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Sculpture in the City walk

Walk around an annual summer exhibition of contemporary sculpture in the confines of the City of London (financial district).

Easy London Short

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Date Option Post # Weather
Thu, 04-Jan-24 Evening Walk - The shortest of the evening walks with its second outing, this time in the dark: Sculpture in the City - 2023/24 Season 5 incessant rain
Tue, 29-Aug-23 Evening Walk - Sculpture in the City 2023/24 10 cold for the time of year with a touch of drizzle at times
Thu, 16-Mar-23 Evening Walk: Sculpture in City 2022 (reprise) – Last Chance! 5 mild dry evening
Tue, 28-Jun-22 Evening Walk - Sculpture in the City (new artworks, route just launched) 12 warm
Thu, 11-Nov-21 Evening Walk - Sculpture in the City: A short art trail in the City of London 9 warm for the time of year
Tue, 23-Jun-20 Evening Walk - The City of London without the people: Sculpture in the City 15 pleasantly warm
Tue, 10-Sep-19 Evening Walk - Sculpture in the City 12 warm for the time of year
Thu, 04-Oct-18 Evening Walk - Sculpture in the City 11 dry evening
Thu, 21-Sep-17 Evening Walk - Sculpture in the City 6 dry
Wed, 06-Jul-16 Mid-Week Evening Walk: Sculpture in the City 8 balmy
Thomas G
Length: 2.8 km
Net Walking Time: 1 - 1 ½ hours
Meet: Liverpool Street Mainline Station, Liverpool Street Exit, Street Level, Kindertransport Memorial at 18.45 hours. (i.e.: NOT at the other Kindertransport Memorial on the concourse!)
Finish is at Leadenhall Market. Liverpool Street, Bank/Monument, Aldgate/Aldgate East, Tower Hill and London Bridge tube stations are just a short walk away, as are Fenchurch Street, Liverpool Street and London Bridge mainline stations. All are in Zone 1.
2023/24 sees the twelfth incarnation of this popular attraction, displaying 24 artworks by 17 artists ranging considerably in scale – from large steel-, neon- or fabric-works to small bronze plaques, thoughtfully placed between iconic architectural landmarks such as the Gherkin (30 St. Mary Axe), the Walkie-Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street), the Lloyd’s-Building (aka the Inside-Out Building, at 12 Leadenhall Street), the Scalpel (Lime Street) and the Cheesegrater (the Leadenhall Building). Wander the City's public spaces and stumble upon world-class public art, on an urban canvas recognised across the globe.
For more information on the exhibition, individual artworks and a map click here.
Eat/Drink: Leadenhall Market features more than 20 pubs, delis, bars, brasseries and restaurants. Some of whom may sell takeout drinks and snacks. For more details click here.
For walk directions, map, photos, and gpx/kml files click here. T=short.24
  • 04-Jan-24

    Guess we meet at the no1 called muamba grove, or is it at no. 2

  • 04-Jan-24

    Meeting Point as per the walk post. Outside station at the Kindertransport Memorial. Liverpool Street exit.

  • 05-Jan-24

    3 walkers met at the agreed time and place, with 1 other having emailed one of us that he was stuck on the Northern Line. With him being an evening walks regular, we decided to wait. During that time a 4th walker turned up, straight from the office, ie in office gear but armed with a tiny umbrella. We eventually departed w/o walker 5, as a 15 minute wait seemed more than fair on him. The incessant rain had briefly calmed down while we waited, but got back into its own swing soon enough.

    Time spent reading the 'blurb' on the individual art works was short, partly due to most of us having walked this before, in summer, and partly due to the inclement weather. Some (tasteful) Christmas decorations were still in place in places, especially on the Gherkin and within Leadenhall Market (incl. a massive tree with light chains still in place [although those were being taken off as we left the pub at the end of the walk].

    All 4 agreed on Pizza Express as a place for dinner, where walker 5 joined us, having spent some time previously in a nearby pub. 3 then dropped across to The Lamb for a final drink, before walking across London Bridge to London Bridge Station.

    Fine far views were had from the bridge after all that rain (it had provisionally stopped again by then).

