Art at night: Late gallery openings in London

Open until 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays, plus Tate Lates programme

Offering one of the coolest late-night gallery events in London, Tate Modern is home to the Tate Lates programme, filling the building with art, music, film, talks and workshops until 10pm on select Fridays. Get as involved in special sessions and activities as you like, or just drift around the exhibitions and enjoy DJs 'til late.

Selected evenings throughout the year

Silent discos, pub quizzes, magical science experiments. Science Museum's Lates programme is a fun, adults-only evening where you can wander the museum at night and participate in themed activities. Keep an eye out for announcements about when the next will be held.

Some ticketed exhibitions open until 8pm on weekends. Special Friday Late events on selected evenings throughout the year

If you're looking for a bright and vibrant start to the weekend, the Design Museum has you covered: open late on most Fridays (please check exact dates on their website ahead of your visit), it's the perfect primer before a drink in Kensington or a stroll through Holland Park. Don't miss their current exhibition spotlighting a boundary-pushing 1980s nightclub, open until 8pm on most Saturdays, and some Fridays.

Building open until 11pm, every day. Exhibitions open until 8pm, Thursdays and Fridays

The Barbican is the perfect place to start your evening. Catch their latest blockbuster exhibition, exploring fashion's dirty side, and then have a post-show debrief in the building's chic Martini Bar. It's a guaranteed way to impress someone else, or to treat yourself. Plus, it offers stunning lakeside views of the centre's Brutalist architecture.

Open until 10pm, Fridays

The V&A's blockbuster exhibitions – such as the current showcase of Marie Antoinette's fashion legacy – are often extremely popular, making Friday night a perfect time to visit. On the hunt for a fun night out in London? Catch live performances, DJs, installations, debates and more in their Friday Late programme, which takes place on the last Friday of every month (except January, May and December). It's also worth keeping an eye out for special evening events on other days.

Open until 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays

Just around the corner from the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery is also open until late on Fridays – and Saturdays too. Come face-to-face with the people who have made their mark on British history and culture, from Anne Boleyn to David Beckham. Or discover fabulous photographs by Cecil Beaton in their current exhibition. Keen to keep the evening going? Their cocktail bar Larry's is a glamorous haunt where you can unwind to some live jazz while sipping on cocktails inspired by sitters in the gallery's collection.

Open until 10pm, some Fridays

Every couple of months, Tate Britain allows visitors to explore the galleries after-hours. Immerse yourself in sound, visuals, activities and discussions inspired by the art and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Open until 9pm, Wednesdays

Love being in the know with contemporary art and discovering which artists are leading the way? South London Gallery's exhibition programme spotlights the biggest names in contemporary art and they're open every Wednesday until 9pm, in case you need a mid-week pick-me-up. Pop into their gift shop and if you spot something irresistible, you'll get 10% off with a National Art Pass.

Open until 9pm, Thursdays

Experience all of Whitechapel Gallery's exhibitions (even the ticketed ones!) for free on a Thursday night, when the gallery stays open until 9pm. And on the first Thursday of every month, they celebrate East London's vibrant art community where you can explore the local area's galleries with curated recommendations for free exhibitions, book launches, music events and more.

Building open until 11pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Exhibitions open until 9pm, Tuesday to Sunday

One for the nighthawks, the ICA's exhibition spaces are open late most of the week. You have until 9pm to experience their Tanoa Sasraku exhibition, exploring the destructive power of oil, before sipping a very reasonably priced drink (£5 negronis, anyone?) and dissecting what you saw at the bar, which closes at 10.30pm. Plus, they host a special programme of live music events throughout the year.

Open until 9pm, Fridays

Looking to unwind after a busy week at work? Retreat into the peace and quiet of the National Gallery, which stays open until 9pm on Fridays and offers a calm escape away from the hustle and bustle of Trafalgar Square. Whether you want to catch a major exhibition or get better acquainted with the permanent collection, you're close to wherever you may need to be afterwards, from West End theatres to the South Bank.

Building open until 8pm, Monday-Thursday. Exhibition open until 8pm, Tuesdays

In search of a late-night opening earlier in the week? The British Library's main gallery is open late on Tuesdays. So, from 24 October you can check out their Secret Maps exhibition, uncovering the hidden stories behind some of the world's most mysterious maps – and the general building remains open until 8pm Monday to Thursday.

Open until 8.30pm, Fridays

Looking for inspiring ways to start your weekend? The British Museum opens late on Fridays (except Good Friday), so you can check out their current exhibitions and displays, marvel at artefacts from across the world, or simply take in the spectacular Great Court.