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London's best exhibition venues for hire

If you've decided to host an exhibition you may be wondering what comes next? Choosing a location can be tricky with so many different factors to consider, but our handpicked list of recommendations has a whole host of options, from iconic sports venues to historic underground vaults.

Updated on 09 February 2024

As far as exhibition venues in London go, the capital has an overwhelming choice of options. It's an international hub for expos of all varieties with plenty of brilliant venues available for the next time you need somewhere to host a large audience. Gone are the days of stuffy ballrooms and blank, empty halls as the only exhibition venues to hire. Nowadays, there's a whole host of unique and quirky venue options available, each with their own sense of charm and character that can help set the tone. 

The most important thing to consider when planning your exhibition is surely the size of the venue. Hosting an exhibition is no small task - literally - and you'll want to be sure that you have an abundance of space with room for large audiences, display stands and maybe even a stage. Some of the following venues have absolutely enormous capacity, with the possibility to house up to 5,000 people. For those organising something smaller, we also have several low-key venues that would be ideal for an intimate gathering. 

Planning an exhibition can be stressful. There are so many bits to consider that you shouldn’t have to waste your time worrying about the perfect location! With options spanning from underground vaults to giant sports venues to varied museums, there's no need to settle with an abundance of adaptable exhibition venues available in London - no matter the size, style or budget of your event.

If something on our list catches your attention then be sure to click on the venue to find out more or even make an inquiry. Or, you can check out the full directory of all our event and party venues across London. Either way, we're here to help you find the perfect location to make your next exhibition a smash hit, leaving you to focus on the more important bits!

Stationers

Stationers' Hall

Ave Maria Lane, City of London, London, EC4M 7DD

Just a stone's throw from St Paul's Cathedral, Stationers' Hall combines contemporary facilities with a stunning historic venue. Bold red rugs cover the floors of The Court Room with a hanging chandelier and gold adornings that add an extra touch of glamour. Meanwhile, The Stock Room is the largest private hire space, maintaining this elegance with capacity for up to 400 standing.

Max Meeting 200
Max Theatre 200
Max Standing 400
Max Banquet 205
10-11 Carlton House Terrace

10-11 Carlton House Terrace

10-11 Carlton House Terrace , St. James's, London, SW1Y 5AH

Home to the British Academy, this charming St James' property offers a range of rather grand event spaces. Period features contrast with abstract art and up-to-date tech ready for your exhibition needs. The Wolfson Room and Gallery is the ideal spot for 200 guests and allows for something more intimate but equally extravagant. 

Max Meeting 35
Max Theatre 125
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 100
IET London: Savoy Place

IET London: Savoy Place

2 Savoy Place , Covent Garden, London, WC2R 0BL

This central venue boasts state-of-the-art facilities alongside unparalleled views of the capital's skyline. Large and versatile rooms are on offer here that can be designed to give any feel you want with options to utilise the screens provided as a part of your exhibition. In-house catering is just the cherry on top at Savoy Place.

Max Meeting 50
Max Theatre 451
Max Standing 330
Max Banquet 330
Sadler

Sadler's Wells

Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell, London, EC1 R4TN

Sadler's Wells may be best known as a performance venue, but it also turns its hand to hosting a number of varied events. With auditoriums available to put on a more theatrical exhibition, there are also wide, open spaces such as the Mezzanine Level where displays could easily be installed and enjoyed by up to 280 guests. 

Max Meeting 1500
Max Theatre 1500
Max Standing 350
Max Banquet 120
Inner Temple Hall

Inner Temple Hall

The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, City of London, London, EC4Y 7HL

Located right in the heart of the City of London, this Grade-I listed building retains much of its 18th century charm, which definitely lends a unique air to an exhibition. The Hall is the largest room on-site and can accommodate 400, but alternative options are available if you want something more intimate. 

Max Meeting 270
Max Theatre 270
Max Standing 400
Max Banquet 240
The Loading Bay

The Loading Bay

25 Luke Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 4DS

Stripped down to the essentials, this industrial-style location’s cool looks befit its east London location. Large windows add plenty of natural light to the well-equipped space, which includes state-of-the-art AV equipment like a 110-inch TV and advanced sound system. It’s the true blank canvas waiting for you to add your own personalised touch. 

Max Meeting 16
Max Theatre 100
Max Standing 200
The View at The Royal College of Surgeons

The View at The Royal College of Surgeons

38-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn, London, WC2A 3PE

Named for the iconic city views from this venue's outdoor terrace, The Royal College of Surgeons boasts a number of offerings available for exclusive hire. Set your exhibition amongst the backdrop of The Lumley Library: home to one of the finest medical science collections in Europe. 120 guests can be accommodated amongst towering book shelves in this dramatic location.

