Art After Dark, Art of London’s much-loved free art and culture programme, is set to return from 3–10 February 2026, transforming the West End into a week-long celebration of London’s nightlife, music culture and contemporary art. This year’s edition promises its most ambitious programme yet — including a rare after-hours DJ set inside The National Gallery.
Inspired by the city’s legendary club scene, Art After Dark 2026 will fuse large-scale public artworks, late-night gallery openings and exclusive music experiences across iconic West End locations, bringing festival-level energy to the heart of the capital.
Lakwena Maciver Headlines With Landmark Piccadilly Circus Installation
Launching the programme is internationally acclaimed London-based artist Lakwena Maciver, whose work has previously appeared at Tate Britain, Southbank Centre and Somerset House. Her new public artwork, Rise and Shine, will dominate Piccadilly Circus with a striking 7-metre-tall tower of stacked disco lightboxes.
Installed at one of London’s most recognisable landmarks, the towering piece reimagines Piccadilly Circus’ analogue advertising heritage through kaleidoscopic colour, illuminated forms and sound. Drawing inspiration from community-led music culture, the installation channels the nightlife of the 1980s and 1990s — an era that shaped genres such as hip-hop, house, and drum and bass.
Its acid-bright visuals and rhythmic soundtrack are designed to stop passers-by in their tracks, transforming the West End into an open-air celebration of music, movement and collective joy.
Dance After Dark at The National Gallery
One of the standout moments of Art After Dark 2026 takes place on 5 February, when The National Gallery opens its doors after hours for a one-off DJ-led after-party.
Celebrating London’s music culture, guests will enjoy an exclusive live DJ set inside the Gallery once it has closed to the public — offering a rare opportunity to dance beneath some of the world’s most famous artworks.
Tickets for Art After Dark – The Afterparty at The National Gallery will be available via the National Gallery website
Digital Art, Late-Night Galleries and West End Culture
Throughout the week, Art After Dark will animate the West End with a rich programme of late-night experiences. New digital artworks will appear daily on the giant Piccadilly Lights and screens across the district, creating a constantly evolving visual backdrop for evening culture-seekers.
Visitors can also enjoy:
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Late-night gallery openings
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Bookable art tours via Art of London Gallery HOP!
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Live performances and special offers at venues including Hard Rock Café, BOX Piccadilly, The London Reign Showclub, and Haymarket Hotel
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An exclusive Q&A with Lakwena Maciver, in partnership with Apple
Artists and Partners on Bringing London Together
Speaking on the installation, Lakwena Maciver said:
“This installation is a celebration of joy, community, and the vibrant energy that pulses through London’s music scene. By unveiling it in Piccadilly Circus, we’re inviting everyone to gather, dance, and experience London’s music culture in a space transformed by colour, light, and sound.”
Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications at Art of London, added:
“Art After Dark 2026 returns as a week-long celebration where music and art collide. From late-night gallery hops to a very special DJ-led after-party at The National Gallery, this year’s programme truly has it all.”
Meanwhile, Paul Gray, Deputy Director and COO of The National Gallery, highlighted the significance of the partnership:
“As the nation’s gallery, this event continues our mission to bring people and paintings together in innovative ways.”
When and Where
Art After Dark 2026 runs from 3–10 February 2026, led by Lakwena Maciver, with free public artworks and events across the West End.
For full programme details, visit: https://artoflondon.co.uk/artafterdark
