Art After Dark returns to London with free public art and music experiences

The event starts tomorrow in the capital

London’s West End is set to come alive this week as Art of London’s Art After Dark returns from 3–10 February 2026 with a week-long programme celebrating art, music and nightlife.

The free public festival will feature late-night gallery openings, large-scale installations, digital artworks, and exclusive music experiences, including a one-off after-hours DJ set at the National Gallery on 5 February.

Bimini (Bimini Bon-Boulash), the drag queen, musician, author, and activist who rose to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, and emerging DJ Mia Lily, are taking over the gallery to host the first-ever PARTY After Dark. For one night only, London’s club culture will ignite one of the city’s most iconic cultural spaces, where guests will dance under the same roof as masterpieces from Van Gogh’s Sunflowers to Leonardo da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks. 

Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications at Art of London:

“Art After Dark 2026 is almost here, and this year it returns as a week-long celebration where music and art collide. From late-night gallery hops and themed performances across the West End to a very special DJ-led after-party at The National Gallery, this year’s programme truly has it all.”

Leading the programme is internationally acclaimed London-based artist Lakwena Maciver (Tate Britain, Southbank Centre, Somerset House), who will unveil Rise and Shine, a 7-metre-tall tower of stacked disco lightboxes in Piccadilly Circus.

The installation combines acid-bright visuals with a soundtrack inspired by London’s hip-hop, soul, and funk scenes, evoking the city’s nightlife of the 1980s and 1990s.

“This installation is a celebration of joy, community, and the vibrant energy that pulses through London’s music scene,” Maciver said. “By unveiling it in Piccadilly Circus, we’re inviting everyone to gather, dance, and experience the city’s music culture in a space transformed by colour, light, and sound.”

The West End will also host late-night gallery openings, bookable tours via Art of London Gallery HOP!, live performances at venues including Hard Rock Café, The London Reign Showclub, BOX Piccadilly and Haymarket Hotel, and a special Q&A with Lakwena in partnership with Apple.

Paul Gray, Deputy Director and COO of the National Gallery:

“The National Gallery is delighted to host the after-party for this significant programme of art across the West End. This event continues our mission to bring people and paintings together in innovative ways and celebrate art with everyone.”

Art After Dark 2026 runs from 3–10 February, transforming the West End with a unique fusion of visual art, music, and nightlife culture. More details are available at artoftondon.co.uk/artafterdark.