198 Contemporary Arts and Learning
Free contemporary art gallery and learning centre in Herne Hill, founded in 1988 as a platform for Black and Asian artists and local communities.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
198 began in the 1980s, after the unrest in Brixton, as a community project called Roots Community Limited and became 198 Gallery in 1988. It was started by Zoe Linsley-Thomas and John 'Noel' Morgan as a gallery and meeting place for Black and Asian artists. The first premises were three empty shops on the Hurst Street estate, leased from Lambeth Council.
Over the years the gallery added a new exhibition space in the early 1990s and, in 2003, a media studio and learning area. It took the name 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning in 2007 to reflect its work with young people and in education. It gained Arts Council National Portfolio status in 2017. The organisation also commissioned the first public sculpture in the UK by a Black artist, The First Child by Raymond Watson, and helped launch a diaspora pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
In 2013 198 took over its building through a community asset transfer. The premises were then rebuilt with two extra storeys and updated spaces, and reopened in October 2021 with a group exhibition by Roma artists. The building won a RIBA London Award in 2022. Today 198 runs free exhibitions, courses, workshops, talks and projects for schools, colleges and youth groups.
Highlights
- Free contemporary art exhibitions
- Rebuilt gallery and learning spaces, RIBA London Award 2022
- Free workshops, courses and talks
- Mural marking the 40th anniversary of the Brixton uprisings
- Archive of the organisation's history
- Founded
- 1988
- Operated by
- 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning (registered charity)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free, and the learning activities are also free of charge.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The venue describes itself as fully accessible, including for wheelchair users, with a lift to the first and second floors. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available. Two disabled parking bays are on Hurst Street, less than 10 metres from the building.
Kids & families
- Baby changing facilities
Baby changing facilities are available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Herne Hill station
The gallery is at the junction of Railton Road and Hurst Street. Herne Hill station is the nearest train station and Brixton the nearest Underground station. Buses 322, 196, 3, 37, 201, 68 and 468 serve the area (to Herne Hill).
By car
Parking available
Two disabled parking bays on Hurst Street, less than 10 metres from the building. Pay and display parking on the surrounding streets.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Exhibition tours, talks and screenings are offered; viewing appointments outside opening hours can be arranged by email. Gallery-based workshops for schools, colleges and youth groups are linked to the current exhibition. |
