Art Gallery and Exhibition Space in Old Street

Old Street sits at the creative heart of Shoreditch, making it one of London's strongest locations for temporary art galleries and exhibition spaces. Whether you are launching a solo show, hosting a private view or running a multi-day group exhibition, the spaces available here range from raw warehouse conversions to polished white-cube galleries. Browse the listings below to find an art venue in Old Street that fits your format, audience and budget.

Why Old Street works for galleries and exhibitions

Old Street has spent the last two decades evolving from a fringe tech corridor into a genuine cultural district. The area draws a young, design-literate audience that actively seeks out independent exhibitions, open studios and immersive art experiences. Footfall from the Old Street roundabout feeds directly into side streets where many gallery-ready spaces sit at ground level with large frontages.

The neighbourhood also benefits from its position between Hoxton, Clerkenwell and Hackney, three areas with dense creative communities that cross-pollinate audiences. If you are looking for a wider view of what is available across the area, explore Shoreditch listings for additional options in neighbouring streets.

Types of art venue available in Old Street

The exhibition spaces listed on Storefront in Old Street fall into several distinct categories. Former industrial units with exposed brick, concrete floors and high ceilings are the most common and tend to suit contemporary and mixed-media work well. You will also find converted retail units with street-facing windows, useful for attracting walk-in visitors during open exhibitions.

Some venues come gallery-ready with hanging systems, adjustable lighting tracks and plinth furniture included. Others are blank canvases that give you full control over layout and installation. Rental periods typically start from a single day, so you can book anything from a one-night private view to a two-week group show.

For broader inspiration on how brands and artists have transformed temporary spaces, the Shoreditch neighbourhood guide covers the area's creative identity in detail.

What to expect on cost and logistics

Gallery hire in Old Street generally ranges from £150 to £600 per day depending on the size of the space, the level of fit-out and whether the venue sits on a high-footfall street or a quieter side road. Larger warehouse-style venues at the upper end of that range can accommodate 80 to 150 guests for a private view.

Most spaces are available on flexible short-term agreements, typically from one day up to several weeks. Many landlords include basic utilities, Wi-Fi and access to loading bays in the daily rate. If your exhibition requires specialist lighting rigs, AV equipment or late-night access, check individual listing details or contact the host directly through Storefront.

If you are comparing Old Street with other parts of the city, you can search across all of London to see how pricing and availability differ by neighbourhood.

How to choose the right exhibition space

Start with the practical requirements. Measure your largest artwork or installation piece, confirm ceiling height needs and check whether the venue allows wall fixings or requires freestanding display systems. Natural light is a consideration too. Some photography and light-based installations need blackout capability, while painters often prefer north-facing windows.

Think about your audience next. If your opening night expects 100 guests, you need a minimum of 90 to 120 square metres of open floor space to avoid overcrowding. For quieter, appointment-based shows, a smaller studio-style space may create a more intimate experience.

Finally, consider visibility. Ground-floor spaces with glazed frontages on Old Street itself or along Great Eastern Street attract passing foot traffic. Basement or upper-floor venues trade that visibility for lower rental rates and a more controlled atmosphere.

Storefront also offers retail space for rent across London if your project blends art with retail or product display.

Getting started with your Old Street gallery booking

Browse the listings on this page to see available art galleries and exhibition spaces in Old Street. Each listing includes photos, floor plans where available, pricing and a description of what is included. You can filter by size, daily rate and available dates to narrow your search quickly.

Once you find a space that fits, submit an enquiry directly through the listing page. Most hosts respond within 24 hours, and you can arrange a viewing before committing. Storefront handles the booking process, so you get a clear rental agreement without the overhead of a traditional commercial lease.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire an art gallery in Old Street?

Gallery hire in Old Street typically costs between £150 and £600 per day. Smaller studio-style spaces sit at the lower end, while large warehouse venues with high ceilings and full gallery infrastructure command higher rates. Most listings on Storefront include utilities and basic amenities in the daily price.

Can I rent an exhibition space in Old Street for just one day?

Yes. Many art venues in Old Street are available for single-day hire, which suits private views, launch events and one-night exhibitions. Longer bookings of one to four weeks are also common for group shows and solo exhibitions that need extended public opening hours.

What kind of art exhibitions work well in Old Street?

Old Street attracts a young, creative audience, so contemporary art, photography, mixed-media installations and digital art all perform well here. The neighbourhood's industrial architecture also suits large-scale sculpture and immersive experiences that benefit from high ceilings and raw finishes.

Do Old Street gallery spaces come with hanging systems and lighting?

Some do and some do not. Several venues listed on Storefront include professional hanging rails, adjustable track lighting and plinths as standard. Others are unfitted blank-canvas spaces where you install your own display systems. Check individual listing details before booking.

How far in advance should I book an exhibition space in Old Street?

For peak periods such as London Gallery Weekend, Frieze week or the autumn gallery season, booking four to six weeks ahead is recommended. Outside those peaks, two to three weeks of lead time is usually sufficient, though last-minute availability does appear on Storefront regularly.