Illuminated River
@illuminatedriver.bsky.social
World’s longest public art commission, illuminating nine central London bridges along the River Thames.
www.illuminatedriver.london
www.illuminatedriver.london
Have you ever wondered about the decorative tiles below Blackfriars Bridge?
They tell the story of the bridge, which dates from 1769.
The original Blackfriars Bridge was designed by Robert Mylne, a Scottish architect who was aged just 26 at the
time.
@citybridgefndn.bsky.social
They tell the story of the bridge, which dates from 1769.
The original Blackfriars Bridge was designed by Robert Mylne, a Scottish architect who was aged just 26 at the
time.
@citybridgefndn.bsky.social
December 2, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Have you ever wondered about the decorative tiles below Blackfriars Bridge?
They tell the story of the bridge, which dates from 1769.
The original Blackfriars Bridge was designed by Robert Mylne, a Scottish architect who was aged just 26 at the
time.
@citybridgefndn.bsky.social
They tell the story of the bridge, which dates from 1769.
The original Blackfriars Bridge was designed by Robert Mylne, a Scottish architect who was aged just 26 at the
time.
@citybridgefndn.bsky.social
Nine bridges, endless ways to enjoy them. Illuminated River is the world’s longest public art installation, right here on the Thames.
November 30, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Nine bridges, endless ways to enjoy them. Illuminated River is the world’s longest public art installation, right here on the Thames.
See London in a new light this festive season, from the comfort of an early evening Illuminated River Boat Tour.
Enjoy refreshments from the onboard café bar as you relax and soak up stunning views of the world's longest piece of public art, with commentary from Official City of London Guides.
Enjoy refreshments from the onboard café bar as you relax and soak up stunning views of the world's longest piece of public art, with commentary from Official City of London Guides.
November 28, 2025 at 6:02 PM
See London in a new light this festive season, from the comfort of an early evening Illuminated River Boat Tour.
Enjoy refreshments from the onboard café bar as you relax and soak up stunning views of the world's longest piece of public art, with commentary from Official City of London Guides.
Enjoy refreshments from the onboard café bar as you relax and soak up stunning views of the world's longest piece of public art, with commentary from Official City of London Guides.
The River Thames has sparked creativity for centuries - from the artists and poets of the past, to today’s filmmakers and content creators.
If the Thames inspires you, we’d love to see your response on film in the new Video category of the Thames Lens competition, sponsored by Illuminated River.
If the Thames inspires you, we’d love to see your response on film in the new Video category of the Thames Lens competition, sponsored by Illuminated River.
November 25, 2025 at 5:31 PM
The River Thames has sparked creativity for centuries - from the artists and poets of the past, to today’s filmmakers and content creators.
If the Thames inspires you, we’d love to see your response on film in the new Video category of the Thames Lens competition, sponsored by Illuminated River.
If the Thames inspires you, we’d love to see your response on film in the new Video category of the Thames Lens competition, sponsored by Illuminated River.
As #MensMentalHealthAwarenessMonth draws to a close, take a Mindful Moment at Cannon Street Railway Bridge - one of the oldest bridges on the Thames.
Take a breath and watch how the subtle kinetic colours mirror the motion of the trains passing above.
Take a breath and watch how the subtle kinetic colours mirror the motion of the trains passing above.
November 23, 2025 at 1:02 PM
As #MensMentalHealthAwarenessMonth draws to a close, take a Mindful Moment at Cannon Street Railway Bridge - one of the oldest bridges on the Thames.
Take a breath and watch how the subtle kinetic colours mirror the motion of the trains passing above.
Take a breath and watch how the subtle kinetic colours mirror the motion of the trains passing above.
🩷💚 Pink goes good with green....
Glinda said it first, but Waterloo Bridge proves the point, for good ✨
Photos: James Newton
#WickedForGood #WickedPartTwo #ForGood #IlluminatedRiver #WickedMovie
Glinda said it first, but Waterloo Bridge proves the point, for good ✨
Photos: James Newton
#WickedForGood #WickedPartTwo #ForGood #IlluminatedRiver #WickedMovie
November 21, 2025 at 9:02 AM
🩷💚 Pink goes good with green....
Glinda said it first, but Waterloo Bridge proves the point, for good ✨
Photos: James Newton
#WickedForGood #WickedPartTwo #ForGood #IlluminatedRiver #WickedMovie
Glinda said it first, but Waterloo Bridge proves the point, for good ✨
Photos: James Newton
#WickedForGood #WickedPartTwo #ForGood #IlluminatedRiver #WickedMovie
Thirty years after the Festival, the site was developed into the Southbank Centre, the UK’s largest arts centre.
Look out for the statue next time you're walking along the Southbank, and when the sun sets, see the artwork of Illuminated River's bridges take centre stage.
Look out for the statue next time you're walking along the Southbank, and when the sun sets, see the artwork of Illuminated River's bridges take centre stage.
November 18, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Thirty years after the Festival, the site was developed into the Southbank Centre, the UK’s largest arts centre.
Look out for the statue next time you're walking along the Southbank, and when the sun sets, see the artwork of Illuminated River's bridges take centre stage.
