Thursday 6 March: Art of London’s Art After Dark has returned, transforming the West End with a free cosmic takeover by Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stéphanian, founder of Nasa’s International Space Orchestra from 6 – 8 March.

Piccadilly Un: Plugged

Explore asteroid-shaped iridescent boulders surrounding Piccadilly Circus fountain which will broadcast a hypnotic soundscape featuring excerpts of tracks from Massive Attack, The Avalanches, Moses Boyd, and Mirrored Fatality, which have been bounced off the Moon.

Leicester Square

The takeover continues in Leicester Square, where two neon inflatable cats – the size of a double-decker bus can be discovered. Culture seekers also can step into a red telephone box outside The Londoner to ‘call the moon’ and chat with an AI-powered hotline.

UNISTELLAR Telescopes

State-of-the-art UNISTELLAR telescopes will be stationed across the West End, offering breathtaking views of nebulae, star clusters, and Jupiter during Galaxy Season. Guided by SETI Institute astronomers, visitors may even take part in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Piccadilly Lights

The three-day experience will take place on Saturday 8 March with a special 25-minute screening on Piccadilly Lights – a world first for the landmark – of Ben Hayoun-Stépanian’s film, From The Void To The Full which explores our evolving world, cosmic wonders, and humanity’s drive for discovery through fire and electricity.

St James’s Market Pavillion

Discover a collection of extraterrestrial-inspired ceramic artworks – co-created with local youth groups including Westminster City Council’s City Lions on display at the Cabinet of Curiosities until the end of May.

Gallery HOP!

West End visitors can also explore late-night gallery openings from world-class institutions at the Art of London Gallery HOP! and Friday Lates at the National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery, and Royal Academy.

Top restaurants, bars and theatres are all joining the celebration providing exclusive dining offers, cocktail menus and more. Visit the Art of London website for programme details, gallery hops, exclusive deals, and bookable art tours, including BSL-interpreted experiences.

Art After Dark is part of Art of London’s commitment to showcasing art in every form, by Heart of London Business Alliance, delivered in collaboration with Westminster City Council.

Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian, eco-feminist artist and designer of experiences, said: “Piccadilly Un:Plugged invites you to break free from the everyday and step into the extraordinary and alien aesthetics – to gaze into the cosmos, and to understand that we are only a small part of a much larger ecosystem and solar system itself. As you contemplate our place in the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, immerse yourself in a spectacle that champions love, compassion, inclusion, and accessibility.

“Powered by an electric team of incredible scientists and female, trans, and non-binary artists, this experience reimagines the future of nightlife – on Earth and beyond. I’m beyond excited that everyone can now be part of it, engage their radical imagination and question what other futures could be like. This is all dedicated in loving memory and honour of groundbreaking artist Láwû Makuriye’nt (aka EOBIONT), who tragically passed this week, and who produced the music showcased in Piccadilly Un:Plugged; their spirit, avant-garde vision, and boundless curiosity continues to inspire us all.”

Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications, Art of London, said: “We’re thrilled to unveil the latest edition of Art After Dark, in collaboration with the incredible Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian and some of London’s most renowned institutions. This free event is open to all, making art accessible for everyone. Join us for this vibrant cultural adventure in the heart of the West End and venture into space with us!”

Cllr Ryan Jude, Westminster City Council, Cabinet Member – Climate, Ecology and Culture, said: “Art After Dark is a shining example of how we can transform the heart of London into a dynamic, accessible cultural space for all. By bringing together cutting-edge science, music, and visual spectacle, this extraordinary event invites Londoners and visitors to experience the West End in an entirely new way. Westminster City Council is proud to support initiatives like this that make world-class art open to everyone, celebrating creativity, inclusivity, and innovation in our city’s iconic spaces.”

Visit the Art of London website here.