Thomas G
Thomas G
Length: 2.8 km
Net Walking Time: 1 -1 ½ hours
Meet: Liverpool Street Mainline Station, Liverpool Street Exit, Street Level, Kindertransport Memorial at 18.45 hours. (i.e.: NOT at the other Kindertransport Memorial on the concourse!)
Finish is at Leadenhall Market. Liverpool Street, Bank/Monument, Aldgate/Aldgate East, Tower Hill and London Bridge tube stations are just a short walk away, as are Fenchurch Street, Liverpool Street and London Bridge mainline stations. All are in Zone 1.
2023/24 sees the twelfth incarnation of this popular attraction, displaying 24 artworks by 17 artists ranging considerably in scale – from large steel-, neon- or fabric-works to small bronze plaques, thoughtfully placed between iconic architectural landmarks such as the Gherkin (30 St. Mary Axe), the Walkie-Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street), the Lloyd’s-Building (aka the Inside-Out Building, at 12 Leadenhall Street), the Scalpel (Lime Street) and the Cheesegrater (the Leadenhall Building). Wander the City's public spaces and stumble upon world-class public art, on an urban canvas recognised across the globe.
For more information on the exhibition, individual artworks and a map click here.
Eat/Drink: Leadenhall Market features more than 20 pubs, delis, bars, brasseries and restaurants. Some of whom may sell takeout drinks and snacks. For more details click here.
For walk directions, map, photos, and gpx/kml files click here. T=short.24
  • 29-Aug-23

    10 walkers, including 2 friends of a regular and 1 SWC old-timer, who hadn't been on a group walk in 20 years! Ther weather was cold for the time of year with a touch of drizzle at times

    Plenty of new sculptures to admire compared to previous outings, and we got around the route in 90 minutes, when 3 left for home, while 7 went for a drink at The Swan (as the Grapes was closed for a refurb), and 2 of those then nipped off to have dinner.

Stargazer

Evening Walk: Sculpture in City 2022 (reprise) – Last Chance! t=short.24

Distance: Approximately 2 miles or 2.9 km for those more metrically minded

Difficulty: 1 out of 10

Meet: Liverpool Street Station – just outside the Liverpool Street exit near the Kindertransport Memorial

Time: 18:45 – but if you miss our departure, you can certainly catch us up along the way…

This is for anyone who missed the 2022 Sculpture in the City walk last summer, wants to see it again or is interested in exploring the works of art in the dark! The 2022 installation of 24 works of art by 19 artists will remain on display until early April 2023 – so time is running out!

Post walk refreshments can be had at one of the many watering holes in Leadenhall Market.

More information about the route can be found here.

Enjoy the walk!

  • 17-Mar-23

    Four assembled at the appointed place and time and provided a 5-minute grace for any latecomers struggling with transportation issues.... We then set off on a mild dry evening . On reaching the first work of art, we bumped into an early starter, making for a total of 5 . The route covers familiar territory through the City of London but included an interesting array of art works -- some familiar from years past, but many brand new for those of us who had not yet explored the 2022 installation. I think we all found at least 4 or 5 that we found interesting and engaging. At the end of the walk, 4 went to have a meal at what was once a Loch Fyne and is now a sister restaurant (whose name eludes me at the moment) -- both apparently owned by Greene King! Over dinner, we compared notes on the works of art and generated a short-list of favorites. A fun night out!

Thomas G
Length: 2.9 km
Net Walking Time: 1 -1 ½ hours
Meet: Liverpool Street Mainline Station, Liverpool Street Exit, Street Level, Kindertransport Memorial at 18.45 hours. (i.e.: NOT at the other Kindertransport Memorial on the concourse!)
Finish is at Leadenhall Market. Liverpool Street, Bank/Monument, Aldgate/Aldgate East, Tower Hill and London Bridge tube stations are just a short walk away, as are Fenchurch Street, Liverpool Street and London Bridge mainline stations. All are in Zone 1.
The critically acclaimed Sculpture in the City is an annual exhibition showcasing contemporary works by internationally renowned artists in the confines of the City of London, on streets, in squares or on buildings. The exhibition usually opens around end June, and most sculptures are displayed until the following May.
2022/23 sees the eleventh incarnation of this popular attraction, displaying 24 artworks by 19 artists ranging considerably in scale – from large steel-, neon- or fabric-works to small bronze plaques, thoughtfully placed between iconic architectural landmarks such as the Gherkin (30 St. Mary Axe), the Walkie-Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street), the Lloyd’s-Building (aka the Inside-Out Building, at 12 Leadenhall Street), the Scalpel (Lime Street) and the Cheesegrater (the Leadenhall Building). Wander the City's public spaces and stumble upon world-class public art, on an urban canvas recognised across the globe.
For more information on the exhibition, individual artworks and a map click here.


