Open House 2025
13 September 2025 - 21 September 2025
| Each weekend Sat & Sun | 11:00 - 17:00 |
Trinity Buoy Wharf
Free
13th- 14th September and 20th- 21st September 2025
Trinity Buoy Wharf will open its doors once again to the public for Open House 2025, offering a rare opportunity to explore one of East London’s most unique and creative riverside sites.
Once a working dock, the site is now home to a thriving arts community, innovative studios, and the iconic Container City. Visitors will have the chance to discover its rich maritime history, enjoy stunning views of the Thames, and experience the vibrant energy that defines this cultural hub. From historical architecture to contemporary art installations, Trinity Buoy Wharf promises a fascinating journey through London’s past and present.
SS Robin Tours
As part of Open House 2025, visitors will have the unique chance to step aboard the SS Robin, the world’s only complete steam ship for guided tours. Permanently moored at Trinity Buoy Wharf, this 1890 cargo ship offers a glimpse into Britain’s maritime and industrial heritage. Tour participants can explore the ship’s engine room, crew quarters, and cargo hold while learning about life at sea.
When: 13th & 14th September, and 20th and 21st September at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm each day
Booking: required. Booking will open on August 20th on the Open House website.
Entry: free
Guided Site Tours
Guided site tours will offer visitors an in-depth look at the history, architecture, and creative transformation of this iconic riverside location. The tours will explore the site’s maritime past, including its role in lighthouse manufacturing, and its evolution into a thriving hub for artists, makers, and cultural enterprises. These tours provide a rare opportunity to see how heritage and creativity come together in one of London’s most distinctive and inspiring spaces.
When: 13th & 14th September, and 20th and 21st September at 11am each day
Booking: required. Booking will open on August 20th on the Open House website.
Entry: free
Kinetic sculptures by Andrew Baldwin
The site will host an exhibition of Andrew Baldwin’s kinetic sculptures, offering visitors the chance to experience art that truly comes to life. Known for his intricate craftsmanship and distinctive style, Baldwin creates whimsical mechanical works where figures, animals, and dreamlike scenes move in captivating rhythms.
When: 13th & 14th September, and 20th and 21st September at 11am to 5pm each day
Booking: not required
Entry: free
Open Studios
Some of the artist studios at Trinity Buoy Wharf will be open to the public, offering a rare chance to step inside the creative spaces of painters, sculptors, designers, and makers. Visitors can meet the artists, see works in progress, and experience the vibrant artistic community that brings the site to life.
When: 13th & 14th September, and 20th and 21st September at 11am to 5pm each day
Booking: not required.
Entry: free
Some of the artists opening their studios are:
Amanda Cotton "Art Craft Studios"
The King's Foundation Diploma Year, including Rosie Merriman and Barnaby Horn
Walk & Draw
Come along to draw and explore Trinity Buoy Wharf with artist in residence Emily Jo Gibbs and The Big Draw. This fun, free, laid-back session is an opportunity to sketch, chat, and soak up the atmosphere of this creative riverside hub.
Whether you’re a seasoned sketcher or just curious to give drawing a try, join us as we wander around the site with pencils in hand. You'll have a chance to learn a bit about Emily’s practice and find out more about the many makers and creatives who live and work at Trinity Buoy Wharf.
All you need to bring is a sketchbook, some comfy shoes, and an explorer's spirit- we’ll have a selection of pencils to get you started, but please feel free to bring any drawing materials of your choice.
When: 20th and 21st September at 1pm each day
Booking: required. Booking will open on August 20th on the Open House website.
Entry: free
The Shield of Achillies exhibition
Dominique Pinchi’s 7-metre “Shield of Achilles” reimagines Homer’s epic imagery in sculptural form. It’s displayed in the SS Robin’s vast cargo hold.
When: 13th & 14th September, and 20th and 21st September at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm slots.
Booking: required. Booking will open on August 20th on the Open House website.
Entry: free
Listen to an ever evolving musical composition by Jem Finer
Located in the Lighthouse, the Longplayer is written to play without repetition for 1,000 years. Experience this unique composition:
When: 13th & 14th September, and 20th & 21st September 11-5pm
Booking: not required
Visit London's only Lighthouse
Explore a unique piece of London's history by visiting the city's only lighthouse. It offers stunning views and a rare glimpse into the maritime heritage that shaped London.
When: 13th & 14th September, and 20th & 21st September 11-5pm
Booking: not required
Manifest exhibition
Manifest is a photographic-based installation inside the pontoon under SS Robin at Trinity Buoy Wharf, co-created with North East Maritime Trust and sea cadets at Training Ship Collingwood on the River Tyne.
Portraits and boatbuilding studies were made throughout May 2025, led by curator and producer Garry Hunter working with specialist photographer Jonathan Turner of Lens Lab Leeds.
The salt print process perfected by Jonathan over months of experimentation requires the use of glass plate technology of the late 19th century, with resulting negatives printed onto watercolour paper embedded with salt and coated with silver halide.
Manifest is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Trinity Buoy Wharf Trust and SS Robin Trust.
When: 13th & 14th September, and 20th & 21st September 11-5pm
Booking: not required
Location: SS Robin Pontoon