Somerset House

City of Westminster, United Kingdom

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Somerset House is a large neoclassical building complex designed by Sir William Chambers and situated on the south side of the Strand in central London, overlooking the River Thames just east of Waterloo Bridge. Begun in 1776, the Georgian era quadrangle replaced a Tudor palace that had belonged to Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset. The structure was extended with Victorian outer wings to the east and west in 1831 and 1856 respectively. Originally conceived as a grand public building to house government and public-benefit society offices, Somerset House has been redeveloped since the early 21st century as a cultural centre hosting arts organisations, creative businesses, artist studios, and year-round exhibitions, performances, music, film and public events.