The Arab Hall: Past and Present

Leighton House presents the first major exploration of its extraordinary Arab Hall, one of London’s most iconic interiors, through a specially commissioned short film, three site-specific art installations and an exhibition and new publication containing extensive new research.

This collaborative and interdisciplinary project examines the space’s remarkable history and its continued relevance today. The exhibition forms a central part of the celebratory programme of 100 Years of Leighton House, which marks the museum’s anniversary as a public museum, under the governance of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Created by Victorian artist Frederic Leighton (1830-1896) following extensive travels across North Africa and the Middle East, the Arab Hall was conceived as a spectacular extension to his Kensington studio-house – a blend of Islamic, Mediterranean and Victorian craft traditions, the centre piece of which is the collection of antique tiles from Damascus, Turkey and Iran which line its walls. Since its completion in 1881, the Arab Hall has become an important place for discovery and debate, for contemplation and creativity that continues to resonate with visitors, researchers and creatives today.

£14

The short film and the three site-specific installations are included within admission ticket. The exhibition in the Tavolozza Drawings Gallery is free to visit. The admission ticket includes access to the historic house.

Leighton House is open Wednesdays to Mondays, 10am – 5:30pm. Last entry 4:30pm. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.