Somerset House, Art center on the Strand, London, England
Somerset House is a listed building on the Strand with Georgian and Neoclassical facades arranged around a central courtyard. Four wings form an enclosed rectangle that stretches from the Thames to the street of the same name.
William Chambers erected the building from 1775 on the site of a former Tudor palace that once housed Princess Elizabeth. Later the complex accommodated government offices and was converted for cultural purposes in the 20th century.
The courtyard becomes a gathering place for open-air concerts and film screenings during events. Galleries and studios attract an audience interested in both contemporary art and classical collections.
Access is convenient via Temple or Covent Garden underground stations, both only a few minutes' walk away. Guided tours and educational programs run regularly and suit different interest groups.
In winter the courtyard fills with an ice rink, while summer brings 55 fountains creating water displays that change their patterns throughout the day. Historic vaults run beneath the building and occasionally open for exhibitions and installations.
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