This review and rating relates to the current exhibition "Extinction Beckons" by Mike Nelson. For sure this is not your typical modern art gallery experience. Mike specialises in "installation" art and one of the key exhibits here is the maze of little rooms with connecting doors displaying collections of objects. Whilst his "art" arouses my curiosity and perhaps some amusement, I struggle to identify these displays with what I consider to be truly talented artistic productions. Can anything be considered as art ? Is art whatever a recognised artist produces ? Can there be any standards of finess and talent required for something to be deemed art. Give me the paintings in the National Gallery any day instead, and they are free to view. However, I still give the exhibition 3 stars for it's originality, but £16 is way too expensive ( to me it's worth half this) and I'm disappointed there is no pensioner discount.

Firstly I'd like to say that I enjoyed the art overall, the use of space here is interesting, especially the abract moving mirror piece which allows you to lose yourself in an alternate viewpoint within the room. However, the exhibition is, in my opinion, not worth the money; ironically for an exhibition about "space", very little space is actually used. I understand the need to pace the exhibit, but considering the payment cost- £50 for three people- I expected more. If you are specifically interested in this kind of art, then visit.

Wonderful gallery with a Lee bul exhibition that nobody should miss. There were many activities that could be done outside of the gallery as well. Another wonderful thing about this gallery was the gender neutral toilets that were conveniently placed around the gallery. The gallery also had a lovely colorful shop that was full of things that would be useful and not just trash. I would totally reccomend this gallery as a great day out to london. All of them things I mentioned have been pictured below.

Visited this time for the Sugimoto Exhibition having been here several times before. It was excellent and well worth a visit. Pleased to say to that I haven't seen a bad thing here yet, the curation has always been excellent. Bookshop and Cafe are exactly as you would expect and are good value, staff all super friendly and helpful too. Toilets were clean and the brutalist building alone is worth a wander around.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

My favourite gallery in London for contemporary art. Great example of brutalist architecture and the space is often used for great exhibitions. I visited Lee Bul and Space Shifters and they have been my favourite in 2018. I recommend booking tickets in advance as they are often popular. Do check in advance for their website for the latest exhibitions as they do not have a permanent collection unlike the National Gallery.

The Hayward Gallery is always worth a visit despite the cavernous exhibition spaces many areas still feel intimate. The current show on until January 5th featuring a Hiroshi Sugimoto retrospective is no exception. Beautiful photographs perfectly curated across 3 floors it’s the perfect setting to see these amazing immersive images.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Wonderful! The restoration of this beautiful modern gallery was worth the wait. Large versatile rooms which give the art and the viewer space to look and be appreciated. Natural light floods the upper galleries. There is a new cafe and shop and a knowledgeable team of hosts working there. It's riverside setting and proximity to all that the Southbank Centre offers makes it a great gallery to visit.

Visited to see Hiroshi Sugimoto, exhibition was beautiful but a little underwhelming. Curation was standard. The staff both on the reception desk and security on the door were incredibly rude and they gave a sense of elitism. The bathrooms were incredibly dirty and the shop was below average for stocked titles.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I visited the among the trees exhibition and it was malicious and calming, smoothing background music and wonderful artwork pieces! Exhibition wasn't too crowded as they have a system, social distancing signs and wear a mask sign is in place unless you're exempt and have a badge then you won't need to wear one . A very organised system during the pandemic in the Hayward Gallery.

The Hayward Gallery is part of the South Bank Centre, located on the River front, within a short distance from London Waterloo Station. It is the visual arts venue for the SBC, with a variety of art mediums on display. The exhibitions are themed and run for a short period.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Really good space for exhibitions and always plenty to see. It does get very crowded on the weekends and holidays though, so I'd recommend going during the week to avoid disturbance from families if you want to view in peace. That being said, they are family friendly so if you're after something different to the Tate etc, then this is a good place to visit.

Really nice spacious layout with a lot of room to view the photography from Gursky's exhibit. I'm not much of an art connoisseur but I felt like was able to take in what was on offer at the Hayward gallery. A lot will depend on what is on show but there is enough light, space and atmosphere for you to fully appreciate what ever it is you are viewing.

The hayward gallery is a really special place. They do amazing installations inside and outside. It is a brutalist building for cutting edge modern art displays. It is located on the southbank in an exciting area. You do have to pay for entry however there are discounted rates and it is worth it as the displays are very very well done and large.

Firstly, we are spoiled by free entry these days and the Hayward Gallery is not free, so be prepared to pay for entry! However, once inside, it is a magical, modern, concrete labyrinth of well curated and beautifully displayed art. Highly recommended.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Hats off to the Hayward and the free to the public Kiss My Genders installation during London Pride. There were so many arresting images to see, hear and experience from key points in queer history. The shop is also well stocked with literature and fantastic souvenirs. It was well worth the detour through parade crowds.

