There’s nothing quite as British as having a free exhibition of world-class art for all to see, that still allows you to complain about the weather, too.
Spanning east London’s waterways and industrial corners, The Line is a sculptural trail that basically transforms the city into an evolving open-air gallery. Stretching roughly from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford down to The O2 in Greenwich, it offers a collision of contemporary art, natural beauty, and urban grit, making it one of London’s more unique outdoor experiences.
Unlike traditional galleries, The Line doesn’t ask for silence, or a reverent pace, or indecipherable little placards. Instead, it invites you to wander – by foot, bike, or even paddleboard – through the city’s overlooked spaces, where world-class art casually coexists with industrial remnants and wildlife. The trail weaves through a mix of green spaces, waterways, and Docklands scenery, offering a journey as much about place as it is about the pieces on display.
As for the installations themselves? There’s Antony Gormley’s Quantum Cloud, a towering lattice of steel standing sentinel over the Thames. Nearby, Abigail Fallis’ DNA DL90, a spiraling stack of shopping trolleys, cheekily critiques consumerism. And these are just two highlights from a collection that changes frequently enough to warrant repeat visits. Each piece, whether playful or provocative, responds to its setting, making the city not just a backdrop but an integral part of the art.
It’s genuinely quite a lovely thing to do, both as a passive & strictly casual passer-by, or an art-lover looking for a nice stroll.
Particularly when the sun is out.
NOTE: We hope it’s obvious, but The Line is completely free and open 24/7. You can check out a handy map of the whole thing with local cafes, heritage areas, and nature spots at The Line’s website.
The Line | East London
Want to get a bite while you’re there? Here are the best restaurants in East London.