Plan Your Visit

The Eastern City Business Improvement District is proud to present The Observatory, a free immersive digital art house created by Creative Giants Art, blending art, technology, and storytelling to explore the human experience and bring light and joy to the winter months.

After its successful debut last year, the new iteration of The Observatory will open at Broadworks, 56 Old Broad Street, from 6 to 31 January 2025. This year, it supports the suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

The Observatory offers a unique space that reimagines art outside traditional gallery settings, providing a sanctuary in the heart of London’s financial district. Designed to help workers and visitors navigate the challenges of January, it offers a calming environment to pause, reflect, and reconnect, promoting wellness and emotional exploration through an innovative blend of art and technology.

Featured Experiences:

  • Harmony 2.0 (6 – 18 January 2025) Created by We Are Midnight and inspired by Turkish artist Ela Brunel Hawes, Harmony 2.0 is a real-time, interactive group experience where six participants, using EEG headsets, shape a visual masterpiece in a fluid well through their collective calm and mindfulness. The experience culminates in a group meditation, fostering connection and serenity.
  • Soul Paint (20 – 31 January 2025) Soul Paint is an internationally acclaimed virtual reality experience co-created by Sarah Ticho (Hatsumi) and Niki Smit (Monobanda), guiding participants to explore their emotions through body mapping and 3D drawing. Narrated by actor Rosario Dawson, this deeply personal and creative journey encourages self-expression and emotional discovery. Soul Paint premiered at South by Southwest Festival Texas (SXSW) in 2024, winning multiple awards for its impact on health and wellness.

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Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge
Investigate the genius of Christopher Wren and his ever-enquiring mind in this new exhibition at St Paul's Cathedral - said to be Wren's masterpiece.
Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London Exhibition
Celebrate the work of artist and specialist wood engraver Anne Desmet, at this new exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery from 12 April 2024 to 12 January 2025.
Exhibition: Desks, Drudgery and the Dictionary
After a 250-year absence, the ‘Dictionary Desk’ of celebrated 18th century writer Samuel Johnson makes a historic return to his former abode, Dr Johnson’s House in the City of London.
Rough Trade pop-up store arrives at the Barbican Shop
The Barbican Shop will host a pop-up store for legendary independent music retailer Rough Trade from July 2024 until the end of the year.
Exhibition / Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum
In her first solo exhibition at a major UK institution, Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum creates dynamic works newly commissioned for The Curve.
Heritage Gallery Exhibition: City of London, a city of science
A new display that celebrates the City’s rich history of scientific innovation and invention.
IlluminoCity Light Festival 2024
Outside Citypoint and Principal Place, the light installations “Glow” and “Trumpet Flowers” invite visitors to interact with an enchanting display of lights and sounds. Designed by Sydney’s Amigo & Amigo studio, these installations create a playful atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll.
Explore Christmas Trees, Lights, and Festive Installations
Wander through the City of London to find beautifully decorated Christmas trees, twinkling lights and festive installations at iconic locations.
Christmas Markets, Shopping and Festive Gifting
From handcrafted gifts to luxury finds, here are some of the best Christmas markets, shopping experiences, and gifting spots in the City.
New Italian restaurant – now open!
Discover Penny Squares, East London's newest Italian gem! Think handcrafted pizzas, fresh pasta, and authentic Italian flavours in a cosy, welcoming setting. Buon Appetito!
Festive Dining, Cocktails and Afternoon Teas
From panoramic afternoon teas and indulgent festive dinners to winter igloos on the roof terrace, there's a perfect festive dining experience for everyone in the City.
Christmas in the City
01.11.2024 05.01.2025

Christmas in the City

From enchanting Christmas markets, glorious carolling, and festive feasts, the City of London has something for everyone this season.
Festive Stay Offers
01.11.2024 05.01.2025

Festive Stay Offers

Enjoy the festivities stress-free at the City's finest hotels this Christmas.
The Fleet Street Quarter Penguin Parade Sculpture Trail
From Thursday 14th November, families and visitors are invited to embark on a fabulous festive adventure to discover 12 adorable penguin sculptures throughout the Quarter.
Christmas and NYE Parties
14.11.2024 01.01.2025

