About Us

‘The most vibrant arts centre in the country.’ - The Guardian
‘Britain’s leading arts institution.’ - The Daily Telegraph
‘The most buzzy, music-filled site in the whole of London.’ - The Independent

Southbank Centre is  a world-famous arts centre on the South Bank of the Thames. Created in 1951 for the Festival of Britain, Southbank Centre draws on its heritage as a festival site, with art and activities inside and outside. We encourage everyone to become involved in the arts in new and creative ways.

We offer a wide range of cultural events. See music, dance, art, performance and spoken word events throughout the year.  Take part in free activities and events and enjoy a wide range of restaurants, cafes and shops.

Every year, thousands of musicians and artists perform to millions of visitors, making this one of the most popular cultural destinations in the country. We hold different festivals throughout the year.

We are committed to working with young, emerging and established talent across the artistic community. We currently support four Resident Orchestras, 14 Artists in Residence and over 100 other artistic organisations. We manage the Arts Council Collection on behalf of Arts Council England and curate the Hayward Touring Exhibition programme in venues throughout the UK.

Southbank Centre occupies a 21-acre site in the midst of London’s vibrant cultural quarter on the South Bank of the Thames. Southbank Centre includes Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, the Hayward Gallery, and the Saison Poetry Library. As well as these venues, there are restaurants, cafes, bars and shops to enjoy.

‘Southbank Centre's wide-ranging programme – classical, world music, rock, pop, jazz, dance, literature and the visual arts - attracts the most diverse audience of any UK venue.’ - Visit London

Contact Us

For all ticket enquiries call: 0844 875 0073
Switchboard: +44 (0)20 7960 4200

Email: customer@southbankcentre.co.uk

Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road
London SE1 8XX

Opening Times

Royal Festival Hall: 10am – 11pm every day except Christmas Day. Free entry.
Queen Elizabeth Hall: 1 ½ hours before event start times. Free entry.
Hayward Gallery: Open daily Mondays 12 noon - 6pm, Tuesdays – Wednesdays 10am – 6pm, late nights Thursdays and Fridays until 8pm.

Entry to all our buildings’ Foyers is free, and you are welcome to come in and enjoy the atmosphere with or without a ticket.

Company Information

• Download Southbank Centre Annual Review 2011/12 (pdf)
• Download Southbank Centre Annual Review 2010/11 (pdf)
• Download Southbank Centre Annual Review 2009/10 (pdf)
• Download Southbank Centre Annual Review 2008/09 (pdf)

• Download Southbank Centre Annual Accounts 2010/11 (pdf)
• Download Southbank Centre Annual Accounts 2009/10 (pdf)
• Download Southbank Centre Annual Accounts 2008/09 (pdf)

Southbank Centre is a Charity Registered in England and Wales number 298909. Its trustee is Southbank Centre Limited, a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales number 2238415. VAT Registration Number 905 0284 52. Registered office: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.