Eat/Drink: Leadenhall Market features more than 20 pubs, delis, bars, brasseries and restaurants. Some of whom may sell takeout drinks and snacks. For more details click here.

For walk directions, map, photos, and gpx/kml files click here. T=short.24

  • 28-Jun-22

    10 walkers at the agreed time, with 2 laggards catching up later, so 12 in total in warm weather.

    We took 70 minutes for the course this time around and at Leadenhall Market, 1 peeled off, while 11 went to The Bunch of Grapes for a drink or two, and 4 of those then peeled off for a meal at the new-ish Tapas Bar in the Market. Only that they took in no more walk-ins. So, the Loch Fyne Restaurant it was again, same as last year. Thumbs up for their food, drinks and staff.

Thomas G
Length: 2.9 km
Net Walking Time: 1 hour
Meet: Liverpool Street Mainline Station, Liverpool Street Exit, Street Level, Kindertransport Memorial at 18.45 hours. (i.e.: NOT at the other Kindertransport Memorial on the concourse!)
Finish is at Leadenhall Market. Liverpool Street, Bank/Monument, Aldgate/Aldgate East, Tower Hill and London Bridge tube stations are just a short walk away, as are Fenchurch Street, Liverpool Street and London Bridge mainline stations. All are in Zone 1.
The critically acclaimed Sculpture in the City is an annual exhibition showcasing contemporary works by internationally renowned artists in the confines of the City of London, on streets, in squares or on buildings. The exhibition usually opens around end June, and most sculptures are displayed until the following May. But in the current Covid pandemic, the exhibition has been extended to the autumn.
2021/22 sees the tenth incarnation of this popular attraction, displaying 25 artworks by 18 artists ranging considerably in scale – from large steel-, video- or fabric-works to small bronze plaques, thoughtfully placed between iconic architectural landmarks such as the Gherkin (30 St. Mary Axe), the Walkie-Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street), the Lloyd’s-Building (aka the Inside-Out Building, at 12 Leadenhall Street), the Scalpel (Lime Street) and the Cheesegrater (the Leadenhall Building). Wander the City's public spaces and stumble upon world-class public art, on an urban canvas recognised across the globe.
For more information on the exhibition, individual artworks and a map click here.
A printed booklet with a map, photos of – and information on – the art works can be picked up at the City Information Centre, located between St Paul's Cathedral and Millennium Bridge.
Eat/Drink: Leadenhall Market features more than 20 pubs, delis, bars, brasseries and restaurants. Some of whom may sell takeout drinks and snacks. For more details click here.
For walk directions, map, photos, and gpx/kml files click here. T=short.24
  • 11-Nov-21

    9 on this year's SITC walk, in warm for the time of year weather.

    The City was alive again, full of people, so many in fact in was hard to believe that many companies are supposedly still operating a work-from-home policy.

    We took 80 minutes for the walk, and then found some of the regular eat/drink options in Leadenhall Market fully booked with private functions (did I say that the City seemed busy again?). An alternative needed to be found, so on to the Loch Fyne Restaurant in a quiet corner of the market for 8 of us, where we stayed for 2 1/2 hours, i.e.: twice as long as the walk itself had taken! A record, surely?