Look out for the statue next time you're walking along the Southbank, and when the sun sets, see the artwork of Illuminated River's bridges take centre stage.
Winter by the River is back at @ldnbridgecity for 2025. Follow the frosted paths along the banks of the Thames, and explore rows of charming boutique market stalls to delight every shopper.
https://www.londonbridgecity.co.uk/events/2025/november/winter-by-the-river-2025
https://www.londonbridgecity.co.uk/events/2025/november/winter-by-the-river-2025
November 16, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Winter by the River is back at @ldnbridgecity for 2025. Follow the frosted paths along the banks of the Thames, and explore rows of charming boutique market stalls to delight every shopper.
https://www.londonbridgecity.co.uk/events/2025/november/winter-by-the-river-2025
https://www.londonbridgecity.co.uk/events/2025/november/winter-by-the-river-2025
There are just three opportunities left in 2025, to join Official @colguides for an Illuminated River Walking Tour - giving you a unique insight into the world's longest public art installation.
November 14, 2025 at 6:02 PM
There are just three opportunities left in 2025, to join Official @colguides for an Illuminated River Walking Tour - giving you a unique insight into the world's longest public art installation.
"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them."
Photograph: Blackfriars Bridge lit for VE Day 2025, By Paul Crawley
#RemembranceDay #ArmisticeDay #LondonRemembers
Photograph: Blackfriars Bridge lit for VE Day 2025, By Paul Crawley
#RemembranceDay #ArmisticeDay #LondonRemembers
November 11, 2025 at 10:55 AM
"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them."
Photograph: Blackfriars Bridge lit for VE Day 2025, By Paul Crawley
#RemembranceDay #ArmisticeDay #LondonRemembers
Photograph: Blackfriars Bridge lit for VE Day 2025, By Paul Crawley
#RemembranceDay #ArmisticeDay #LondonRemembers
Have you ever noticed the Dolphin lamps along the Thames Embankment?
The first such lamps were used to light the embankments from the early 1870s, and were based on statues at the Fontana del Nettuno in Rome. Further lamp posts were added in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.
The first such lamps were used to light the embankments from the early 1870s, and were based on statues at the Fontana del Nettuno in Rome. Further lamp posts were added in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.
November 9, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Have you ever noticed the Dolphin lamps along the Thames Embankment?
The first such lamps were used to light the embankments from the early 1870s, and were based on statues at the Fontana del Nettuno in Rome. Further lamp posts were added in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.
The first such lamps were used to light the embankments from the early 1870s, and were based on statues at the Fontana del Nettuno in Rome. Further lamp posts were added in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.
On This Day in 1896, Blackfriars Road Bridge was opened by Queen Victoria.
The bridge, designed by Joseph Cubitt, was actually a replacement for the original Blackfriars Bridge, which opened in 1769 and was originally known as William Pitt Bridge.
Photo: James Newton
The bridge, designed by Joseph Cubitt, was actually a replacement for the original Blackfriars Bridge, which opened in 1769 and was originally known as William Pitt Bridge.
Photo: James Newton
November 6, 2025 at 6:01 PM
On This Day in 1896, Blackfriars Road Bridge was opened by Queen Victoria.
The bridge, designed by Joseph Cubitt, was actually a replacement for the original Blackfriars Bridge, which opened in 1769 and was originally known as William Pitt Bridge.
Photo: James Newton
The bridge, designed by Joseph Cubitt, was actually a replacement for the original Blackfriars Bridge, which opened in 1769 and was originally known as William Pitt Bridge.
Photo: James Newton
The book features more than 30 works ranging in scale – from exhibitions and immersive architectural commissions like Cosmos at Cornell University, to urban-scale artworks such as Illuminated River – and includes work from over two decades of the artist’s career.
November 5, 2025 at 11:01 AM
The book features more than 30 works ranging in scale – from exhibitions and immersive architectural commissions like Cosmos at Cornell University, to urban-scale artworks such as Illuminated River – and includes work from over two decades of the artist’s career.
Leo Villareal: Coding Light is an expansive monograph of work by Illuminated River's acclaimed artist Leo Villareal, which is published today.
https://www.phaidon.com/products/leo-villareal-coding-light
https://www.phaidon.com/products/leo-villareal-coding-light
November 5, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Leo Villareal: Coding Light is an expansive monograph of work by Illuminated River's acclaimed artist Leo Villareal, which is published today.
https://www.phaidon.com/products/leo-villareal-coding-light
https://www.phaidon.com/products/leo-villareal-coding-light
Shining a light on: @southbankcentre Winter Market.
From 3 Nov, stroll along Queen's Walk, taking in Illuminated River's Waterloo Bridge and Golden Jubilee footbridges, and sample indulgent drinks & scrumptious street food from traditional alpine-style chalets.
📸 James Newton
From 3 Nov, stroll along Queen's Walk, taking in Illuminated River's Waterloo Bridge and Golden Jubilee footbridges, and sample indulgent drinks & scrumptious street food from traditional alpine-style chalets.
