A colossal concrete structure looms before you. This is the Hayward Gallery. Its Brutalist architecture a bold statement against the London skyline.
The Hayward Gallery opened in 1968. It’s part of the Southbank Centre a hub for the arts. The gallery is named after Sir Isaac Hayward a former leader of the London County Council. It stands alongside the Royal Festival Hall and the Queen Elizabeth Hall. The National Theatre and BFI Southbank are also nearby.
Initially designed to house the Arts Council Collection the gallery boasts five gallery spaces across two levels. Three outdoor sculpture courts were also planned. These massive concrete trays as they’ve been described haven’t been frequently used. They were rarely open to the public. An exception was the 2007 Antony Gormley exhibition.
The Hayward doesn’t have a permanent collection. Instead it hosts three or four temporary exhibitions yearly. These showcase modern and contemporary art. The exhibitions vary greatly. They range from surveys of contemporary art to works from Leonardo da Vinci to Edvard Munch.
The gallery’s iconic Brutalist style is as much a work of art as the exhibitions themselves. Initially controversial it’s now celebrated as a prime example of this architectural style. The building’s design reflects its surroundings. Notice how its angled shape responds to the site’s change in angle.
Interestingly the gallery underwent significant renovations between 2015 and 2018. These included structural repairs. The 60-odd steel and glass pyramids on the roof were renewed. A false ceiling was removed to improve natural light. A kinetic light sculpture that once stood on the roof was removed. It responded to wind force. This was a unique London landmark.
From its early days managed by the Arts Council of Great Britain to its current status under the Southbank Centre the Hayward Gallery continues to be a vital part of London’s art scene. Its commitment to showcasing innovative and sometimes controversial art makes it a must-see destination. So explore its impressive spaces and discover the ever-changing world of contemporary art.