Thomas G
Length: 2.7 km
Net Walking Time: 1 hour
Meet: Liverpool Street Mainline Station, Liverpool Street Exit, Street Level, Kindertransport Memorial at 19.45 hours.
Finish is at Leadenhall Market. Liverpool Street, Bank/Monument, Aldgate/Aldgate East, Tower Hill and London Bridge tube stations are just a short walk away, as are Fenchurch Street, Liverpool Street and London Bridge mainline stations. All are in Zone 1.

The critically acclaimed Sculpture in the City is an annual exhibition showcasing contemporary works by internationally renowned artists in the confines of the City of London, on streets, in squares or on buildings. The exhibition usually opens around end June, and most sculptures are displayed until the following May. But in the current Covid pandemic, the exhibition has been extended to the autumn.

2019 sees the ninth incarnation of this popular attraction, displaying 21 artworks (1 of them only from autumn 2019) by 19 artists ranging considerably in scale – from large glass- or fabric-works to small neon- or text-works, thoughtfully placed between iconic architectural landmarks such as the Gherkin (30 St. Mary Axe), the Walkie-Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street), the Lloyd’s-Building (aka the Inside-Out Building, at 12 Leadenhall Street), the Scalpel (Lime Street) and the Cheesegrater (the Leadenhall Building). Wander the City's public spaces and stumble upon world-class public art, on an urban canvas recognised across the globe.
For more information on the exhibition, individual artworks and a map click here.
A printed booklet with a map, photos of – and information on – the art works can be picked up at the City Information Centre, located between St Paul's Cathedral and Millennium Bridge.

Eat/Drink: Leadenhall Market features more than 20 pubs, delis, bars, brasseries and restaurants. Some of whom may sell takeout drinks and snacks. For more details click here.
For walk directions, map, photos, and gpx/kml files click here. T=short.24
  • Anonymous
    22-Jun-20

    Looks like an awesome club, I would love to join!

    Any phone number that I can call in case I can't recognize you there ?

  • 23-Jun-20

    The SWC works like this: you join by turning up, there are no leaders, no contact details are given out, you are expected to have the written directions printed out or downloaded so you can self-lead if need be

  • 23-Jun-20

    12 initially, and after the Covid briefing and email address taking, just as we were about to set off in 2 groups, joined by 2 laties. So off we went in 3 groups. En route we were joined by 1 other walker, so 15 in pleasantly warm weather. Only 1 of those was a MeetUp-ie (but even he had previous with the SWC, having walked download walks by himself or with friends. The other 4 'confirmed' MeetUp attendees did not show).

    We took 1 1/4 hours for the route, a touch longer than usual due to socially distanced info panel-reading.

    None of the eateries or drinkeries in Leadenhall Market at the end of the walk were open of course, so 8 of us went to that famous pub chain 'Tesco Metro' to each get a drink and decamped to the Thames by Grant's Quay Wharf, right by London Bridge, for a 'pub garden'-type experience. The bridges were illuminated, the sun set away to the West, a light breeze was blowing... A fine end to the walk. Who needs pubs after all?

  • 23-Jun-20

    a record attendance for this walk, actually!

  • 24-Jun-20

    This was a great evening walk, made all the better by the balmy weather, and the ultra quiet streets which made social distancing easier. As all the pubs and cafes were closed, and the city workers having gone home, really the only people around were those doing London walks, and the odd security guard.

    Because we split up into 3 groups, and everyone actively socially distancing, it was very comfortable and relaxed walking and we were still able to chat.

    The sculptures were fine, but what, for me, were the real eye openers were the former Victorian Bath House, the Lloyds building, the ship-shaped prow of Holland House, and of course Leadenhall Market.

