Nunnery Gallery

Housed in a former 19th-century convent building, surrounded by our artist studios, the Nunnery Gallery is our not-for-profit art space. Our programme pushes boundaries with an original and creative approach that explores the stories of east London and celebrates today’s artistic talent.

Open to the public Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm, all exhibitions are free to enter. Please note: The gallery will be closed until January 31st. We look forward to welcoming you in the new year!

On now and coming up at the Nunnery Gallery

East London Art Prize: Shortlist Exhibition 2025

Friday 31st January 2025 – Sunday 13th April 2025, 10:00am to 4:00pm Events for artists and creatives, Exhibition, Family-friendly events Bow Road & Nunnery Gallery, 181-183 Bow Road Bow Road

Bow Arts’ East London Art Prize celebrates the talent and diversity of art made in east London. This exhibition will present 12 incredible artworks shortlisted for the second iteration of the Prize.

See all exhibitions and events

Our permanent programme

A film is on in a black box Nunnery Gallery

Visions in the Nunnery

A renowned showcase of moving image, digital and performance art, with works selected from across the world. The biennial exhibition offers an informed overview of the provocative and quick-changing nature of these mediums.

Paint and paintbrushes on a table in a Bow Road studio

East London Art Prize

Bow Arts is the proud founder of the East London Art Prize, celebrating and promoting the incredible talent and diversity of art made in the cultural hive of east London. The Nunnery Gallery hosts the winner’s exhibition biennially.

People talk in the gallery surrounded by artworks inspired by and made from wood

Raw Materials

Our ongoing research project exploring the rich industrial history of the River Lea Valley, one material at a time. Led by members of our community, we share the stories and remember the businesses that have shaped the evolution of east London.

Bow Open

Our greatly anticipated annual exhibition presenting the work and talent of Bow Arts studio holders, selected by a notable guest curator each year.

Getting to the Nunnery Gallery

Opening hours: Tues to Sun 10am – 4pm

Address: Nunnery Gallery, 181 Bow Road, London, E3 2SJ

Nearest station(s): Bow Road (District and Hammersmith and City lines) is a 6-minute walk away, and Bow Church (DLR) is a 3-minute walk away.

Bus: 205, 25, 425, A8, D8, 108, 276, 488 and 8 all service the surrounding area.

cafe interior with person making a coffee on a coffee machine.

Caption

The Nunnery Café

Bow Road

Nunnery Café: Bow’s living room and creative social space.

Enjoy a coffee and some lunch in our cosy Nunnery Café, serving a selection of locally made cakes, pastries, toasties, soups and other delicious treats. Tucked away down Bow Arts Lane and adjoined to the Nunnery Gallery, it’s the perfect place to unwind, meet friends and engage with the Bow arts community.

Two people converse in a crowded Nunnery Gallery

Support the Nunnery Gallery

Help us to secure the future of the Nunnery Gallery, so future generations can have access to art, right on Bow’s doorstep.

Hire the gallery

Interested in hiring The Nunnery Gallery? From exhibitions and workshops, to drink receptions and weddings, our venue is the perfect setting for a unique event, and all fees support our gallery’s work. We’d love to hear from you!

First Thursday Lates

Join us from 6pm onwards as we open the Nunnery Gallery on the first Thursday of each month. Explore our current exhibitions in a relaxed and inviting evening environment. Our Nunnery Café will also be open, serving a selection of wines, draft beer, and refreshments. Free, no booking necessary.

Nearby

Chisenhale Gallery

A non-profit contemporary art gallery in an old veneer factory and brewery warehouse, commissioning and producing contemporary art.

Whitechapel Gallery

A public art gallery in Whitechapel, full of great art and ideas from around the corner and around the world. Every month we take part in their First Thursdays, opening our gallery late on the first Thursday of the month!

Roman Road

Roman Road’s famous Roman Road Market offers the experience of a traditional street market that has stayed true to its East End roots and offers fantastic bargains.

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