Free arts and culture for
13-19 year-olds in Westminster
This is Culture Shox, a unique opportunity to visit FREE arts, culture and science venues and events for 13 – 19 year-olds in Westminster. All the venues and events in these listings are completely FREE to under 16s, and most are also free to over 16s. Music, art, science, theatre, photography, film, history, literature, media and dance - there’s something for everyone here.
Culture Shox is a Westminster City Council initiative.
Choose an art form from the list below:
Visual Arts and Architecture
- Interested in Photography? Want to have a say about body image or be a model?
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During the summer holidays Y Touring and One KX are offering a group of young people a fantastic creative opportunity.
If you or anyone you know is between 14 and 19 and interested in getting involved in a photography project exploring our perceptions of body image then this could be the perfect project to get involved in.
With Wellcome Collection and Bloomsbury Festival we are offering a number of free places on a project that will make us question the way we look at ourselves and how society makes us feel about our bodies. Participants will be given professional photographic training to create a visual response to the subject matter that will aim to open up honest discussion about how we feel about our bodies and increase body confidence.
The photographs collected will form an exhibition held at the Bloomsbury Festival in October 2010 with pieces being displayed all around the area in open public spaces and actually inside the Wellcome Collection.
Training and preparatory workshops will begin on Friday August 20th 2010 and run for a full week 10:00 till 15:00. After the training period there will be weekly sessions and catch up meetings to suit people timetables. All equipment will be provided the only thing we need is interest, imagination and the willingness to engage with the subject matter.
For more information please contact Steve Byrne on 020 7520 3096 or email steven.byrne@ytouring.org.uk
We are also looking for models of all shapes and sizes to take part in the project, so if you fall into the age bracket and fancy being the inspiration that sparks off the creative imagination then please get in touch
- Web:http://www.ytouring.org.uk
- Address: 120 Cromer st London
- By Tube: Russell Square
- By Bus: 1, 7, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 68, 91, 98 168
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- Jeppe Hein: Appearing Rooms. Massive splashy water fountain!
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The Danish artist's interactive fountain returns to its place as a refreshing addition to the summer offerings at Southbank Centre. Walls of water rise and fall randomly to create a series of constantly changing 'rooms'. Visitors, especially young ones, delight in attempting to predict the puzzle, often getting splashed in the process.
- Web:http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk
- Address: Royal Festival Hall Belvedere Road; London ...
- By Tube: Waterloo, Charing Cross, Embankment,
- By Bus: , 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 77, 168, 171, 172, 188, 211, 243, 341, 507, 521,
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- Kids Week - See Free Shows! Go Backstage!
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Now in its 13th year, Kids Week is back and we've planned an action packed three weeks of theatrical fun from We have secured a stunning line-up of over 30 shows this year, so there is sure to be something to suit everyone.
As well as all the amazing shows on offer, we are sorting out a whole raft of FREE kids show-linked activities and workshops. Children can peek backstage at theatres such as The Royal Court. The Old Vic, English national Ballet, learn to dance, sing with the cast and enjoy exclusive post show Q & As
Children aged 5-16 years old can also see an awesome selection of shows for free, as long as they are accompanied by an adult paying full price.
- Web:http://www.kidsweek.co.uk/
- Address: c/o Kids Week The Society of London Theatre 32 Rose Street London Email: kidsweek@solttma.co.uk
- By Tube: Covent Garden, Charing Cross Various
- By Bus: , 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 38, 55, 59, Various depending on event. 69, 73, 77A, 91, 98, 134, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 242, 243, 341, RV1 and X68all stop within a short walk of central Covent Garden.
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- Try on Armour at The Wallace Collection!
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Families can drop in at any time to:
try on armour at any time in the Conservation Gallery
Families are welcome in the Wallace Collection and have a choice of activities, such as:
The Little Draw
A drop-in art workshop held in the galleries on the first Sunday of each month from 1.30-4.30pm.
