Culture in Crisis? The past, present and future of London’s riverside cultural zone

Join Open House for a socially-distanced walking tour exploring the past, present and future of London’s riverside cultural zone

This insightful walking tour from London Bridge to Westminster Bridge will investigate how Covid-19 has brought the Southbank's globally-recognised cultural institutions to their knees and consider the potential impact this could have on one of the capital's most popular public spaces.

Led by expert guide Maggie Baddeley — an associate at Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design — the event will explore the iconic Southbank considered by many to be London’s greatest public space where visitors can enjoy stunning views over the City alongside landmark cultural venues such as the Grade II*-listed Royal National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe.

For some of London’s arts organisations, there is light at the end of the tunnel, but for others, there are many question marks over the future. Creative thinking is once again the way forward and this tour will highlight the ongoing campaigns to save these institutions and what the future may hold. 

Providing a safe and fun way for enthusiastic urbanists to explore the city in our post-pandemic era, the Culture in Crisis walking tour is part of a new series looking at how the pandemic has changed the lives of Londoners across the capital. It will celebrate the enigmatic qualities of London’s built environment and showcase the extraordinary cultural venues so many people are now fighting to preserve.

Meet: Hay’s Galleria at the Tooley Street entrance by The Navigators sculpture (big boat) London SE1 2HD. End: London Eye. Duration: 2.5 hrs approx.

Cost £12.50 / £9.50 concessions (students/unemployed/furloughed etc, enter code WALKINGTOUR for concession price at the shop page check out)

 

Attendees must download Zoom before the tour, bring a fully charged smart phone with internet connection, and headphones; and remember to stay at least two metres apart from each other where required. Zoom joining info will be sent out to bookers before the tour. Get in touch with Adrianna at tours@open-city.org.uk with any queries.

Meet the tour guide…

Maggie Baddeley is an associate at Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design, a design review panel member for Design South East and a built environment expert with the Design Council. She previously worked for Lichfields, and was involved as a planning consultant in Kings Cross Central for Argent and for the Guardian. Maggie joined the Open House tours team in 2012.