PIN The Saatchi Gallery

Biggest Private Art Collection

The Saatchi Gallery is a South London gallery for contemporary art based in Chelsea. It was opened by Charles Saatchi in 1985 in order to exhibit his private collection to the public. It was first opened in North London, then moved to the South Bank and now finally it resides just off the Kings Road.

History

The gallery resides in an iconic building designed in 1801 by John Sanders, whose other claims to fame was that he built the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. The building was intended as a school for orphaned children and was named the Royal Military Asylum. In 1909 the school moved to Dover, and the building became the Duke of York's Barracks. During the second world war, high-profile German spies were tried here. After the conflict, the site was sold by the military and turned into housing, a school, shops, and the Gallery space. The building was given a Grade II listing in 1998 for its historic value.
The Saatchi Gallery shows contemporary art that other London galleries do not and is highly stylised. It is the largest free exhibition space of contemporary art in the world. Exhibitions are changed regularly with plenty of eye-watering contemporary fayre on display.

TripTide Thoughts

Definitely plenty of style over substance here and the brand is everything

How to get there

It is extremely easy to visit the gallery and Sloane Square tube station is only 10 minutes walk. It is well signposted and very easy to find.

Opening Hours

10 am - 6.00 pm

Owner

Lucy TripTide

Lucy is a TripTide stalwart and has been with the company since inception. She is a font of knowledge of all things in our metropolis but she has a special penchant for London's historical past. She says:"London is a multi-layered confection of hi...