📸 James Newton
November 2, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Shining a light on: @southbankcentre Winter Market.
From 3 Nov, stroll along Queen's Walk, taking in Illuminated River's Waterloo Bridge and Golden Jubilee footbridges, and sample indulgent drinks & scrumptious street food from traditional alpine-style chalets.
📸 James Newton
From 3 Nov, stroll along Queen's Walk, taking in Illuminated River's Waterloo Bridge and Golden Jubilee footbridges, and sample indulgent drinks & scrumptious street food from traditional alpine-style chalets.
📸 James Newton
If you'd love to learn to capture incredible imagery after dark, join award-winning photographer Nigel Wilson for an evening photography adventure along the Thames, capturing the nine Illuminated River bridges.
https://illuminatedriver.london/whatson/illuminated-river-photography-courses-4
https://illuminatedriver.london/whatson/illuminated-river-photography-courses-4
October 31, 2025 at 6:30 PM
If you'd love to learn to capture incredible imagery after dark, join award-winning photographer Nigel Wilson for an evening photography adventure along the Thames, capturing the nine Illuminated River bridges.
https://illuminatedriver.london/whatson/illuminated-river-photography-courses-4
https://illuminatedriver.london/whatson/illuminated-river-photography-courses-4
Getting great photos at night is one of the trickiest challenges in photography - but it's a skill that, with some tips from an expert, anyone can develop.
October 31, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Getting great photos at night is one of the trickiest challenges in photography - but it's a skill that, with some tips from an expert, anyone can develop.
Need a fun, free family activity in London this October Half Term?
Download the Illuminated River Kids' Pack and head out on a mini adventure to explore the world's longest public art installation: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/explore (scroll down for the Kids Pack)
#ThingsToDoInLondon
Download the Illuminated River Kids' Pack and head out on a mini adventure to explore the world's longest public art installation: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/explore (scroll down for the Kids Pack)
#ThingsToDoInLondon
October 28, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Need a fun, free family activity in London this October Half Term?
Download the Illuminated River Kids' Pack and head out on a mini adventure to explore the world's longest public art installation: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/explore (scroll down for the Kids Pack)
#ThingsToDoInLondon
Download the Illuminated River Kids' Pack and head out on a mini adventure to explore the world's longest public art installation: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/explore (scroll down for the Kids Pack)
#ThingsToDoInLondon
Illuminated River is a long-term #artinstallation transforming the #Thames at night with an orchestrated series of light works that span nine bridges in central #London.
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October 26, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Illuminated River is a long-term #artinstallation transforming the #Thames at night with an orchestrated series of light works that span nine bridges in central #London.
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We're delighted to announce that Illuminated River will sponsor a new video category in the Thames Festival Trust's Thames Lens 2026 photography competition.
https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/artistic-programme/thames-lens/thames-lens-photo-submission/
https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/artistic-programme/thames-lens/thames-lens-photo-submission/
October 23, 2025 at 11:03 AM
We're delighted to announce that Illuminated River will sponsor a new video category in the Thames Festival Trust's Thames Lens 2026 photography competition.
https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/artistic-programme/thames-lens/thames-lens-photo-submission/
https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/artistic-programme/thames-lens/thames-lens-photo-submission/
Over a century later, the Thames remains an enduring source of inspiration. Its bridges and waters remain a canvas for artists reimagining the river for modern London.
Read the full story of art along the Thames: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/dirty-old-river-the-thames-in-art
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Read the full story of art along the Thames: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/dirty-old-river-the-thames-in-art
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October 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Over a century later, the Thames remains an enduring source of inspiration. Its bridges and waters remain a canvas for artists reimagining the river for modern London.
Read the full story of art along the Thames: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/dirty-old-river-the-thames-in-art
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Read the full story of art along the Thames: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/dirty-old-river-the-thames-in-art
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Yet Whistler’s atmospheric vision transformed how the river was seen - a moody contrast to John Atkinson Grimshaw’s luminous romantic style of The Thames by Moonlight with Southwark Bridge.
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October 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Yet Whistler’s atmospheric vision transformed how the river was seen - a moody contrast to John Atkinson Grimshaw’s luminous romantic style of The Thames by Moonlight with Southwark Bridge.
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Artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler found beauty in its overlooked corners, capturing dockside life and misty nights in his evocative Nocturnes.
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October 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler found beauty in its overlooked corners, capturing dockside life and misty nights in his evocative Nocturnes.
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October 18, 2025 at 9:02 AM
There's always so much to see and do along the #RiverThames.
The #LondonLiteratureFestival returns for 2025, taking place from 21 October to 2 November at @southbankcentre.bsky.social.
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The #LondonLiteratureFestival returns for 2025, taking place from 21 October to 2 November at @southbankcentre.bsky.social.
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October 15, 2025 at 1:01 PM
There's always so much to see and do along the #RiverThames.
The #LondonLiteratureFestival returns for 2025, taking place from 21 October to 2 November at @southbankcentre.bsky.social.
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The #LondonLiteratureFestival returns for 2025, taking place from 21 October to 2 November at @southbankcentre.bsky.social.
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