Somerset House

Somerset House, a majestic neoclassical complex located on the south bank of the Strand in the heart of London, is a symbol of architectural excellence and a focal point of the city’s cultural and artistic life. Built on the site of a Tudor palace owned by the Duke of Somerset, the current Somerset House was designed by Sir William Chambers and construction began in 1776, completing in 1801. The history of Somerset House is rich and varied. Originally, the Tudor palace was built in 1547 by Edward Seymour, Lord Protector and Duke of Somerset, but passed to the Crown after his execution in 1552. During the reign of James I, the building was the London residence of his wife, Anne of Denmark, and was renamed Denmark House. Anne commissioned numerous improvements, including a magnificent fountain designed by the Frenchman Salomon de Caus. Over the years, the palace served as a residence for several members of the royal family, including Henrietta Maria of France, wife of Charles I, who built a Catholic chapel designed by Inigo Jones. During the English Civil War, Somerset House was used as the headquarters of the parliamentary army and was also the place where Oliver Cromwell’s body lay in state after his death in 1658. After the Restoration of the monarchy, the palace returned to being a royal residence, but over time it fell into disuse and disrepair, until it was demolished in 1775 to make way for the new building designed by Chambers. The new Somerset House became home to important cultural and scientific institutions. In 1780, the Royal Academy of Arts, the Royal Society, and the Society of Antiquaries settled in the North Wing, and Somerset House hosted the first exhibition of the Royal Academy. In the following years, other government and academic bodies, including the General Register Office and the Inland Revenue, occupied the building, making it a vital center for British public administration. Today, Somerset House is a vibrant cultural center that hosts a variety of events, exhibitions, and artistic activities. The Courtauld Gallery, located in the North Wing, is renowned for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including masterpieces by artists such as Manet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne. Somerset House Studios, an area dedicated to artistic residency, provides workspace for over 300 creatives and hosts innovative projects ranging from music to visual art, installation to performance. Somerset House’s cultural programming is particularly dynamic. For example, the “Utopia 2016” initiative celebrated the 500th anniversary of the publication of Thomas More’s “Utopia” with a series of events and installations exploring the theme of utopia through contemporary art. The event “Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules” paid tribute to the historic British comic with an exhibition involving contemporary artists in reinterpreting Beano characters and themes, highlighting its rebellious spirit and its ability to influence popular culture. A distinctive feature of Somerset House is its central courtyard, the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, a large square surrounded by imposing neoclassical buildings. During the summer, the courtyard hosts a popular ice skating rink, outdoor film screenings, and concerts, while in winter it transforms into a charming Christmas village. This multifunctional space is a meeting point for Londoners and tourists, a place where art and culture blend with the city’s daily life.