The Best Art Galleries in Shoreditch

Samson Kambalu, Capsules, Mountains and Forts
Samson Kambalu, Capsules, Mountains and Forts | Kate MacGarry, 2016

Since the Young British Artists blazed a trail in the nineties Shoreditch has earned the title as the hippest place in London to find emerging creative talent. The skyscrapers might have gone up in recent years, but the area has maintained an exciting mix of grass roots artist-run spaces and glossier, well-established galleries. Here’s our picks for the best places to visit in the area.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Iniva (Institute of International Visual Arts)

Ting-Ting Cheng, On the Desert Island, Artist residency at the Stuart Hall Library, Iniva

This institute is dedicated to broadening cultural histories, in order to preserve the legacies of British artists of predominantly Black or Asian descent and help marginalised artistic communities gain the recognition they deserve. It was instrumental in the early careers of famous contemporary artists such as Yinka Shonibare MBE, Steve McQueen, Idris Khan and Sonia Boyce. It also contains the Stuart Hall library, named after the pioneering academic who founded the organisation in 1994. As well as offering resources for researchers, artists and cultural producers, Inviva also presents temporary exhibitions in its ground floor space and artist residencies, imbedded in research conducted in the library.

Kate McGarry

As one of the pioneering galleries to set up shop in Shoreditch at the dawn of the new millennium, Kate MacGarry has been at the forefront of new talent since its original inception on Redchurch Street before moving to the current location just down the road. The gallery represents a number of artists who work in a variety of media, including acclaimed video artist Ben Rivers and the performance-fine art duo Chicks on Speed.

Rich Mix

More than just a cinema, Rich Mix is also dedicated to showing the broad range of arts and culture that the area has to offer. It shows wall-based works as well as organising screenings of art films and shorts, as well as workshops and performances. Most of these activities take place in the Mezzanine Gallery, although they can also spill over into the main spaces, making sure film fans also receive an added dose of visual culture.

Calvert 22

Installation shot of ‘The Future is Certain’

This not-for-profit foundation is dedicated to bringing art from the New East (eastern Europe, the Balkans, Central Asia and Russia) to the attention of a UK audience. The headquarters just off of Arnold Circus presents talks, events and exhibitions that engage with historical movements, architecture, design, film and photography.

Hoxton Arches

This enormous 2,500 space has been converted from the old railway arches that flank the nearby Hoxton station. It is a for-hire space that is popular with art college degree shows, print sales and performers.

Studio 1.1

Installation view of Studio 1.1 Gallery

Redchurch Street was still unchartered territory when this artist-run, not-for-profit space was set up in 2003. Its unassuming, graffitied doorway is suitable camouflage for a gallery who places emphasis on pure artistic integrity. The studio has an extremely international outlook with sister galleries in the Netherlands, Brazil and Croatia.

Hundred Years Gallery

‘Man in a shop’. ‘Africa’s Last Colony: 40 Years Not Forgotten’

With a focus on showcasing unrepresented, young artists, Hundred Years Gallery highlights the experimental, and often publishes open calls for group exhibitions. As well as visual arts, the gallery has a sizeable music programme, hosting concerts on a weekly basis.

Espacio Gallery

This co-operative gallery is run by artist members dedicated to supporting the local artistic community, in a large space just moments from the top of Brick Lane. The rapidly-changing programme focuses on collaborative exhibitions.

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