Venue Hire Whitechapel Gallery

Venue Hire
Whitechapel Gallery
Information Pack
whitechapelgallery.org

Entertain and inspire at
the Whitechapel Gallery
Contents
2 Contact Information
3 Introduction
4 Background to Whitechapel Gallery
The Spaces
5 Gallery 1
6 Gallery 2
7 Gallery 8
8 Gallery 7
9 Gallery 5 & 6 / Gallery 4
10 Zilkha Auditorium
11 Gallery 3
12 Study Studio
13 Clore Creative Studio
14 Café/Bar & Library Dining Room
15 Guided Tours and Packages
16 Access to Whitechapel Gallery
17 Floor Plan
18 Transport Links
19 Location Map
1

Contact
For more information please contact the Events Team:
Emily Daw
Events Manager
020 7522 7877
emilydaw@whitechapelgallery.org
Vicky Norton
Events Coordinator
020 7539 3324
victorianorton@whitechapelgallery.org
Katie Reid
Event Sales Executive
020 7539 3325
katiereid@whitechapelgallery.org
www.whitechapelgallery.org/venue-hire
Please Note
* Spaces cannot be hired for exhibitions, fundraisers or
publicly-promoted events
* Press are not permitted to attend events
* Capacities are for empty spaces and are subject to change
depending on exhibitions
* The Whitechapel is a public gallery with exhibitions open
daily. As such, there are limited dates in the year when
Galleries are free of exhibitions. Ask events team for details.
* Catering is provided by subcontracted in-house caterers.
Menus and prices may be subject to change
* Hire periods are: Day 9am-5pm | Half Day 9am-1pm or
1pm-5pm | Early Evening 7pm-9pm | Late Evening 7pm-
11pm. Extensions can be arranged
* All prices exclude VAT charged at the current rate
* 100% of the room hire fee is payable to confirm the
booking. All other event costs are invoiced after the event
* Please ask for a copy of the full Terms and Conditions of
Hire for further information
2

Introduction
City Location
On the edge of the Square Mile, neighbouring The City,
Canary Wharf and Shoreditch, the Whitechapel Gallery
is a world class venue for private and corporate
entertaining.
Expanded building
After a 2009 expansion inaugurated by HRH Prince
William, the historic Grade II* listed Gallery is one of
the most talked about cultural destinations in Europe.
Flexible spaces
With 3,600 sq. m of event space, the new building
offers 13 beautiful and versatile spaces to host a
range of events, including 9 Galleries, 2 Studios and a
purpose-built Auditorium for:
Façade
– Canapé receptions
– Private dinners
– Meetings
– Conferences
– Film screenings
– Filming and photo shoots
– Christmas entertaining
International prestige
With an excellent international reputation, the
Gallery’s exhibitions programme provides an
unrivalled opportunity to entertain from 5 to 500
guests alongside critically acclaimed exhibitions of
modern and contemporary art.
Dinner in Gallery 1
Excellent transport links
The Gallery has a dedicated exit from Aldgate East
underground and is minutes from Liverpool Street and
Fenchurch Street overground stations.
State-of-the-art equipment
The Gallery provides a range of equipment in-house.
Wi-fi is available. Experienced technicians ensure
events run seamlessly.
Registered charity
The Whitechapel Gallery is a registered charity and all
Venue Hire income goes directly towards supporting
our Education and Community programmes.
Supporting the Education and Community Programme
3

Background to the Whitechapel Gallery
'The original East End gallery is to reassert itself as
the centre of the most vibrant artistic community in
Europe.’ The Financial Times
For over a century the Whitechapel Gallery has
premiered world-class artists from modern masters
such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko
and Frida Kahlo to contemporaries such as Sophie
Calle, Lucien Freud, Gilbert & George and Mark
Wallinger.
With beautiful galleries, exhibitions, artist
commissions, collection displays, historic archives,
education resources, inspiring art courses, dining
room and bookshop, the newly expanded Gallery is
open all year round, so there is always something free
to see.
The Gallery is a touchstone for contemporary art
internationally, plays a central role in London’s
cultural landscape and is pivotal to the continued
growth of the world’s most vibrant contemporary art
quarter.
The Grade II* Whitechapel Gallery was designed by
architect Charles Harrison Townsend. This purpose
built gallery is an outstanding example of the Arts and
Crafts movement. This development also builds on the
1980s expansion under the directorship of Sir Nicolas
Serota and inaugurated by the Queen Mother.
4