Ticketed exhibitions in a large gallery space and a bookshop with design collectibles and coffee table books to buy. Also something interesting going on. Have concession ticket prices, easy to find location in the Southbank centre
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Among the Trees is a brilliant exhibition focusing individual pieces rather than the bigger environmental issue. It's a slightly subtler way of getting the message across but perhaps underplays the scale of the crisis. Having said that, the works on display are beautiful and evocative. Well worth a visit.

That building! That show! Absolutely loved the friendly staff, beautiful space, amazing architecture and exhibit of Louise Bourgeois: very well curated, great explanations (although you have to download the app and the connection in the building is terrible). Original things in the giftshop.

Went to see the Among the Trees exhibition. The space was amazing and well presented, with beautiful artwork and inspiring moments. I only wish the cards for each of the artwork were a bit more spaced out since people tended to group around them a lot (which could be worrying during Covid)

The Hayward Gallery is full of surprises and I always enjoy the exhibitions. I have just been to the Mike Nelson exhibition with machines that are no longer in use and offices and rooms from the 70s. I was expecting a self righteous display of the end of planet earth. What a relief.

Saw the 'Dear earth' and the 'Mike Nelson' earlier in the year. Both great shows, Hayward is a great space with a really considered program. I wish they still had the project space upstairs though!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Good gallery to visit with great exhibitions on display. Went on a hot day so it was very crowded outside of the building with a lot of kids playing around the fountains. The exhibition room is a good spacious layout with a different variety of rooms to gander around.

Inspiring brutalist architecture. I visited the exhibition of Hiroshi Sugimoto on Christmas eve. Loved it, especially because it went well with the atmosphere of the building.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Great contemporary art gallery on the Southbank. The current exhibition of the work of Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto is excellent and runs until 7 January 2024.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This is a 5* must see show of photography from the Japanese artist Sugimoto. One of the strongest shows at the Hayward for a long time. Highly recommend ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Outside the monumental Brutalist Architecture envelops you with a sense of the ancient and a mid 20th century vision of the future. Inside the staff are efficient and friendly . There were two exhibitions on display ,Dianne Arbus and Kader

Saw an excellent exhibition recently, Bridget Riley, very well arranged and good lighting, it's a lovely big space and not to crowded, definitely worth the entrance fee of £16.50 or £12.50 for consesions only negative was all the stairs

Stayed here most of the day. Good selection of cakes with veggies options as well as GF. staff were ok. Well worth coming here to avoid the crowds. I don't like the inclusive toilets because I can't make any noises!

Beautiful gallery space. The Sugimoto exhibition currently running (fall 2023) is a masterpiece that must not be missed.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Wonderful place, amazing exhibition and lots of interesting people around at the opening. Will definitely come back another day to this place when less crowded to enjoy artworks in full. Highly recommend. More

Well located nr Waterloo/ south bank. Good environment (nice cafe) and we'll laid out. Sometimes challenging exhibitions but always worth a look. Free entry for South bank members.
Visited on
Weekday

Regardless of the design aesthetic folderol this is a vibe-neutral zone devoid of warmth and welcome. The oval glass conservatory hardly expansive, the customer seemingly the viewed

Free and a relatively decent size. The installation playing at the time was very fascinating.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It was very good, the art was stunning but make sure to bring a jacket, it's cold inside.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great exhibitions here. Small gallery (5 spaces over 2 floors). A shame they don't use the 3 terraces on the upper floors of late. Got to say the café here is very expensive.

Excellent venue for different installations. Went recently to see the ShapeShifters and it was very good. Check out the free tours also, the guides are fantastic.

It's a great space on the Southbank. Seen a few exhibitions here - good to get yourself lost in other worlds and thoughts inside
Visited on
Weekend

Strange Clay exhibition was very strange as advertised. Well laid out and sensible timed entry. Good exposition of the myriad Clay forms and techniques.

Fantastic gallery that shows wonderful modern art - keen to come again. We saw the Matthew Barney and Igshaan Adams exhibitions and were blown away

Interesting and inspiring exhibition by Hiroshi Sugimoto
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

A wonderful exhibition all about trees (Among the trees) with a great range of photos, painting and drawing and sculpture, and story telling too.

Light and airy refurbished art gallery. The Gursky exhibition was very well managed with plenty of space and not over-crowded. Small gift shop.

A bit late on my review, came to see the Louise Bourgeois The Woven Child. Amazing exhibit with a lot to take in. Very moving. We’ll set up

Dingy Navigation could better guided its not easy to.work out if we'd seen all the photo exhibition on all floors (how many) More

As part of BHM celebrations, my sisters and I went to the In the Black Fantastic art exhibition and had a great time.

Consistently great exhibitions - keep your eyes open for any of they're installation ones, they're often fantastic.

Great space and amazing shows. Remember to book and they don't open till 11am.

Brutalist building. Great exhibition. Hiroshi Sugimoto Photos.

Visited the Sugimoto exhibition in Dec 2023.

Great Hiroshi Sugimoto exhibition.