London's Brutalist Southbank Centre awarded protected heritage status

London’s Southbank Centre has been granted Grade II listed status by the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport, giving statutory protection to key parts of the Brutalist arts complex, The Art Newspaper reported on 11 February 2026. The listing covers the Hayward Gallery, Purcell Room, and Queen Elizabeth Hall (opened 1967–68), plus the undercroft skatepark and surrounding terraces, walkways, and staircases; the Royal Festival Hall was already Grade I listed in 1988. Historic England cited the Hayward Gallery’s significance as an early purpose-built venue for temporary and touring exhibitions and praised the complex’s exposed-concrete craftsmanship. The Southbank Centre said the designation underscores the need for government investment and noted it has requested £30 million for infrastructure improvements, as it marks its 75th anniversary in 2026 with events including an Anish Kapoor exhibition at the Hayward Gallery (16 June–18 October).

Read the full article at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events