Opening times

The Hayward Gallery and the Royal Festival Hall are now open.

The Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room open 90 minutes before an event until the end of the event, and are closed at all other times.

The Royal Festival Hall is open to all for access to the Level 2 foyers & Cafe, Level 2 toilets, the National Poetry Library, Level 1 and Changing Places toilet, Skylon, Level 6 Members' Lounge, Southbank Centre Shop and Riverside Terrace Cafe at the following times:

Monday & Tuesday, 10am – 6pm**
Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm

**On event days, the Royal Festival Hall building remains open until the end of the event.

see what's on Royal Festival Hall

Members’ Lounge

We look forward to welcoming you back for pre-show tipples and knockout views of the Thames when our Members’ Lounge reopens later in September.

Check here for updates

The Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room open 90 minutes before an event until the end of the event. Closed at all other times.

See what's on Queen Elizabeth Hall

See what's on Purcell Room

Opening times: 
Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 7pm
Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

The Hayward Gallery Cafe is open Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm. The cafe doesn't open when the main galleries are closed for installation. 

see what's on at Hayward Gallery

Located in Southbank Centre Square, our food markets are open most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as bank holiday Mondays.

Opening times:
Friday, 12 noon – 8pm
Saturday, 11am – 8pm
Until 9pm in July and August
Sundays and bank holiday Mondays, 12 noon – 6pm

More about SC Food Market

We’re now open, but space will be limited temporarily while we finish maintenance work. We apologise, but we only have room for five people at a time.

Booking is optional, but if you wish to plan ahead please email [email protected] to book a half-day (12 noon – 4pm or 4pm – 8pm) or full-day (12 noon – 8pm) slot.

Opening times: 
Tuesday, 12 noon – 6pm
Wednesday – Sunday, 12 noon – 8pm
Closed Mondays

The National Poetry Library is open to all and free to join with proof of a UK address. It can be reached step-free by taking the JCB Glass Lift, located on Level 2 Blue Side of Royal Festival Hall, to Level 5.

see what's on at National Poetry Library

Opening times: We’re closed currently, but research access is available by appointment on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Archive Studio is currently closed except for special events and research visits booked in advance. To arrange a visit email us 

Everyone aged 16+ is welcome, and access is free. You can find it on Level 2 of the Royal Festival Hall.

More about the Archive Studio