Institute of Contemporary Arts

Sitting oddly and uncomfortably within spitting distance of Buckingham Palace on London's red road, the Mall (pronounced 'the Mal'), where it's been at since 1968, the ICA remains a notable institution committed to international works and discussions relating to current art, music and film. In short, this is where you'll find the modern manifestations of the avant-garde, all under one roof. There are two galleries, two cinemas, a theatre, reading room, talks and discussion spaces, a bookshop, café/bar and function rooms, belying the stately, cream-coloured and columned 19th-century exterior constructed from designs by Regency specialist John Nash. Plus an outlet of excellent Shoreditch restaurant Rochelle Canteen [see entry]. Free entry to exhibitions on Tuesdays.