Christmas and NYE Parties

Browse our selection of party ideas for the ultimate celebration with your friends or colleagues in the City of London.
6 family-friendly festive activities
18.11.2024 05.01.2025

6 family-friendly festive activities

Find a treasure trove of family-friendly activities in the City this Christmas, including Victorian-inspired workshops, a vibrant lantern parade and Christmas classics singalongs.
10 festive activities to do with friends
18.11.2024 05.01.2025

10 festive activities to do with friends

Immerse yourself in a world of holiday cheer with this selection of festive experiences across the City of London.
Wickedly Wonderful Stays
Celebrate the magic of the new movie release with Wonderfully Wicked Stays at Hyatt hotels in Europe. Enjoy themed suites, enchanted cocktails, breakfast, exclusive keepsakes, and more at Andaz London.
Find over 40 Christmas Carols & Concerts to attend
Get in the Christmas Spirit with Christmas Movie soundtracks, Carol services, festive family concerts and more.
Christmas Carols in City Churches
01.12.2024 05.01.2025

Christmas Carols in City Churches

Everyone is welcome to join carol services at the City churches. There's lunchtime and evening weekday carol services, most of which are free and don't require booking. Selected churches have Sunday advent services too.
Craft a candle for Roman Festival of Saturnalia
Craft a candle for Roman Festival of Saturnalia at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE and explore Roman London. Drop in for free family crafting from 19 December to 5 January.
New Year’s Eve Party at Hithe + Seek
Join the party at Hithe + Seek, their iconic riverside bar with a night of live music, an eight-course dinner of small plates and unparalleled views of the River Thames.
An Unforgettable New Year’s Eve at Florattica Rooftop
Ring in 2025 at Florattica with live entertainment, a three-course tasting menu, and a Champagne toast at midnight. Dance, dine, and celebrate in style— tickets are on sale.
Barbican Cinema programme: January 25
Start the new year with an exciting and diverse programme of films and special events at the Barbican Cinema! From engaging ScreenTalks and classic silent films to relaxed family screenings and restored cinematic gems, there’s something for everyone this January.
The Observatory
06.01.2025 31.01.2025

The Observatory

Broadworks
A free immersive art experience blending technology, creativity, and wellness.
Tech Takeback
09.01.2025 14.01.2025

Tech Takeback

City of London’s Recycling Team have once again collaborated with Tech Takeback to offer City visitors and workers the opportunity to dispose of their unwanted tech.
Leisure in Roman London Tour
Discover two of the best-preserved Roman sites in London with archaeologist Dr Andrew Lane; the Roman Amphitheatre & Billingsgate Bath House
Second Saturday – Family activities at Guildhall Art Gallery
A revolving programme of family activities may have you heading into the Roman Amphitheatre and hearing tales of Roman conquests, or creating crafts from the Victorian paintings surrounding you.
Give & Take Day in the City of London
These events are an opportunity for City residents and the public having a clear-out, to make sure unwanted items are reused, recycled or disposed of responsibly.
4 LOVES
Catherine Chadwick and Gill Larley tell four stories that interweave the light and dark aspects on the theme of Love.
Guildhall String Ensemble
Join the Guildhall String Ensemble for this free rush-hour concert, featuring a mesmerising programme celebrating the richness of British music.
Robert Levin in Residence: Mozart Double Piano Concerto & Requiem
Ambitious and versatile London choir Eclectic Voices, directed by Guildhall professor Scott Stroman, presents the transcendent Mozart Requiem, completed by Robert Levin.
Guitar Alumni Concert
Be transported by the extraordinary sounds of the guitar in this free evening concert featuring unique arrangements of timeless classical works, performed by celebrated alumni from Guildhall School.
Citra Sasmita: Into Eternal Land
The Indonesian artist transforms The Curve in her first solo UK exhibition. Via painting, installation, embroidery and scent, take a sensory journey exploring ancestral memory, ritual and migration. 
Lord Mayor’s Show
Visit the City for the Lord Mayor’s Show - a three mile long outdoor procession with colourful floats, music and fun.