Venue

Somerset House

Somerset House is a neoclassical palace on the Strand with roots in British history. Its classical interiors match the grandeur of the façade, and a collection of interconnected spaces, from the Edmond J Safra Fountain Court to intimate galleries, allows groups to shape events to their needs, whether formal receptions, exhibitions or product launches.

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Edmond J Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House

Edmond J Safra Fountain Court1 / 13

⌖ Strand · WC2R 1LA

Somerset House

Featured space

Edmond J Safra Fountain Court

✦ Matched space

The Edmond J Safra Fountain Court is a large open paved courtyard bounded by classical stone façades and regular arched windows. The broad, level stone surface sits under open sky, creating a formal, architecturally focused setting. The hard paving accepts freestanding furniture and temporary structures for flexible layouts. The space offers abundant natural daylight, Wi-Fi and step-free access. Its broad sightlines make it a favoured setting for high-profile photography exhibitions and public displays, and it works well for standing-focused gatherings and open-plan events.

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Seated800

Standing3000

PrivacyPrivate

Price guideHire fee from £42,000

Other spaces

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The Portico Rooms are defined by tall stone columns, timber decking and neutral stone finishes that create high vertical proportions and clear sightlines. Strong natural light emphasises textures and display surfaces. A colonnaded portico forms an elevated, open-sided viewing terrace that frames extended urban vistas. The open, linear layout accepts freestanding exhibition panels and temporary fittings, and the solid deck floor supports displays and circulation. The space includes Wi-Fi and step-free access. It suits relaxed, social standing receptions or exhibition-style viewings in an architecturally distinctive setting, and provides an engaging sequence for visitors.

Seated: 100
Standing: 200
Privacy: Private
Price guide: Hire fee from £6,600

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Set against Somerset House's iconic 18th century façade with sweeping views across the Thames, the River Terrace is a glamorous alfresco London setting for summer entertaining. Seamen's Hall is included in your hire as a wet weather contingency, complete with umbrellas should a British seasonal downpour occur. The terrace suits standing receptions and can be made to feel intimate for smaller numbers. You can arrange a private barbecue through one of the house caterers or host a drinks reception as London landmarks light up your event.

Seated: Unknown
Standing: 500
Privacy: Private
Price guide: Hire fee from £16,800

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Originally a barrel-vaulted barge house linked directly to the Thames, the Embankment Galleries are now the most modern and adaptable events space. Spread over the ground floor and mezzanine level of the South Wing, this network of rooms hosts Somerset House's most celebrated exhibitions, including annual shows such as Photo London and the London Design Festival. Dramatic steel and glass feature staircases, hardstone flooring and bright feature walls introduce a contemporary urban element to the historic space. The mezzanine level suits large scale dinners and receptions, whilst the entire gallery spaces work well for press days, conferences, catwalk shows and fashion presentations. The blank canvas nature offers ready transformation for your event.

Seated: 340
Standing: 800
Privacy: Private
Price guide: Hire fee from £18,000

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Seamen's Hall is a high-ceilinged reception hall defined by tall arched windows and classical architectural detailing. Symmetrical proportions, decorative pilasters and an ornate corniced ceiling hung with a central chandelier sit above a pale patterned stone floor. The hall provides an unobstructed central dancefloor, abundant natural light through its tall windows, Wi-Fi and level, wheelchair-accessible access. It accommodates hired event lighting and staging as required. The formal, adaptable room suits standing receptions and informal seated gatherings alike.

Seated: 100
Standing: 200
Privacy: Private
Price guide: Hire fee from £11,400

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The Screening Room offers a quiet, stylish space with built-in AV and a technician on hand to ensure your event runs smoothly. The room works well for presentations and lectures. Clients can brand the space as they wish, treating it as a blank canvas. A step outside leads to the nearby Embankment Galleries, which host some of Somerset House's major exhibitions.

Seated: 70
Standing: Unknown
Privacy: Private
Price guide: Hire fee from £2,400

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The East Wing features long white-walled gallery surfaces as a blank canvas for displays and installations. Polished wide-plank wooden floors, decorative mouldings and an ornamental fireplace create a refined backdrop, whilst track-mounted spotlights and tall doorways establish clear sightlines into adjoining areas. The space includes Wi-Fi, abundant natural daylight and step-free access. The hard floors support temporary furniture and modular setups, and an opening to neighbouring spaces aids guest flow. Suited to small creative and professional groups seeking a relaxed format for seated dinners or standing receptions, the room offers engaging sightlines and forms part of an accessible, visitor-friendly sequence of spaces.

Seated: 48
Standing: 300
Privacy: Private
Price guide: Hire fee from £12,000

Lightwells and Deadhouse at Somerset House

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Hidden one level below the Edmond J Safra Fountain Court, the Lightwells and Deadhouse is a unique subterranean space rich in atmosphere and character. Running along three sides of the Fountain Court, the lightwells have long been favoured by location managers for film and television work. The Deadhouse runs directly beneath the Fountain Court, its eerie memorials set into the walls lending the underground tunnel a distinctive ambience. Descending from the courtyard, you discover unexpected hidden depths with an abundance of secret nooks and crannies. This fascinating space suits creative and surprising events with an edge, offering something beyond the ordinary.

Seated: 36
Standing: 200
Privacy: Private
Price guide: Hire fee from £7,800

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Located in the New Wing, the Lancaster Room stands apart from other Somerset House spaces. Its aesthetically raw finish, with dramatic pillars, high ceilings and exposed floorboards, combines the building's original features with contemporary cutting edge. Stunning views over the Thames frame the room, and a private entrance offers flexibility for dressing and event setup. Particularly popular for immersive and experiential events, product launches, fashion shows and photoshoots, the space suits creatives seeking distinctive surroundings.

Seated: 110
Standing: 220
Privacy: Private
Price guide: Hire fee from £9,600

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Entered directly from the Edmond J Safra Fountain Court via spacious, stylish corridors and connecting doors, the West Wing comprises 19 renovated rooms offering expansive flexibility. Light wooden flooring, beautiful fireplaces, high ceilings and ample natural light create understated elegance throughout. The blank canvas nature of the spaces provides a fantastic backdrop for exhibitions, showcases, press days, product launches and experiential events, adapting readily to a multitude of occasions.

Seated: Unknown
Standing: 500
Privacy: Private
Price guide: Hire fee from £9,600

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Steeped in 18th century history, the Navy Board Rooms form an impressive suite with distinctive charm and heritage. Climbing the grand, sweeping Nelson Staircase is an experience in itself, each flight a one-off architectural work of art. The main space features marble fireplaces and wooden floors creating a grand atmosphere, with large sash windows offering panoramic views across the River Thames. Originally home to the Navy Board overseeing British naval affairs globally, the interconnecting rooms now offer wonderful natural light, original features and great flexibility for meetings, conferences, receptions, intimate dinners and press days. You can focus your booking on one room or use all three spaces for different purposes.

Seated: 60
Standing: 100
Privacy: Private
Price guide: Hire fee from £4,800

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The River Rooms are an adaptable suite in Somerset House's New Wing with a private entrance and a contemporary, raw look of exposed brick archways, period fireplaces and untreated stone floors. They hold 220 standing or 50 theatre-style for receptions, conferences, immersive events, brand activations, shoots and fashion shows.

Seated: 50
Standing: 220
Privacy: Private
Price guide: Hire fee from £9,600