Nunnery Gallery

Details
Address:

Nunnery Gallery, 181 Bow Road, London E3 2SJ

Uses:

Exhibitions, screenings, performances, photography shoots, conferences, meetings, workshops, evening receptions, private dinners, press launches, and more.

Features:

Wi-Fi, Audio/Visual capabilities, tables, chairs, Nunnery Café on-site.

Capacity:

150 standing, 60 seated

Measurements:

975 sq. ft., 14 ft. height

Accessibility:

Wheelchair access
The venues on our Bow Road site are fully wheelchair-accessible, with step-free access throughout from street level.

Dogs
Guide dogs, hearing and registered assistance dogs are welcome.

Accessible toilets and baby care facilities are located inside the Nunnery Café, subject to opening times.

For visually and hearing impaired visitors
Large print information about exhibitions, events and facilities can be made available – please contact us in advance of your visit. Unfortunately the venue does not have a hearing loop system.

Parking
Accessible parking can be available on-site, please contact us in advance of your visit. Blue badge parking can also be found 500m away on Fairfield Road.

Nunnery Gallery

The Nunnery Gallery is a unique building situated on the ground floor of a former convent, with neo-gothic revival detailing, original Victorian tiles and gothic arches.

The gallery sits alongside the Nunnery Café, and opens onto a charming, secluded alleyway with a unique light installation suspended in the air – the perfect setting for evening drinks.

Surrounded by Bow Arts’ artist studios, this distinctive space provides a welcoming environment and a unique backdrop for an array of exhibitions and events.

Availability:

Exhibitions
The Nunnery Gallery is available to hire for short-run exhibitions outside of our scheduled programme. The Gallery opening times are Tue-Sun, 10am-4pm. Please enquire for information on upcoming dates.

Events
During exhibitions, the gallery is available to hire for events all day on Mondays and Tuesdays, and from 5pm-10pm Tue-Sun, as long as the event is compatible with the exhibition display. Outside of exhibitions, the gallery is available to hire at any time.

Costs:

Commercial hire
£120 per hour, minimum 3 hours (+20% VAT where applicable)
Day rate £900 (+20% VAT where applicable)
Weekly rental rate £2500 (+20% VAT where applicable)

Discounted hire
For Bow Arts studio holders/Artist Educators, students, local residents, and charities.
£90 per hour, minimum 3 hours (+20% VAT where applicable)
Day rate £600 (+20% VAT where applicable)
Weekly rental rate £1500 (+20% VAT where applicable)

Working hours are 9am-5pm. An additional keyholder charge applies outside of working hours, paid at London Living Wage – £13.85 per hour (2025).

*VAT applies to hires which do not fall within our charitable objectives, e.g. hires which are not exhibitions or art related events.

Further Information:

Catering

The Nunnery Café offers catering services and will work closely with you to ensure the food and drinks for your event meet your preferences. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a larger celebration, we provide a personalized experience that suits your needs and tastes. Feel free to discuss your requirements with us, and we will create an offer that complements your event. 

Please contact nunnerycafe@bowarts.com to find out more.

Getting to Nunnery Gallery:

Nunnery Gallery, 181 Bow Road, London E3 2SJ

Nearest train station(s): Bow Church (DLR), Bow Road Tube Station (District, Hammersmith and City)

Bus: 8, 25, 108, 205, 276, 425, 288, D8, N205

Parking: Resident parking can be found after 5pm Monday-Friday, free parking is available on the weekends. Potential loading and/or parking may be available in the courtyard.

Bike: There is a limited bicycle shed available onsite. The nearest bicycle parking is located at Bow Church Station. The nearest Santander Cycles docking station is at Bow Church Station.

“We love being in the Nunnery building... We love the support we get from Bow Arts and knowing that they are there to help and also feeling part of an exciting group of artists and makers.”

- Bow Road Artist

FAQs

Is there catering available?

Yes, Nunnery Café offers catering services and will work closely with you to ensure the food and drinks for your event meet your preferences. Whether you're planning a small gathering or a larger celebration, we provide a personalized experience that suits your needs and tastes. Feel free to discuss your requirements with us, and we will create an offer that complements your event. 

What is included in the venue hire fee?

Every week-long rental of the Nunnery Gallery (including installation / de-installation days) includes one evening event / private view 6-9pm (minimum cafe/bar spend applies). It also includes a curatorial meeting with the gallery team for support, together with assistance in marketing your show through some of Bow Arts' social channels (Instagram Stories and Twitter – for which we have near 90,000 followers). We can recommend one of our gallery technicians to help you install/de-install if needed, but this has to be organised and paid for by the hirer directly. The venue hire fee includes use of our plinths, built-in sound system, tables and chairs. Additional services, such as AV equipment, catering and staffing, can be arranged for an extra charge.

What is the cancellation policy?

We request a non-refundable 20% deposit to confirm bookings. This deposit is non-refundable in the event of cancellation, but we may be able to rebook subject to availability. Please contact us for the full cancellation policy.

What are the available parking options?

Free parking in the courtyard if there are no other events taking place at the same time.

What alterations can I make to the space?

Fixings can be made to any of the gallery walls. Any other alterations must be approved by the Bow Arts team. It is the hirer's responsibility to return the space to it's original condition by the end of the hire period.

What AV equipment is available for hire?

Main Gallery space projector (Panasonic VZ570 WUXGA), Nave Gallery space projector (BenQ W200), 48” presentation screens (Samsung DC48E), PA system.

Is there a maximum booking duration?

No

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