    Tahnyet

Thomas G
Thomas G
Length: 2.7 km
Net Walking Time: 1 hour
Meet: Liverpool Street Mainline Station, Liverpool Street Exit, Street Level, Kindertransport Memorial at 18.30 hours.
Finish is at Leadenhall Market. Liverpool Street, Bank/Monument, Aldgate/Aldgate East, Tower Hill and London Bridge tube stations are just a short walk away, as are Fenchurch Street, Liverpool Street and London Bridge mainline stations. All are in Zone 1.
The critically acclaimed Sculpture in the City is an annual exhibition showcasing contemporary works by internationally renowned artists in the confines of the City of London, on streets, in squares or on buildings. The exhibition usually opens around end June, and most sculptures are displayed until the following May.
2019 sees the ninth incarnation of this popular attraction, displaying 21 artworks (1 of them only from autumn 2019) by 19 artists ranging considerably in scale – from large glass- or fabric-works to small neon- or text-works, thoughtfully placed between iconic architectural landmarks such as the Gherkin (30 St. Mary Axe), the Walkie-Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street), the Lloyd’s-Building (aka the Inside-Out Building, at 12 Leadenhall Street), the Scalpel (Lime Street) and the Cheesegrater (the Leadenhall Building). Wander the City's public spaces and stumble upon world-class public art, on an urban canvas recognised across the globe.
For more information on the exhibition, individual artworks and a map click here.
A printed booklet with a map, photos of – and information on – the art works can be picked up at the City Information Centre, located between St Paul's Cathedral and Millennium Bridge.
Eat/Drink: Leadenhall Market features more than 20 pubs, delis, bars, brasseries and restaurants. For more details click here.
For walk directions, map, photos, and gpx/kml files click here. T=short.24
  • 10-Sep-19

    11 at the alloted spot on the alloted hour, 1 other starting late and meeting us after the walk at drinks: 12 . It was warm for the time of year and the streets of The City were as busy as ever. The pace was slow (85 mins for 2.7 km, surely the slowest ever SWC walk?), probably signifying that this year's selection of sculptures is actually one of the more interesting ones. As noone other than the walk author had the directions printed out (or the gpx downloaded), inevitably at some point the group dissolved. 2 were never seen again, the others reunited by chance (several of the 'lost' walkers had at least bothered to fetch the official brochure from The City's Tourist Kiosk, so could locate the artworks).

    At the end, 8 went to the dining room of The Lamb at Leadenhall Market for meals (most) and drinks (all). Nice evening, all in.

  • Anonymous
    11-Sep-19

    Luckily for you, beloved walk leader, some of us still appreciate the caring nature behind your biting sarcasm despite being too feckless, lazy or downright incompetent to pick up the directions. Thank you for leading most of the group most of the time !

Thomas G
Thomas G
Length: 2.2 km
Net Walking Time: 1 ½ hrs
Meet: Liverpool Street Mainline Station, Liverpool Street Exit, Kindertransport Memorial at 18.45 hours.
Finish is at Leadenhall Market. Liverpool Street, Bank/Monument, Aldgate/Aldgate East, Tower Hill and London Bridge tube stations are just a short walk away, as are Fenchurch Street, Liverpool Street and London Bridge mainline stations. All are in Zone 1.
The critically acclaimed Sculpture in the City is an annual exhibition showcasing contemporary works by internationally renowned artists in the confines of the City of London, on streets, in squares or on buildings. The exhibition usually opens around end June, and most sculptures are displayed until the following May.
2018 sees the eighth incarnation of this popular attraction, displaying 19 artworks by as many artists ranging considerably in scale – from large bronze sculptures, to soundworks – thoughtfully placed between iconic architectural landmarks such as the Gherkin (30 St. Mary Axe), the Walkie-Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street), the Lloyd’s-Building (aka the Inside-Out Building, at 12 Leadenhall Street) and the Cheese Grater (the Leadenhall Building). Wander the City's public spaces and stumble upon world-class public art, on an urban canvas recognised across the globe.

For more information on the exhibition click here.
For more information about the individual artworks and a map click here.
Eat/Drink: Leadenhall Market features a total of 23 pubs, delis, bars, brasseries and restaurants. For more details click here.
For walk directions, map, photos, and gpx/kml files click here. T=short.24
  • 04-Oct-18

    10 met at the agreed time (broadly at least), 1 other struggled to get to L'pool Street at all what with the Central Line having massive gaps in service, but eventually caught up with the group, so 11 on a dry evening .

    We took a full hour for the 2.3 km of a walk, studiously reading all the info panels en route. Reading was a touch difficult in places of course, due to the oncoming darkness, but what are smartphone torches for? 8 stayed on for a meal at the end.