Gallery 1
Gallery 1 was conceived as a basilica-like space, it is
the original exhibition space as built in 1901. A classic
white cube, with central columns, original hardwood
floors and a skylight allowing an abundance of natural
light makes this a spectacular space for impressing
clients, friends or colleagues.
Showcasing quarterly exhibitions of modern and
contemporary art by leading international artists
ensures there is always something different to see.
The white walls and columns can be transformed with
coloured lighting.
Uses private exhibition viewings, dinner and drinks
receptions
Capacities 300 standing/ 170 seated dinner
Availability All day Mondays and evenings Tuesday to
Sunday (excluding Thursdays)
Costs £1,500 half day/ £2,500 full day/ £3,000 evening
7-9pm/ £3,500 evening 7-11pm
Dimensions 254 sq m/ length 17.5m/ width 14.5m/
wall height 5.4m / ceiling height 6.2m
5

Gallery 2
The historic central reading room of the former
Whitechapel Library is situated at the heart of the new
Whitechapel Gallery, and provides a platform for an
annual art commission.
This columned space with original Victorian brickwork,
polished concrete floor and architectural light wells, is
a stunning setting for events.
Gallery 2 offers an excellent backdrop for entertaining
alongside a contemporary art commission.
Uses private exhibition viewings, evening receptions,
dinners, Monday conferences
Capacities 320 standing, 150 dinner, 100 theatre
Availability All day Mondays and evenings Tuesday to
Sunday (excluding Thursdays)
Costs £1,500 half day/ £2,500 full day/ £3,000 evening
7-9pm/ £3,500 evening 7-11pm
Dimensions 255 sq m/ length 19.5m/ width 13.1m/ wall
height 4.6m / ceiling height 5.9m
6

Gallery 8
This dramatic top-lit gallery with arched ceiling and
louvered skylights provides an impressive setting for
entertaining.
Gallery 8 showcases exhibitions of modern and
contemporary art by leading international artists,
ensuring there is always something different to see.
Gallery 8 offers an excellent opportunity for corporate
entertaining in a creative and stimulating environment.
There are several dates in the year between exhibitions,
when Gallery 8 is free from artworks. This is a unique
opportunity for taking ownership of the space for largescale
or big production events, filming and photo
shoots.
Uses evening receptions, dinners, photo shoots, filming,
Monday conferences
Capacities 280 standing , 250 theatre, 190 dinner, 60
boardroom
Availability All day Mondays and evenings Tuesday to
Sunday (excluding Thursdays)
Costs £1,500 half day/ £2,500 full day/ £3,000 evening
7-9pm/ £3,500 evening 7-11pm
Dimensions 233 sq m/ length 31m/ width 7.5m/ height
5m
7

Gallery 7
Designed in 1891, this beautiful space was originally
conceived as a gallery for the former Whitechapel
Library. Having never been used for exhibiting art it has
been restored for the display of important art
collections.
Flooded with natural daylight through a glazed ceiling
and preserved beam work, this is a beautiful and
engaging space for any event.
Hire of this space includes use of the adjacent Galleries
5 & 6. An excellent opportunity for entertaining against
the backdrop of an important art collection.
Uses evening receptions with Galleries 5 & 6, private
exhibition viewings (food and drink are not permitted in
this space)
Capacities 50 standing
Availability All day Mondays and evenings Tuesday to
Sunday (excluding Thursdays)
Costs £1,200 half day/ £2,000 full day/ £2,500 evening
7-9pm/ £3,000 evening 7-11pm
Dimensions 108 sq m/ length 12.5m/ width 8.6m/ wall
height 3.4m/ ceiling height 5.4m
8

