Visitor Admissions Policy
Welcome to Afrahouse, London.
Afrahouse is a private African art gallery that specialises in authentic traditional and contemporary African art. The art displayed in our gallery entirely belongs to Afrahouse Ltd and is available for viewing, free of charge.
To help us protect our collection, please follow this visitor policy and the instructions of our staff. Thank you for your cooperation. We hope you enjoy your visit to the Gallery.
1. Opening Hours
1.1. The Gallery is open to the public by appointment only.
1.2. The Gallery is closed 24–26 December and 1 January.
1.3. Please check afrahouse.com for the latest visitor information.
2. Admission
2.1. General admission to the Gallery is free.
2.2. We may charge for some temporary exhibitions and events.
2.3. The Gallery can become very busy at peak times. Please always show consideration and respect for other visitors.
3. Conditions of entry and security
3.1. We do not allow the following anywhere in the Gallery:
- knives, sharp objects or other potentially dangerous or harmful items;
- any unsafe act or other act that may impede the operation of the Gallery; and
- the wearing of motorbike helmets.
3.2. We operate a secure, closed-circuit television (CCTV) system throughout the Gallery for the protection and safety of our visitors, staff, collection, and property.
3.3. We may from time to time, without prior notice and without liability or compensation, close the Gallery or any part of it temporarily or restrict the number of persons having access if the circumstances require us to do so. For example, in the interests of security or public safety.
3.4. We reserve the right to deny admission, or to require a person already admitted, to leave the Gallery, without liability or compensation if the circumstances require us to do so.
4. Gallery staff
4.1. Please respect all members of our staff. We do not tolerate physical or verbal abuse towards any member of our staff.
4.2. You must follow staff instructions in accordance with this policy. Our staff are here to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and inspiring visit. Our staff are authorised to intervene where deemed necessary, for example in the event of antisocial behaviour, disturbance to other visitors, or any behaviour that puts our art collection, building, or anyone else at risk.
5. Health and Safety
5.1. In the interest of health and safety, please do not:
- commit any act that could endanger or jeopardise the safety of our staff, visitors, collection, or any property or goods
- leave children in your care unattended
- run within the Gallery
- block any doorways, entrances, or exits; or
- smoke anywhere on the premises (including e-cigarettes).
5.2. Please let our staff know immediately about any accident, incident or ‘near miss’ in the Gallery
6. Protection of our art collection
6.1. Our collection contains some very fragile items and antiques. You must not:
- touch sculptures, art objects, or art installations of any kind;
- Allow children in your care to touch objects or art installations of any kind
6.2. No artworks can be moved or brought into the Gallery by anyone other than Afrahouse staff.
6.3. In case of theft, attempted theft, or vandalism, we may need to close the Gallery’s entrances and exits.
7. Food and drink
7.1. Please do not consume food or drink inside the gallery unless offered refreshments by Afrahouse staff, and please eat and drink only in our designated spaces.
8. Fire alarms
8.1. If the fire system is activated, you must follow the instructions of the fire system voice announcements and of our staff.
8.2. You must not obstruct any exits.
9. Photography and filming
9.1. We allow photography and filming for your own personal and non-commercial purposes. It is the responsibility of anyone taking photographs or filming to ensure that no copyright is infringed. The following exceptions apply to protect our collection, individual privacy and the overall visitor experience:
- the use of additional lighting or flash, tripods, and selfie sticks is not permitted;
- Photography and filming of children and young people is prohibited without the consent of the accompanying adult, this includes school groups and those attending organised events. The Gallery recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children, young people, and adults at risk.
9.2. Commercial filming and photography are not allowed in the Gallery without prior written permission. To arrange a location shoot, please contact us by emailing: Info@afrahouse.com or telephoning: 0203 154 5444.
10. Groups
10.1. We welcome group visitors to the Gallery to enjoy and learn about the collection:
- For school visits, please email: Info@afrahouse.com. The gallery has a maximum capacity of 15 adults.
- For group enquiries, please indicate how many people will be attending on our booking portal or email: Info@afrahouse.com
10.2. Groups must not block the sculptures, doors, or access routes for prolonged periods. Please ensure that other visitors are able to enjoy the collection.
11. Access facilities and on-site accessible parking
11.1. There are available paid parking spaces on Haddo Street, in front of the Gallery. Paid parking can also be found on Roan Street, adjacent to the gallery.
12. Mobility scooters, wheelchairs, buggies, bicycles, skateboards and scooters
12.1. Mobility scooters, wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs may not be able to get through our doors. Our toilets are not accessible to wheelchairs or mobility scooters. For more information regarding the size of our access, please Email us.
12.2. Baby buggies or equipment for use in nursing and baby care, are allowed subject to you agreeing that these items may need to be stored in the second gallery viewing room for access.
12.3. Bicycles (including folded bicycles), skateboards, adult scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted in the Gallery but we can provide secure, external storage during your visit.
13. Animals
13.1. Assistance animals are permitted, subject to reasonable prior notice with the Gallery.
13.2. Otherwise, animals are not permitted in the Gallery. This due to the fragile nature of most of our pieces.
14. Amendments
We reserve the right to amend or update this visitor policy without notice.