Max Meeting 63
Max Theatre 300
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 180
Chelsea Old Town Hall

Chelsea Old Town Hall

King's Road , Chelsea, London, SW3 5EE

This venue's illustrious past is apparent the moment you walk through the marbled foyer. The Main Hall is classic late-Victorian design with ornate arched ceilings and marble columns that form a dramatic backdrop for an upcoming showcase. A sense of grandeur comes in the form of stained glass windows and chandeliers, with space for up to 400.

Max Meeting 230
Max Theatre 340
Max Standing 400
Max Banquet 180
Sea Containers Events

Sea Containers Events

18 Upper Ground, South Bank, London, SE1 9RQ

Joining the ranks of the Tate Modern and the National Theatre, Sea Containers state-of-the-art facilities sit against the banks of the River Thames offering six event spaces across three floors. The largest, named The Cucumber for its eye-catching green bar, can accommodate up to 200 guests. 

Max Meeting 215
Max Standing 600
Max Banquet 150
Goodenough College Events & Venue Hire

Goodenough College Events & Venue Hire

Goodenough College, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 2AB

This Grade-II listed building sits in a secluded square in Bloomsbury, with both small and large rooms available to hire. With oak-panelling and high vaulted ceilings, the Great Hall is sure to elevate your exhibition and leave a lasting impression.

Max Meeting 120
Max Theatre 250
Max Standing 250
Max Banquet 220
Lee Valley VeloPark

Lee Valley VeloPark

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London, E20 3AB

Stand amongst the gold medalists and host your exhibition in the centre of the velodrome track at Lee Valley VeloPark. A unique and vast location with capacity for up to 1,000 people, Lee Valley is extremely flexible, with unique history that suits an exhibition space well. An abundance of lighting means that you're guaranteed a bright space.

Max Meeting 1000
Max Theatre 750
Max Standing 1000
Max Banquet 750
The RSA House

The RSA House

8 John Adam Street, Charing Cross, London, WC2N 6EZ

Just off the Strand, this stylish Georgian home is a highly versatile venue, with 11 private hire spaces to choose from. Grand columns and period paintings really make RSA House feel grand and impressive. For something a bit different, the subterranean Vaults boast a complete contrast to the rooms above with interconnected tunnels of exposed brickwork.

Max Meeting 35
Max Theatre 180
Max Standing 220
Max Banquet 130
The HAC

The HAC

Armoury House, City Road , Old Street, London, EC1Y 2BQ

The Artillery Garden at the HAC offers five-acres of land in the heart of London, allowing you to escape the city's hustle and bustle without even having to leave. The largest offering on this list, here, you can throw an exhibition for a whopping 5,000 people here, with catering all handled by highly regarded British caterer Searcys.

Max Meeting 400
Max Theatre 400
Max Standing 5000
Max Banquet 350
Kensington Conference & Events Centre

Kensington Conference & Events Centre

Kensington Town Hall, Kensington, London, W8 7NX

Kensington Conference & Events Centre is one of the largest events venues in London, making it an obvious choice to consider for your next exhibition. The centre's Great Hall can accommodate up to 800, so there's plenty of space for a vast selection of displays. 

Max Meeting 720
Max Theatre 720
Max Standing 800
Max Banquet 500
Barbican Conference Centre

Barbican Conference Centre

Silk Street, Barbican, London, EC2Y 8DS

Europe's largest arts and conference venue seems like an obvious choice for your exhibition. With world-class facilities, fine acoustics and a selection of hireable rooms, why not combine the Conservatory with the plant-filled Garden Room for a larger space? The Barbican events team are pros when it comes to curating exhibitions, so you know you're in safe hands. 

Max Meeting 32
Max Theatre 1943
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 220
Roehampton Venues

Roehampton Venues

Roehampton Lane, Putney, London, SW15 5PH

Located on the outskirts of Richmond Park, Roehampton Venues offers this contemporary space for your upcoming exhibition. The top-floor Lime Tree Suite comes with scenic city views and its own terrace. Here, you can invite 100 guests with options for adjustable lighting, meaning you can really set the mood to best match your displays.

Max Meeting 140
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 100

If you're still searching for the perfect spot, then why not look at our collection of the best large venues for hire in London? One of these locations is sure to house a sizable exhibition that can allow for displays spanned across several rooms.

For a venue that is guaranteed to elevate your exhibition, check out our list of fantastic historic venues for hire in London - perfect if you want to enhance your next event with a bit of drama.

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