London’s most buttoned-up art institution swapped hushed footsteps for thumping bass last night as Bimini took over the National Gallery for PARTY After Dark – and yes, it was every bit as iconic as it sounds.
The Sainsbury Wing was transformed into a glittering, sweat-soaked dancefloor as art lovers and club kids danced beneath its soaring ceilings, soundtracked by euphoric, genre-hopping DJ sets from Bimini alongside rising talent Mia Lily and French-Canadian selector Karaba.
Part of Art After Dark, the night gave Londoners a rare chance to experience one of the capital’s grandest cultural spaces in a completely new (and very naughty) light.
Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications at Art of London, said PARTY After Dark was all about showing how alive the West End can be after dark.
The party forms part of Art After Dark, running from 3–10 February, which brings free public art, late-night gallery openings, live performances and digital installations to the West End.
The festival kicked off earlier this week with artist Lakwena Maciver’s towering Rise & Shine installation in Piccadilly Circus – a seven-metre stack of glowing disco lightboxes celebrating London’s music, nightlife and community spirit.
Check out the latest photos from last night’s event below.
5. PARTY After Dark
Big party vibes at the National Gallery | Will Ireland/PinPep