London Galleries

WHITECHAPEL ART GALLERY. Reopened in Spring 2009 after doubling its size, this century-old gallery remains at the forefront of a buzzing East End art scene. Founded in 1901, Whitechapel was one of the first publicly funded galleries in London and served as an outlet for the area’s political ferment, artistic innovation, and social change. It has since showcased art from Africa, India, the Middle East, and Latin America, and in the 1950s and 1960s it was at the heart of the Pop Art movement. Now, it displays everything from 19th-century Impressionist masterpieces to modern and contemporary art. The gallery also features a brand new dining area and cafe, and hosts regular talks, seminars, and poetry and music nights. (Whitechapel High St. Aldgate East. ☎020 7522 7888; www.whitechapel.org. Open Tu-W and F-Su 11am-6pm, Th 11am-9pm. “Late nights” 7-11pm: poetry Th, music F. Dining room open Tu-F 11:30am-3pm and 5:30-11pm, Sa 11:30am-11pm, Su 11:30am-5:30pm; cafe and bar open Tu-W and Su 11am-5:30pm, Th 11am-10pm, F 11am-5:30pm and 7-11pm. Wheelchair-accessible. Call or check website for opening details. Free.)

VICTORIA MIRO. Though a bit out of the way, Victoria Miro is worth a visit. The gallery features works from young artists that make the most of its sprawling warehouse venue—think large installation pieces, not oil paintings. (16 Wharf Rd. Old St. or Angel. From Old St., take Exit 8 and walk north up City Rd. toward Angel, pass the 230 address block, then turn right after the McDonald’s; ring bell to enter. ☎020 7336 8109; www.victoria-miro.com. Open Tu-Sa 10am-6pm. Free.)

PARISOL UNIT: FOUNDATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART. Once a struggling art gallery, this privately funded charity has reestablished itself on the East End scene and now features four innovative exhibits per year, usually of work by international contemporary artists. (14 Wharf Rd. Old St. or Angel. Just before Victoria Miro on Wharf. ☎020 7490 7373; www.parasol-unit.org. Open Tu-Sa 10am-6pm, Su noon-5pm. Wheelchair-accessible. Open until 9pm on First Thursdays. Other occasional late-night events Th at 7pm. Free. Events £3-5.)

HALES GALLERY. First opened in South London in 1992, this small gallery has been a proving ground for many up-and-coming British artists. Since its move to the East End, it has taken on a number of established international talents as well. Showcases everything from oil on canvas to installation and sculpture. (7 Bethnal Green Rd., in the Tea Building. Old St. ☎020 7033 1938; www.halesgallery.com. Open W-Sa 11am-6pm. Free.)

ROCKET GALLERY. From furniture and photographs to screen prints and paintings, Rocket favors postmodern design and Minimalism, and in that genre doesn’t disappoint. (56 Shoreditch High St., in the Tea Building. Old St. ☎020 7729 7594; www.rocketgallery.com. Open Tu-F 10am-6pm, Su noon-6pm. Free.)