NT : What's On : Exhibitions : A London Bestiary

A London Bestiary

23 September – 31 October

A London Bestiary

Four sea-lions entwine themselves against a red brick wall, a plasterwork bat props up an empty pediment, while Landseer’s famous lions guard Nelson’s column. London displays a veritable menagerie of animals: some attached to famous landmarks, others perched in all but invisible gravity-defying positions, with many testifying to the heraldic symbolism that adorns our civic spaces. Photographer Ianthe Ruthven has beautifully captured the creatures of the city in an exhibition that pays tribute to the imagination and humour of generations of architects and sculptors. Some may be familiar, others completely unknown. How many of these animals can you place?

Exhibition opening times:

Monday - Saturday from 9.30am - 11pm
and Sunday 12pm - 6pm (when there is a performance in the building)

A London Bestiary finished on: 31 October 2010

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Your Visit

  • Getting Here

    getting here

    Your guide to getting to the National Theatre on the South Bank

  • First Time Visitor

    First time visitors frequently asked questions, image of audience

    FAQs from people who have not been to the National Theatre before

  • Food and Drink

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    Restaurants, Cafes and Bars at the National Theatre

  • Backstage Tours

    People on a Backstage Tour

    Behind the scenes tours, up to six times a day

  • Front of House

    Image of person interacting with the Big Wall

    Free exhibitions and music, interactive Big Wall, spacious foyers