Thomas G
Thomas G
Length: 2.1 km
Net Walking Time: 1 hrs

Meet: Liverpool Street Mainline Station, Liverpool Street Exit, Kindertransport Memorial, at 18.45 hours.
Finish is at Leadenhall Market. Liverpool Street, Bank/Monument, Aldgate/Aldgate East, Tower Hill and London Bridge tube stations are just a short walk away, as are Fenchurch Street, Liverpool Street and London Bridge mainline stations. All are in Zone 1.

The critically acclaimed Sculpture in the City is an annual exhibition showcasing contemporary works by internationally renowned artists in the confines of the City of London, on streets, in squares or on buildings. The exhibition usually opens around end June, and most sculptures are displayed until the following May.
2017 sees the seventh incarnation of this popular attraction, displaying 18 artworks by 16 artists ranging considerably in scale – from a near seven-metre high bronze sculpture, to dozens of plastic bags in a tree – thoughtfully placed between iconic architectural landmarks such as the Gherkin (30 St. Mary Axe), the Walkie-Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street), the Lloyd’s-Building (aka the Inside-Out Building, at 12 Leadenhall Street) and the Cheese Grater (the Leadenhall Building). Wander the City's public spaces and stumble upon world-class public art, on an urban canvas recognised across the globe.

For more information on the exhibition, the individual artworks and a map click here.
A printed booklet with a map, photos of – and information on – the art works can be picked up at the City Information Centre, between St Paul's Cathedral and Millennium Bridge.

Eat/Drink: Leadenhall Market features a total of 21 pubs, delis, bars, brasseries and restaurants. For more details click here.
For walk directions, map, photos, and gpx/kml files click here. T=short.24
  • 21-Sep-17

    We were just 3 walkers at the meeting point close to the meeting time, but decided to wait a bit more, as the Central Line was suspended at the time. A 4th one duly turned up shortly afterwards and then we bumped into another 2 around the corner, so 6 in dry weather (the drizzle had finished 30 minutes or so earlier).

    A one hour tour de force around this year's route, exploring some other parts of The City compared to last year's route. Not everyone liked every artwork, but all agreed that they are located in very appropriate spaces, making the most of the many little squares and odd spaces in this cramped part of town.

    Interesting to see that some works had more impact in dusk than at first inspection during daytime, while others didn't.

    At the end, as there was some overly loud live music performance in Leadenhall Market, we moved on to the Jamaica Wine House for a drink, and then a few moved on for a meal at a nearby Enoteca.

Thomas G
Thomas G

Sculpture in the City - Contemporary Art Walk
Length: 2-3 km
Walking Time: at least 60 minutes
Meet 19.00 hours sharp outside Liverpool Street Mainline Station, Liverpool Street exit, at street level, by the Memorial for the Children of the Kindertransport on Hope Square (next to a ‘McDonalds’). We should be finishing roundabout the kickoff time of Wales v Portugal (that’s the 1st Semi-Final of Euro 2016, for the Ignoramuses), good thing then that the route finishes at Leadenhall Market, with lots of drinkeries and eateries to choose from to spend more gainful minutes (or hours).
Now in its sixth year, the critically acclaimed Sculpture in the City exhibition has returned to the Square Mile with contemporary works from internationally renowned artists (20 works by 17 artists). There’s not much walking to be done, admittedly, but lots to look at, especially for those that have not worked in the City, as the works are concentrated around some of the most famous recent additions to the London skyline, as well as some of the oldest buildings. Find more information here, and a map here.
From Leadenhall Market, Liverpool Street, Bank/Monument, Aldgate/Aldgate East and London Bridge stations are just a short walk away.
T=short.24
  • Pia
    06-Jul-16

    definitely coming with my good friend Jo

  • Karen
    07-Jul-16

    8 balmy

    8 culture vultures on this evening walk in The City. The trail led us initially down busy Bishopsgate, then through Leadenhall Market and some quieter streets and squares. Some interesting works and worth a look if you are in the area. 5 for drinks and dinner in the Lamb Tavern in Leadenhall Market. Good food on the plates, good wine in the glasses and some mediocre football on the telly. Proceedings wound up at about 22:00.