Gallery 5 & 6
These top-lit galleries provide event space for intimate
receptions, surrounded by work created through the
Gallery’s pioneering Education and Community
programmes.
Uses standing receptions
Capacities 50 standing
Availability Mondays and evenings Tuesday to Sunday
(excluding Thursdays)
Costs £700 half day/ £1,000 full day/ £1,500 evening 7-
9pm/ £2,000 evening 7-11pm
Dimensions Gallery 5: 31 sq m/ length 5.8m/ width
5.4m/ height 3m
Gallery 6: 30 sq m/ length 6m/ width 5m/ height 3m
Gallery 4
Gallery 4 is a dedicated exhibition space for highlights
from the Gallery’s century-old archive, shown alongside
key works related to our exhibition history; documents
sharing the cultural histories of the East End; and guest
archives.
With food and drink in Gallery 5+6 this space provides
an historic and engaging environment for events.
Uses exhibition viewings (food and drink are not
permitted in this space)
Capacities 50 standing
Availability Mondays and evenings Tuesdays to
Sundays (excluding Thursdays)
Costs £1,200 half day/ £2,000 full day/ £2,500 evening
7-9pm/ £3,000 evening 7-11pm
Dimensions 83 sq m/ length 11.8m/ width 7m/ height
3.6m
9

Zilkha Auditorium
The recently refurbished, wood panelled Zilka
Auditorium, with seating designed by Turner Prize
nominee Liam Gillick, is equipped with state-of-the-art
AV equipment, and a stage, making it the ideal space for
film screenings and talks.
Uses presentations, conferences, talks, film
screenings, performances
Capacities 100 fixed seats. The front 2 rows can be
removed to make way for wheelchair users
Availability Mondays and evenings (excluding
Thursdays)
Costs £800 half day/ £1,200 full day/ £1,400 evening 7-
9pm/ £1,900 evening 7-11pm
Dimensions 80 sq m, stage length 4.5m, stage width
2.5m
10

Gallery 3
A dedicated event space, this light and modern room is
the ideal space for meetings and away days. The walls
are lined with limited edition prints and wallpaper by
Sarah Lucas. Gallery 3 can also be hired as a break-out
room with the Café/Bar or other hired spaces.
Uses meetings, lectures, film screenings, private
lunches
Capacities 50 standing, 35 theatre, 24 lunch/boardroom
Availability Monday to Sunday, days and evenings (excl
Thursdays)
Costs £300 half day/ £400 full day/ £600 evening 7-9pm/
£700 evening 7-11pm
Dimensions 34 sq m/ length 7.5m/ width 4.5m/ wall
height 2.1m/ ceiling height 2.4m
11

Study Studio
The Study Studio is a unique space with private access
and two artworks from the Gallery’s social sculpture
series. Equipped with designer wooden Artek Furniture,
AV facilities, hearing induction loops and blackout
blinds the space is ideal for presentations.
Uses receptions, meetings, presentations, workshops
and dinners
Capacities 60 standing/ 50 theatre/ 30 dinner/
boardroom
Availability Evenings and days Monday to Sunday
Costs £400 half day/ £600 full day/ £600 evening 7-9pm/
£800 evening 7-11pm
Dimensions 69 sq m/ length 12.7m/ width 5.4m
12

Clore Creative Studio
The Clore Creative Studio is a beautiful spacious and
flexible space on the third floor of the expanded
building. The floor to ceiling windows in this penthouse
studio open up to a private balcony and views of the
Gherkin and the London skyline.
The Studio can be kept as one large space or divided
into 3 separate spaces by sliding walls, ideal for breakout
sessions. Two magnetic walls are perfect for
presentation materials. The balcony, architectural
details and views also make it s stunning evening space
for private dinners or dancing.
Uses meetings, presentations, workshops, dinners,
evening receptions, parties
Capacities 60 standing / 50 theatre / 40
dinner/boardroom
Availability Evenings Monday to Sunday and Monday,
Friday, Saturday and Sunday all day. Some availability
on other days.
Costs £600 half day/ £800 full day/ £800 evening 7-9pm/
£1,000 evening 7-11pm
Dimensions 50 sq m/ length 13m/ width 10.4m
13

