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:
Powered By Nature
Powered By Nature (until 27 July 2025) explores how bees experience the world through colour, scent and light. The installation includes ultraviolet displays, sound and shifting light to reflect bee perception. It also features imagery from a plant-powered photoshoot by George Williams using microbial fuel cells. These cells convert organic matter into electricity. The exhibition includes artwork by Boo Saville, whose work considers life and change. Free.
RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show 2025
This year’s exhibition (until 27 July 2025) explores how humans have used plants for cosmetics, medicine, clothing and fuel. Artwork and photography include subjects such as Japanese cherry blossom, Australian kangaroo paw and plants from South Korea. A panel reviewed all entries for accuracy and technique. Artists compete for RHS medals and public votes. Free.
Flowers – Flora in Contemporary Art & Culture
This exhibition (until 31 August 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.
HIP HOP – Living a Dream
This exhibition (31 July–11 September 2025) explores Hip Hop as a global cultural movement, tracing its roots from 1980s New York to cities worldwide. It features photography by Jamel Shabazz, Joseph Rodriguez and Gregory Bojorquez. Each presents a distinct perspective on Hip Hop’s development, from street fashion and music to gang culture. Subjects range from everyday life in New York to portraits of high-profile artists such as Eminem, Jay-Z and Missy Elliott. 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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