Free things to do in London this week.
Looking for more free things to do in London? Here are 102 of em! We've also compiled this epic map of free stuff in London, and have a helpful guide on where to see art in London for free, and where you can catch cheap and free comedy or live music for free in the capital.
Get to know Frida Kahlo
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is the subject of a free afternoon talk at Guildhall Library on Tuesday. Arts Society lecturer Frank Woodgate talks about how Kahlo's colourful — and often disturbing — artworks, which tell the story of a life lived in pain, and two marriages to the same man, Diego Rivera.
3 March.
Investigate the shape of gravity
Why are planets spherical? Come to think of it, are they spherical? A closer look at the Earth reveals it is not in fact perfectly round, but slightly squashed, like a pumpkin or a peanut. Professor Alain Goriely explains why at Tuesday night's free Gresham College lecture. You can watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn) or online, as he answers seemingly simple questions which have fascinated scientists and mathematicians since the time of Newton. See what else is on at Gresham College this week and over the coming weeks.
3 March.
Go see So Dramatic
So Dramatic: Reclaiming Emotion, Power, and Space launches this week: the double-header show by artists Fiona Freund and Lise Meyrick combines painting and photography to celebrate the women of today, through portraits and abstract artwork. It's on at Brixton Library (open daily) throughout this month, which, btw, is Women's History Month.
3-31 March.
Learn about lichens
Join a Royal Parks guide in Kensington Gardens for a free guided walk exploring the fascinating world of lichens, the colonies of algae which can be found living on trees. Find out why they are returning to the centre of London after decades of absence, and why they are so important. Learn how to identify different species, and take part in a citizen science project to help collect important data.
4 March.
Have a laugh at a comedy showcase
It's free entry at Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green on Wednesday night, when students from the City Academy stand-up comedy course show off the skills they've learned in a showcase.
4 March.
Join the private view of a new art exhibition
Artist Michelle Baharier presents Filling in the Gaps at Marylebone Parish Church Art Space. The exhibition showcases painted portraits of disability rights activists whose work has transformed access and inclusion across the UK's public transport system. Each painting incorporates symbolic elements reflecting the sitter's story, from transport iconography such as the TfL roundel to personal objects, and Baharier offers a private view of the exhibition this Wednesday evening, which you're welcome to attend.
4 March.
Wander Amongst the Trees and Terraces
Burgh House in Hampstead unveils new, free exhibition Amongst The Trees and Terraces, showcasing interwar and post-war artworks by local artist Donald Towner, spanning landscapes, cityscapes and Hampstead views.
5 March-13 December.
Get some free culture on your lunch break
Once again the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden hosts a free lunchtime recital in the Paul Hamlyn Hall. The exact performers aren't announced until you arrive, but it'll be either Royal Ballet and Opera performers, or guest artists.
6 March.
Visit London's Sewing Machine Museum
The monthly opening of London's little-known Sewing Machine Museum is a chance to view the private collection of 600 of the machines — displayed on shelves and in mock shop windows. Entry is free, though a donation to either The Royal National Lifeboat Institution or Leukaemia Research is appreciated. Read about our visit for an idea of what to expect.
7 March.
Be wowed by a symphony of self-playing organs
The enchanting Amersham Fair Organ Museum (which we visited at the end of last year) opens its swoon-worthy collection of vintage fair organs on Sunday (11am-5pm), the ornate machines being played in 15-20 bursts. Stick around long enough, and you'll get to experience the lot. A cafe is also open selling refreshments.
8 March.
And finally, a couple of cheap events that might interest you
🖼️ The William Morris Society kicks off Morris Month on Saturday, with a flurry of talks and demos based on Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement he's synonymous with. It's family friendly, and takes place at the Society's Hammersmith HQ. Book your place in advance for £5 a pop.
7 March.
👨🏻✈️"Many foreigners instinctively think of Croydon when they hear the word England mentioned." (Croydon Advertiser, 1938). Londonist Editor Will Noble is at the David Sweet Hall at ECURC, East Croydon on Saturday (2.20pm), exploring the golden age of Croydon, when it was a crucible of aviation, global travel and adventure. The event's free, although there's a recommended on-the-door donation of £3 to CNHSS. Just show up.
7 March.