School Half-Term and Holiday Activities include Monsters an Myths 25th August
Meet Greek heroes, heroines and monsters. Join Edwina Mileham in the re-telling of these exciting ancient myths, in this fun-filled drama and singing workshop
Weekend Events
Special Day Events take place approximately four times per year at the weekends. They comprise an entertaining day of talks, craft activities, hands-on sessions and more.
For more information or to book for any of our activities please call 020 7563 9551 or email learning@wallacecollection.org
- Web:http://www.wallacecollection.org/whatson/activitiesforadultsandfamilies/familyactivities
- Address: The Wallace Collection Hertford House Manchester Square London
- By Tube: Bond Street (Central & Jubilee Lines) and Baker Street (Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee and Metropolitan Lines). Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central, Victoria Lines) is a 10-15 minute walk
- By Bus: 2, 10, 12, 13, 30, 74, 82, 94, 113, 137, 274 all stop nearby.
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- Free Guided Tour Central Hall Westminster
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Opened in 1912, this unique Edwardian building became one of London's premier meeting places and concert venues. Holding famous international events such as the first United Nations Assembly in 1946. The Great Hall is the jewel in the crown of Central Hall and has a magnificent organ. There is an in house cafe open to the public 1000-1600 and a refreshment stand in the foyer. Hosted tours are available to the public and the view from the dome is a great photo opportunity.
Access to the Great Hall is occasionally unavailable due to conferencing commitments. If you are visiting Central Hall and would particularly like to view the Great Hall please contact us on 020 7222 8010 to check its availability.
- Web:http://www.c-h-w.com/
- Address: Storey's Gate London Telephone: +44 (0)20 7222 8010
- By Tube: Westminster, St James's Park, Victoria
- By Bus: Buses 11, 24, 148 and 211 pass the door. Buses 3, 12, 53, 53X, 87, 88, 109, 159 and 453 stop nearby
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- Free family activity Sundays at The National Gallery
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Explore the Gallery with your family. Free activities, trails and online fun to help you learn together. Activities include story telling, art workshops, under 5's, Noisy Paintings, childrens gallery and much much more!
- Web:http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/families/
- Address: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London
- By Tube: Embankment, Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Westminster.
- By Bus: 3, 6, 9 12,13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 88, 139, 159, 176 453
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- Summer Performance and craft Weekend workshops
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Free workshops all summer long include -
Stage-Struck
Celebrate a weekend of Glyndebourne at Somerset House and discover the world of performance. Join drop-in workshops to make decorative stage sets and pop-up puppets.
Mini Make Believe
11.30, 13.00 & 15.00
Children aged 5 and under and their families are warmly welcomed at our Mini Make Believe workshops. Come on an exciting adventure with drama games, craft activities and storytelling that will take you from the deepest oceans to the furthest reaches of space. It takes about an hour to complete the activity
Activity trails
All day
Discover Somerset House with your family, following our activity trails and completing puzzles and drawing challenges along the way.
All activities are FREE
- Web:http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/learning/family/summer_weekends/1277.asp
- Address: Somerset House Trust The Strand London
- By Tube: Temple, Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Embankment.
- By Bus: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 77a, 91 and 176, while the River Bus Service can be taken to Embankment and Savoy piers.
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- Stage design weekend workshops
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Drop-in Workshops
11.00-16.00
Become stage designers and discover how to make your own stunning printed set inspired by David Hockney's designs for The Rake's Progress, or take the folk-art route with a modern twist with Hansel & Gretel in Print'em at the Opera. For those who prefer to tread the boards, make your own movable costumed characters in Pop-up Puppets.
Drop-ins run from 11.00-16.00 in the Learning Centre, the activity lasts about half an hour. Recommended for families with children age 5+, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Limited Spaces. If the workshop is full, families are welcome to wait until spaces become available.
- Web:http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/learning/family/summer_weekends/1277.asp
- Address: Somerset House Trust The Strand London
- By Tube: Temple, Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Embankment.
