De La Warr Pavilion

De La Warr Pavilion is a listed arts center on the seafront in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, built with white concrete, steel frame, and large windows. The spaces are spread across multiple levels with views over the English Channel, while terraces and open areas direct daylight into the interior.

Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff designed the building in 1935 following a competition launched by the ninth Earl De La Warr. Completion marked a turning point for modern architecture in Britain and brought continental European ideas to the English coast.

The galleries show changing exhibitions of contemporary art that engage visitors through new perspectives and installations. The building now functions as a meeting point for people from the region who want to experience cultural events or simply enjoy a coffee with a sea view.

The center opens daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, while the café bar serves until 4:30 PM. Visitors can enter the galleries freely and find information about current exhibitions and events at the reception.

Felix Samuely used welded steel frames instead of riveted connections, a technique still barely widespread in Britain during the 1930s. This method enabled slimmer structures and larger open spaces than conventional building practices of the time.

Location: Bexhill-on-Sea

Inception: May 6, 1935

Architects: Erich Mendelsohn, Serge Chermayeff

Architectural style: Art Deco, International Style

Website: https://dlwp.com

GPS coordinates: 50.83753,0.47124

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29