Whitechapel Gallery

Whitechapel Gallery was founded in 1901 by the pioneering philanthropists and social reformers, Canon Samuel and Henrietta Barnett, with the aim of presenting “the finest art of the world for the people of the East End, London”.

Reputationally and influentially, the Gallery’s pioneering artistic, learning and community programmes have inspired millions over the years and offered dynamic models of engagement that have been adopted by cultural organisations worldwide.  From specialist projects and activities tailored towards young people, schools, families and local groups, to an agenda-setting programme of public talks and events, Whitechapel Gallery continues to set the standard for dynamic and inclusive engagement with art and ideas.

The Gallery is located in the borough of Tower Hamlets, home then, as now, to predominantly working class and migrant communities. Over the years, it has welcomed artists, thinkers, writers and academics from across the globe – many of whom have settled in the area and helped to cement the East End as one of the world’s most exciting and diverse cultural quarters.

Since expanding its spaces in 2009, through a major capital project that included purchasing the former Whitechapel Public Library building next door, the Gallery’s capacity to show ambitious and complex work has dramatically increased, making way for expanded exhibition spaces, new commissions and the presentation of an even greater array of forms and technologies.