One of London’s most iconic 18th-century architectural masterpieces is currently hosting a mind-bending new summer exhibition.
Step inside a world of impossible staircases and visual paradoxes running for a limited time at Somerset House, a stunning venue that boasts an incredibly rich royal history.
The grand estate we know today actually sits on the site of an original Tudor palace that once housed some of England’s most famous queens.
Now, this legendary riverside spot has been totally transformed into a massive retrospective dedicated to the legendary Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher, and it is an absolute must-see for your summer itinerary.
12 August 2026 10:00 + more dates
Here are all the details you need to know.
A royal residence turned surreal playground
Before you get utterly lost in the infinite loops of Escher’s mind, it is worth pausing to appreciate the sheer history of the building itself.
The original Somerset House was a true powerhouse of the Tudor and Stuart courts.
Princess Elizabeth actually moved into the palace around 1553, using it as her central London pad before her accession to the throne in 1558 as Queen Elizabeth I.
The estate then became a favourite residence for an impressive roster of royal consorts, with Anne of Denmark, Henrietta Maria and Catherine of Braganza all calling it home over the years.
Though the current neoclassical structure is an 18th-century rebuild of that Tudor original, the grand energy remains entirely intact.
Swapping royal banquets for cultural phenomena, the space is currently serving as an interactive art hub that actively bends the laws of physics.
Stepping inside the impossible
M.C. Escher is famous across the globe for his striking visual puzzles, mathematical tessellations and buildings that seem to defy gravity altogether.
Co-produced by Arthemisia and Fever, “M.C. Escher – The Exhibition” brings over 150 of the artist’s original works to the capital for the very first time.
You will get to view his incredibly detailed woodcuts and lithographs up close, tracing his evolution from early Italian coastlines to absolute icons like Relativity, Day and Night and Hand with Reflecting Sphere.
And because every single piece was painstakingly carved and printed by hand long before the era of digital design, the sheer patience behind the artwork is genuinely staggering.
Interactive illusions you can actually experience
This is not just a standard gallery viewing where you quietly stare at framed prints on a wall.
The organisers have built fully immersive illusion rooms that let you physically climb into Escher’s universe.
Since the interactive elements are such a massive draw, here is a quick breakdown of what you can expect to explore:
- The Infinity Mirror Room: Lose yourself in a breathtaking mirrored chamber where Escher’s signature patterns multiply into a beautiful, never-ending abyss.
- The Forced-Perspective Chamber: Watch your friends magically shrink to the size of a doll while you tower over them like a giant in this highly comical optical illusion.
- Reflecting Spheres: Stand on a checkerboard floor and become part of the art as a giant, surreal eye watches from the gallery walls.
The M.C. Escher exhibition is running right now through to 6 September 2026.
You can find it tucked inside the Embankment Galleries at Somerset House, located on the Strand in central London.
Tickets are moving incredibly fast for the weekends, so securing your spot ahead of time is highly recommended.
Visitors usually spend around 60 to 90 minutes exploring the displays, giving you plenty of time afterwards to grab a bite or a complimentary glass of English sparkling wine at one of the brilliant on-site restaurants!
🎟️ For more information about the exhibit and to purchase your tickets, head here.