- By Bus: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 77a, 91 and 176, while the River Bus Service can be taken to Embankment and Savoy piers.
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- Free Music Workshop!
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Discover Hansel and Gretel
Sunday 22 August, Free
Two sessions: 14.00–15.00 & 15.30–16.30
Portico Rooms
Families are invited to join Glyndebourne Education and Somerset House to learn more about the music and drama of Humperdinck’s fairy tale opera in a practical music workshop. The sessions are suitable for children aged between 8–12 years (accompanied by a parent or guardian) and are free but must be pre-booked.
The Family Workshops will feature singers from the Glyndebourne Chorus and will be run by the acclaimed music director Dominic Harlan, who will also be introducing the opera for the evening screening.
Email studiodays@somersethouse.org.uk to reserve your place.
- Web:http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/music/glyndebourne/1283.asp
- Address: Somerset House Trust The Strand London
- By Tube: Charing Cross, Waterloo and Blackfriars
- By Bus: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 77a, 91 and 176, while the River Bus Service can be taken to Embankment and Savoy piers.
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- Free Art Workshops For All The Family
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These regular free family workshops invite families to be creative and learn together. Explore Somerset House, The Courtauld Gallery, Embankment Galleries and events through a range of activities from painting and model making to fashion design and animation. Each workshop is designed to inspire and encourage, to spark fresh activities to try at home.
Open 10.00-18.00
- Web:http://www.somersethouse.org.uk//
- Address: Somerset House Trust, The Strand London Tel +44 (0)20 7845 4600
- By Tube: Temple, Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Embankment.
- By Bus: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 77a, 91 and 176, The River Bus Service can be taken to Embankment and Savoy piers.
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- Free Daily Guided Tours: Tate Modern
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A visit to London isn't complete without a trip to Tate Modern.
Tours take a closer look at the Tate's collection.
Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art from around the world is housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the Thames. The awe-inspiring Turbine Hall runs the length of the entire building and you can see amazing work for free by artists such as Cézanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dalí, Pollock, Warhol and Bourgeois.
Daily tours take place from 12:00 noon
Bankside
London SE1 9TG
020 7887 8888
visiting.modern@tate.org.uk
Entry is free except for major exhibitions
Open Sunday – Thursday, 10.00–18.00
Friday and Saturday, 10.00–22.00
Last admission into exhibitions 17.15 (Friday and Saturday 21.15)
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December (open as normal on 1 January).
Tel; 44 (0)20 7887 8888
- Web:http://www.tate.org.uk/modern
- Address: Bankside London
- By Tube: Southwark, Masion House, St Pauls
- By Bus: 45, 63, 100, RV1 381 344
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- Free Animation Workshops
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BFI animator, Tom Hillenbrand, will be leading animation workshops for children aged 7 to 13. Through a series of animation techniques children will create a picture of life in Westminster during the blitz as seen through the eyes of Ita Ekpenyon, an inspirational Air Raid Warden from Nigeria.
+44 (0)20 7641 5180
- Web:http://www.westminster.gov.uk/services/libraries/archives/
- Address: City of Westminster Archives Centre 10 St Ann's Street London SW1P 2DE
- By Tube: St James's Park or VictoriaRail: Victoria 11, 24, 88, 211, 507
- By Bus: WaterlooBus: 11, 24, 88, 211, 507
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- FREE BT Tower Tour! Open House London
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The star of this year’s Open House London will be the BT Tower, opening its doors for the annual architectural showcase for the first time.
Visitors will be able to ascend to its 34th floor, for views across London which have not been seen for three decades, during the Open House weekend on September 18 and 19.
This year’s event has the theme Our Buildings, Our Neighbourhoods, Our City and will feature buildings from every London neighbourhood as well as high-profile central London buildings.
Part of the focus will be on major regeneration zones including Barking Riverside and the Tate Modern extension, and there will be tours of the sites.
The tower, designed by the architects of the Ministry of Public Building and Works — most notably Eric Bedford and GRYeats — was completed in 1964 at a cost of £2.5 million and stands 177m tall.
