The nave space of the Nunnery Gallery featuring paintings by Doreen Fletcher of east London streets and buildings

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.

Coming up at the Nunnery Gallery

Our permanent programme

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.

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.

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.

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.

The nave space of the Nunnery Gallery featuring paintings by Doreen Fletcher of east London streets and buildings

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!

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

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.

Mile End Pavillion

The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park is a large, stunning gallery space hosting exhibitions and events.

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Artist opportunities

From offering affordable studios to supporting the selling of artwork through skills labs, learn more about the opportunities we offer artists.

School visits

We love to host schools and educational visits to the gallery. Take a look at what your students can learn from a visit.

Our studios

Check out the range of affordable studios we have across east and south-east London.