Open House Festival

Neighbourhoods

Back to neighbourhoods

Soho

One of London’s most vibrant and iconic neighbourhoods famous for its fashion, food, music, vibrant nightlife and the famous Berwick Street Market.

Attracting entrepreneurs and craftspeople from the 17th century, it soon became a space for communities to come together, where freedom and artistic expression thrived.

Its strong cultural history and focus on individuality contribute to the area’s unique character and foster a strong sense of community. The independent art galleries, theatres, cinemas, boutiques, restaurants, bars and cafes lining the narrow streets and alleyways attract many visitors alongside a growing residential population.

In recognition of its unique identity, Soho has Conservation Area status and is home to many listed buildings.

Find out more about the history of the area and buildings with walking tours, screenings, guided tours and exhibitions.

Drop in

Berwick Street Market

public realm/landscape

Come and join us to explore this historic market and its evolution. View images of it's historic past and its part in bringing us such exotic items as tomatoes, olive oil and grapefruit. Take a photograph from the same spot to recreate Oasis's iconic What's the story? (Morning Glory) album cover. Information point and advice on exploring other Soho Open House locations and events.

Drop in / Walking tour

Death, debauchery and doctors in Soho

walk/tour

Discover Soho in the 1700s and 1800s - a place of bawdy houses, body snatchers and benevolent doctors who rubbed along together in alleyways and elegant townhouses. Soho’s narrow streets have been blighted by cholera and seen some of the country’s first specialist hospitals. Many of its buildings escaped the bombing of WWll and at least in part can be seen today.

Drop in / Guided tour

De Lane Lea Studios, 75 Dean Street

community/cultural

Soho is a unique neighbourhood of creativity and diversity. Join us at the former Warner Brothers De Lane Lea studio at 75 Dean Street, home of the Museum of Soho and the Westminster LGBT+ Forum. Explore an exhibition of Soho's creativity and enjoy Soho short films in our cinema.

Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, 1960

A revival and love letter to London’s lost bohemia.. Travel back in time to the legendary haunt of some of Soho's greatest creatives. Featuring pictures, press cuttings and even the piano from the much loved private members club.

The newly restored Grade II listed Marshall Street Baths were constructed in the Roman Renaissance style and feature elaborate brick and stonework, marble-lined halls and a stunning barrel vaulted roof. Features a restoration of the marble-lined swimming pool which is an exemplar of 1930s architecture.

AWS & KMB Cross, 1928

Walking tour

Muphoria Gallery

gallery

Muphoria Gallery based on Berwick Street, Soho, is London's first music art gallery, exhibiting pop art and musical instruments created by UK artists. We will be hosting a walking tour around the musically important buildings of Soho.

The University of Westminster was one of the first polytechnics in the UK – established in 1838, to educate the working people of London, regardless of background and financial status. Housed in the building is the Regent Street Cinema, widely regarded as the ‘birthplace of British cinema’, with the first public premiere of film in the UK by the Lumière Brothers using the Cinématographe in 1896.

James Thompson, 1848

Start your exploration of the Open House Soho Neighbourhood with a shot of coffee, a refreshing cold drink and a bite to eat. Explore our newly installed timeline of Soho, and our existing display on the church's history. Relax in our calm and welcoming gardens. Starting point for the Creative Soho Walking Tours.

Walking tour

Soho Photography Quarter

public realm/landscape, art in the public realm, walk/tour

Architecture studio Klaud leads a tour of the Soho Photography Quarter and The Photographers’ Gallery's refurbished ground floor, which has been redesigned to connect to this new public space that features a 45m ‘Artfrieze’ at the core of a curated public art programme. The event will feature an introduction to Sian Davey’s 'The Garden' by curator Eva Eicker.

Klaud (formerly ALA), 2021

Drop in

The Smallest Gallery in Soho

art in the public realm

The Smallest Gallery in Soho is a historic shop-front which faces onto 62 Dean Street, in the heart of Soho. The aim of this creative space is to display artwork that captures people’s attention on their journey through Soho and encourage them to stop, think and be inspired. The art displays are only to be viewed from the street and can be seen at any time of the day.

, 1911

Drop in

The Soho Poly

theatre

From 1972 to 1990, the Soho Poly was one of London’s leading alternative theatre venues - dedicated to widening access to the arts and frequently giving voice to underrepresented playwrights, actors and directors.

Lyons, Israel, Ellis, Gray, 1929

Guided tour

Underbelly Boulevard

theatre

Underbelly Boulevard is a brand new home for the hottest cabaret, variety and music plus an exciting new Cocktail Bar, right in the heart of Soho. Come in and let us show you around!

SODA, 2023