The Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea is a contemporary art gallery known for its diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions. Established in 1985 by Charles Saatchi, the gallery has a focus on displaying works across various media by emerging artists.
What to see at the Saatchi Gallery
Exhibitions at the Saatchi Gallery cover a wide spectrum of artistic styles, themes and media. Visitors may encounter painting, sculpture, photography, installation art, video and digital works, among other forms of contemporary artistic expression.
A hallmark of the Saatchi Gallery is its commitment to showcasing emerging talent. Many exhibitions feature works by young and up-and-coming artists, providing them with a platform to reach a wider audience and gain recognition in the art world. This focus on emerging artists contributes to the gallery’s reputation as a hub of creativity and innovation.
Current and planned exhibitions include:
Deborah Segun: A Moment to Myself
This solo exhibition (until 24 February 2025) by Nigerian artist Deborah Segun explores connections between self and nature. Segun examines how the internal self mirrors the natural world, drawing parallels between human forms and landscapes. Curving shapes suggest hills, while sharp edges reflect challenging terrains. Her works evoke quietude, joy and melancholy, inviting mindfulness. The exhibition considers enduring themes of self and nature, building on ideas that gained prominence in the late 18th century. Free.
Jack Kabangu: Barndommens Drømme (Childhood Dreams)
In the Barndommens Drømme (Childhood Dreams) exhibition (until 24 February 2025), African/Danish artist Jack Kabangu examines memory’s inaccuracies and the opacity of dreams. His expressive, gestural style features recurring face motifs, evoking deep human emotions and inexpressible desires. Kabangu’s work aligns with longstanding artistic and philosophical explorations of dreams, from ancient beliefs to Surrealist investigations of the subconscious. His richly textured surfaces and bold colours suggest a desire to revisit and interpret psychological states beyond language or clear representation. Free.
Narratives of Identity
This exhibition (until 19 March 2025) features recent graduates Qinyao Dai, Hsin Hwang, Shayla Marshall and Jahnvi Singh. Their work explores identity through painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media. Each artist examines personal and collective experiences, reflecting on culture, memory and belonging. Some works are autobiographical, while others address broader themes. The exhibition invites visitors to consider how identity is shaped by storytelling and history, encouraging reflection on their own experiences. Free.
Flowers – Flora in Contemporary Art & Culture
This exhibition (until 5 May 2025) examines how flowers influence contemporary art and culture. Across nine gallery spaces, it showcases over 500 works, including large-scale installations, photography, fashion and archival objects. Themes include beauty, symbolism, and flowers’ role in myths and emotions. Highlights include a dried-flower installation by Rebecca Louise Law and interactive projections by Miguel Chevalier. Featured artists include Damien Hirst, Winifred Nicholson, and Takashi Murakami. The exhibition involves collaborations with Marimekko and the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography. £18.
Gary Bunt: Marrows, Spuds & Onions
Gary Bunt worked for years on building sites in Kent and Sussex, surrounded by family. He recalls long, hard days filled with laughter and camaraderie. Reflecting on memories of his father and uncles, he was inspired by their humour and sayings. This exhibition, Marrows, Spuds & Onions (4–9 March 2025), features a new series of works inspired by those moments and reflections. Free.
Visiting the Saatchi Gallery
The Saatchi Gallery is located in the Duke of York’s Headquarters just off Kings Road in Chelsea. It is a four-minute walk to Sloane Square tube station (on the Circle and District lines) and nearby attractions include the Chelsea Physic Garden and the National Army Museum, both within a 15-minute walk from the gallery.
The gallery is open 10am–6pm daily and admission is free, although some major exhibitions have an entry charge, which can be pricey.
It is in one of the loveliest areas of London and there are lots of places to eat and drink nearby.
Allow up to two hours for your visit if you’re here for a major exhibition; however, a shorter visit is reasonable if you’re just visiting for the free exhibitions.
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