Victoria Thornton, director of Open House, said: “Experiencing architecture in the flesh helps everyone become more knowledgeable, engage in dialogue and make informed judgments on the buildings, places and neighbourhoods where we all live, work and play.”
A full programme of events – the Open House London 2010 Guide - will be available on August 9 but can be pre-ordered from the Open House website.
Tickets to visit some of the buildings, including the BT Tower and tours of the Olympic Park, must be booked in advance.
- Web:http://www.open-city.org.uk/activities/london/index.html
- Address:
Open-City
44-46 Scrutton Street
London020 3006 7008
- By Tube: Warren st, Gt Portland st
- By Bus: 30, 18 205
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- A night less ordinary Free Theatre tickets
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A chance to get Free theatre Tickets to shows in and around london
- Web:http://anightlessordinary.org.uk
- Address:
Mousetrap Theatre Projects,
23 – 24 Henrietta Street,
- By Tube: -
- By Bus: -
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- Music making, Royal college of london
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are you 16-18 and want to make insperational music, Well heres your chance. Kick-start summer with music making for all abilities and musical styles.Participants will receive a free group ticket to the Proms on 29th July. Must be booked in Advance -020 7591 4314
- Web:http://rcm.ac.uk/summermusic
- Address:
Prince Consort Road,
- By Tube: South Kensington
- By Bus: -
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- Ping PONG
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Ping Pong tables will be popping up around the city from tate britain to soho square for all to enjoy. Go online to find out more info
- Web:http://pinglondon.com
- Address:
Various London locations
- By Tube: -
- By Bus: -
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- National Portrait Gallery
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A chance for the family to take part in work shops followed by art activity's. Event is Free, but a ticket is required and can be picked up 60mins before the event.
- Web:http://www.npg.org.uk
- Address:
St. Martin’s Place,
- By Tube: Leicester Square/ Charing cross
- By Bus: -
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- Gaz's Rockin Blues 30 Year Anniversary Exhibition
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Celebrating 30 years of poster art.
Gaz Mayall and some close friends have made a flyer every week for 30 years, amounting to over 1200. The exhibition will feature all the flyers and posters He's ever printed along with some photos and memorabilia.
The SUBWAY GALLERY born on the 6th of June 2006, is situated below Edgware Rd/Harrow Rd crossing in a W2 pedestrian subway underneath landmarks such as Paddington Green, Marylebone flyover and the Metropole Hilton Hotel. Conceived by artist/curator Robert Gordon Mc Harg, the space itself is a 1960's kiosk with glass walls which creates a unique showcase for art, interacting naturally with passers by, visitors and the local community.
Monday - Saturday 11am - 7pm
02.07.2010 - 14.08.2010
- Web:
- Address:
Kiosk 1, Joe Strummer Subway
Edgware/Harrow Road
London
- By Tube: Edgware Rd
- By Bus: 7, 15 16 18 23 25 27 36 98 205 414 436
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- Victoria & Albert Museum
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Visit the greatest treasure house of the world's ancient and modern art and design at the V&A, plus the UK's first permanent architecture gallery and study rooms in The RIBA Collections. Plus visit the website to discover the RIBA Drawings, Photographs and Archives, and browse the Theatre Collections, with free screenings from the National Video Archive of Performance
- Web:http://www.vam.ac.uk
- Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London
- By Tube: South Kensington
- By Bus: C1, 14, 74, 414
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- The Royal Institution of Great Britain
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Explore 200 years of world-changing science and the latest research, and play with science on Fun Days or Games online, including Flick the Flea and the genetic gamble Mutation Man.
