appeals to today’s workforce.

In response to the changing face of awards ceremonies, 30 Euston Square has created a special awards ceremony package in the Auditorium for 2025 priced from £89pp +VAT, which includes evening hire of the Auditorium and its networking space and a three-hour drinks reception with both canape and bowl food options. 

To book a 2025 awards ceremony in the Auditorium, contact the events team at 30eustonsquare@searcys.co.uk or call 020 8453 4610.

The HAC

Andy Saupe has been promoted to Executive Chef by Searcys, the HAC’s in-house catering partner. Andy, who served 24 years regular army service as part of the Royal Logistics Corps and finished his career as a warrant officer class one, has been part of the Searcys team since May 2023.

Having already made a significant impact with his creative menus, Andy will now take the lead in shaping the dining experience at all HAC events, with 2025 set to mark a new fervour of flavours for the leading London destination.

With an impressive background winning recognition in top-tier competitions such as the Culinary World Cup and Culinary Olympics, Andy is renowned for his innovative flavours and focus on sustainability. In his new role, he will bring fresh ideas, combining seasonal ingredients with beautiful presentation, ensuring every dining experience at the HAC is both exceptional and memorable.

To book an event at the HAC and experience the culinary excellence of Andy and his team, email sales@hac.org.uk / 020 7382 1533

The Royal Institution of Great Britain

Image credit: The Royal Institution

2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the Royal Institution CHRISTMAS LECTURES, Discourses, and the discovery of Benzene. Throughout the year we will be celebrating through the Discover200 campaign, so 2025 is the perfect year to host your event at the Ri and bask in the history of groundbreaking discoveries made and announced to the world inside the building.

From the Theatre where the CHRISTMAS LECTURES and Discourses were first hosted back in 1825, to the exhibition space in which Michael Faraday discovered benzene back when they were laboratories, there are plenty of spaces in the Royal Institution where you can host your event on the shoulders of scientific giants.

For more information please contact venuehire@ri.ac.uk

Freemasons’ Hall

Image credit: Freemason's Hall

Freemasons' Hall is thrilled to utilize its new Wedding licence in 2025. it will be licensed for weddings, offering a unique setting for couples to celebrate their special day. Known for its stunning Art Deco architecture and rich heritage, Freemason’s Hall provides a memorable backdrop unlike any other.

From intimate ceremonies to larger receptions, the venue can host weddings of all sizes. This new license opens up exciting possibilities, allowing couples to exchange vows in one of London’s most iconic buildings. Freemasons' Hall combines elegance, history, and a truly distinctive atmosphere for unforgettable celebrations.

Sir John Soane’s Museum

Image credit: RSHP

Looking forward into 2025, Sir John Soane Museum will welcome a variety of exhibitions. The first, Soane and Modernism: Make it New (12 February – 18 May), will put Soane’s designs in dialogue with two modernist architects and illustrate why he is often considered to be the first modernist architect.

This will be followed by two showcases by each of our artists-in-residence: Nika Neelova’s Through a Glass Darkly (12 March – 13 April) and Paul Noble’s The Lesbian Rule (16 April – 18 May).

Following will be Richard Rogers: Talking Buildings – Ten Projects (18 June – 21 September), which will explore several of the celebrated architect’s constructions, such as the Millenium Dome, through drawing, film and his vibrant perspex models.

The year’s final exhibition, Egypt: Influencing British Design 1775- 2025 (8 October – 19 January 2026). This will focus on how the mystery of Ancient Egypt informed the design of richly decorated Georgian homes, such as the Soane, and much more besides over the centuries following.

{10-11} Carlton House Terrace

Image credit: Greg Allen

Transformed {10-11} Carlton House Terrace launches three new multi-purpose event spaces

Following a £9.6 million re-development, supported by £5 million from the Wolfson Foundation, {10-11} Carlton House Terrace has launched three brand-new, double-height event spaces.

Designed by Wright & Wright Architects, the adjoining Lecture Room, Wohl Gallery and SHAPE Room are fully accessible and feature contemporary design, branding opportunities and built-in technology throughout. The vibrant spaces can be booked individually or combined for exclusive hire, offering flexibility for hosting a multitude of event set-ups.

Significant investment in the historic venue’s infrastructure has enhanced its inclusivity and accessibility. The removal of physical barriers between the west and east entrances has created a more open environment with unobstructed sightlines for in-person events.

For hybrid and digital events, the installation of state-of-the-art technology systems has ensured every event is accessible to global audiences digitally.

Eco-conscious design is also heavily featured, with double-glazing – the first of its kind within a Grade I listed property in Westminster - and an entirely carbon-free heating system.

To discuss your 2025 event briefs, please get in touch with the team at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace.

London Museum Docklands

Image credit: London Museum

Uncover London's lost stories with London Museum Docklands’ new exhibition: ‘Secrets of the Thames’.

At London Museum Docklands, guests can dive into a storied history with an exclusive new exhibition, ‘Secrets of the Thames’, which is the perfect add on to events at the museum.

Opening on 4th April 2025, this immersive exhibition will take guests on a journey through 10,000 years of London’s history, all uncovered from the River Thames' foreshore. The exhibition will showcase recently uncovered artefacts and the unique practice of mudlarking, where items lost to the river reveal extraordinary insights into London's past.

Guests can explore exhibits that bring prehistoric London, Roman Londinium, and Viking arrivals to life, alongside intriguing finds from London’s bustling port years. Through engaging storytelling and expertly curated displays, Secrets of the Thames lets visitors uncover London's forgotten stories and hidden connections with the river.

For those wanting a unique experience to enhance their event or create an unforgettable social gathering, ‘Secrets of the Thames’ offers a fascinating, hands-on encounter that brings the museum’s history to life.

For more information or to book an event that includes a private viewing or curator talk, contact our team: venuehire@londonmuseum.org.uk  

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