Café/Bar
A popular destination serving seasonal food during the
day, the Café/Bar is closed to the public during the
evening and makes for a great event space. Designed by
Turner Prize nominee Liam Gillick, the Café/Bar offers a
distinctive and contemporary space for entertaining.
The Café/Bar is used for the Whitechapel Gallery
programme of spoken word, films and music every
Thursday evening.
Uses evening receptions, dinners, performances,
film-screenings, meetings
Capacities 110 standing, 50 theatre, 40 dinner, 24
boardroom
Availability All day Mondays and evenings Tuesday to
Sunday (excluding Thursdays and some Fridays)
Costs £400 half day/ £600 full day/ £700 evening 7-9pm/
£800 evening 7-11pm
Dimensions 43 sq m/ length 8.2m/ width 5.2m
Access Via Angel Alley or via the main entrance on
arrangement
Library Dining Room
The oak panelled Library Dining Room is a private space
adjacent to the award winning Whitechapel Gallery
Dining Room, ideal for business meetings. The designer
Artek furniture and wall-based artwork by artist
Christian Boltanski provide a unique talking point.
Uses full day meetings
*catering from the a la carte Dining Room menu
Capacities 12 boardroom
Availability Wednesday to Sunday, days and evening
Costs £400 full day, minimum spend £500
Dimensions 15 sq m/ length 5m/ width 3m
14

Guided Tours
Inspire and inform guests by booking a guided tour of
the Whitechapel Gallery. The perfect way to
contextualise your event, tours can be tailored to offer
insight into the history of the Gallery and the exhibitions
on show.
Tours can be booked with an expert Exhibition Guide,
Curator or Director. The recommended duration for a
tour is one hour but this can also be tailored to meet the
requirements of your event agenda.
Tours start from £150+VAT for up to an hour during
Gallery opening times (Tuesday to Sunday, 11am until
6pm or until 9pm on a Thursday).
Packages
Wine, Dine and Be Inspired
Indulge in a delicious lunch or dinner from menus
designed by Executive Chef Angela Hartnett at the
critically acclaimed Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room
with friends or colleagues before enjoying a private tour
of the Gallery’s fascinating exhibitions from one of our
expert Exhibition Guides or Curators.
Option 1: Lunch and Tour
From £50 per person
Minimum 5 guests
Option 2: Exclusive Dinner and Private Tour
From £125 per person
Minimum 20 guests
Business Breakfasts
Business Breakfasts for up to 150 guests are available
before Gallery opening hours from 8.30 until 11am. An
inspirational way to start the day, with private access to
exhibitions and a chance to enjoy delicious breakfast
menus from Smart Hospitality.
Christmas
The Whitechapel Gallery is the perfect venue for
entertaining during the festive season. With special
menus designed by Smart Hospitality and a backdrop of
international modern and contemporary art, a dinner or
reception at the Gallery is an ideal way to impress
clients or thank your team.
Christmas packages will be launched September 2011.
15

Access to Whitechapel Gallery
Wheelchair access
The Whitechapel Gallery is fully wheelchair-accessible.
The main entrance is at street level and there are 2 lifts
servicing all floors. One set of front doors are
automated.
Dogs
Guide dogs, hearing and registered assistance dogs are
welcome.
Toilets and baby care facilities
Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are
available.
For visually impaired visitors
Large print information about exhibitions, events and
facilities can be made available from the Information
Desk.
For hearing impaired visitors
Our Auditorium, Study Studio and Creative Studios are
equipped with induction loops. Text transcriptions are
available where necessary for sound installations. BSL
talks are regularly provided as part of the Whitechapel
Gallery’s public events programme.
Parking
There is free parking for Blue Badge holders at the top
of Osborn Street in the pay and display booths for an
unlimited period. There is also one space directly
outside the Gallery in the loading bay which is available
on a first come-first serve basis (max stay 3hrs).
16

Floorplan
17

Transport links
The Whitechapel Gallery has a dedicated entrance from
Aldgate East underground.
The Gallery is minutes from Liverpool Street and
Fenchurch Street overground and Aldgate, Tower
Gateway and Bank underground stations.
City Airport is 15 minutes away, with direct links to
major cities throughout Europe and 10 minutes to Kings
Cross with Eurostar links to Paris, Brussels and the
Continent.
18

Location Map
19