- Web:http://www.rigb.org
- Address: 21 Albemarle Street, London
- By Tube: Green Park
- By Bus: 8, 9, 14, 19, 22, 38
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- The Photographers Gallery
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The perfect space for photography lovers. Essential for exhibitions, talks and tours and work experience placements, plus there’s a great café and bookshop to enjoy
- Web:http://www.photonet.org.uk
- Address: 16-18 Ramillies Street, London
- By Tube: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road
- By Bus: 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 23, 25, 55, 73, 88, 94, 98, 139, 159, 176, 390, 453, C2
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- The Wallace Collection
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Discover this lavish collection of art, ceramics, furniture and even arms and armour, displayed in the main London townhouse of its former owners, Sir Richard and Lady Wallace
- Web:http://www.wallacecollection.org
- Address: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London
- By Tube: Bond Street, Baker Street, Oxford Circus
- By Bus: 2, 10, 12, 13, 30, 74, 82, 94, 113, 137, 274
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- Tate Modern
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Visit the incredible national collection of international modern art including Pop Art, Cubism and Futurism
- Web:http://www.tate.org.uk/modern
- Address: Bankside, London
- By Tube: Southwark, Blackfriars
- By Bus: RV1, 45, 63, 100, 381, 344
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- Tate Britain
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Explore Tate Britain's world-famous collection of historic, modern and contemporary art for a fresh experience of British culture, and be stimulated, inspired and provoked by British works from 1500 to the present day.
- Web:http://www.tate.org.uk/britain
- Address: Millbank, London
- By Tube: Pimlico
- By Bus: 2, 3, C10, 36, 87, 88, 159, 185, 436, 507
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- Serpentine Gallery
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Join the free workshops and classes with artists, film makers, musicians and writers - a great place for modern and contemporary art from Cao Fei’s Chinese Sculpture to a celebration of contemporary Indian culture in film, art and architecture.
- Web:http://www.serpentinegallery.org
- Address: Kensington Gardens, London
- By Tube: South Kensington, Lancaster Gate
- By Bus: 9, 10, 52, 94, 148
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- National Portrait Gallery
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Come face to face with the people who have shaped British history and culture from Elizabeth I to David Beckham
- Web:http://www.npg.org.uk
- Address: St Martin's Place, London
- By Tube: Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Embankment, Westminster
- By Bus: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 77A, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176, 453
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- The National Gallery
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They’re here, they’re yours and they’re free – be inspired by world-famous paintings and get creative in practical workshops
- Web:http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk
- Address: Trafalgar Square, London
- By Tube: Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Embankment, Westminster
- By Bus: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 77A, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176, 453
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- The Courtauld Gallery
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Discover world famous paintings for yourself, or watch exhibition movies including the Coutauld Cezannes and Renoir at the theatre online
- Web:http://www.courtauld.ac.uk/gallery
- Address: Somerset House, Strand, London
- By Tube: Temple, Charing Cross, Embankment, Covent Garden
- By Bus: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, 176
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- Brunei Gallery
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Visit London’s only gallery dedicated to showing historical and contemporary work of and from Asia and Africa
- Web:http://www.soas.ac.uk/gallery
- Address: School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London
- By Tube: Russell Square, Goodge St, Euston, Euston Square and Tottenham Court Road
- By Bus: 7, 10, 24, 29, 68, 73, 91,134,168,188
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- Sir John Soane's Museum
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If you’re a budding architect, designer or art historian, you will love this quirky treasure house
- Web:http://www.soane.org
- Address: 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London
- By Tube: Holborn
- By Bus: 59, 68, 168, 188, 243, 521
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- The Cartoon Museum
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See British caricatures, cartoons and comic art, past and present. Plus take part in cartooning workshops on family fun days
- Web:http://www.cartoonmuseum.org
- Address: 35 Little Russell Street, London
- By Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Goodge St, Holborn
- By Bus: 1, 8, 10, 14, 24, 29, 38, 55, 73, 98
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- London Print Studio Gallery
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Visit the exhibitions and tour the studios for an insight into innovative printmaking, graphic and digital arts, plus explore the website for workshops and courses
- Web:http://www.londonprintstudio.org.uk
- Address: 425 Harrow Road, London
- By Tube: Notting Hill
- By Bus: 18, 28, 31, 36
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