Sponsored content
State-of-the-art audio-visual infrastructure and a versatile events space make the Pigott Theatre an ideal location
For TV executives, producers and location managers seeking a screening venue that delivers both technical excellence and cultural distinction, the National Gallery’s Pigott Theatre offers a modern alternative to traditional cinemas.
Situated in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is one of the UK’s most recognisable cultural institutions. After marking NG200 — 200 years since its establishment in 1824 — the gallery has entered a new phase, unveiling a series of architectural and visitor-focused enhancements designed to broaden how the building is experienced and used.
For those in the film and TV industries, this evolution opens up a rare opportunity to access a world-class cultural setting, purpose-built for contemporary presentations, screenings and broadcast events.
With tiered seating for up to 300 guests, the theatre delivers an excellent view of the screen and stage with accessibility throughout and projection through the Panasonic RQ25KEJ, making it particularly well-suited to high-profile screenings in the capital for buyers, commissioners and the press. Previously, screening events have been held at the venue for Amazon, Hayu, NBC and Fox.
The space is equipped with a state-of-theart audiovisual infrastructure, supported by an experienced in-house AV team. From highquality projection and 7.1 surround sound to live links and hybrid broadcasts, the Pigott Theatre is engineered to meet the technical expectations of today’s TV and content industries.
An adjacent foyer provides valuable space for pre-screening receptions, networking and post-event discussions, extending the life of the screening beyond the auditorium
Guests arrive through the newly refurbished Sainsbury Wing, a flagship NG200 project, and move through a building defined by centuries of artistic achievement. For international buyers and senior industry figures, the experience is unmistakably London, culturally resonant, prestigious and memorable.
Beyond the theatre, the Sainsbury Wing foyer offers a versatile and visually striking space that can seamlessly integrate into a wider screening programme. As the principal arrival point for the theatre, it provides an elegant setting for guest welcome, registration and pre-screening receptions with its 10x3m digital screen, setting the tone from the moment audiences enter.
To further enhance the experience, you can continue the drinks receptions in one of the picture galleries, offering private encounters with some of the world’s greatest masterpieces.
For production companies and distributors, the appeal is not purely aesthetic. The events team offers end-to-end support, from planning to technical delivery. Flexible layouts and discreet branding opportunities allow screenings to feel bespoke while respecting the integrity of the setting.
“The Pigott Theatre stands apart, offering technical confidence, a central location and a level of gravitas that few venues can match”
For decision-makers balancing creative ambition with commercial reality, the Pigott Theatre’s impressive scale allows content to be presented in an environment that feels considered, elevating premières, private previews and curated industry moments. The setting naturally encourages focus, conversation and engagement, free from the distractions often associated with multiplex or hotel venues.
For global partners visiting London, hosting a screening within the National Gallery signals intent, seriousness and cultural alignment, reinforcing the value of the content being shown.
The surrounding infrastructure of the West End, from transport connections to hospitality, further enhances ease of attendance for time-pressed guests. Whether used for awards-season showcases, previews or series launches, the Pigott Theatre enables content to be framed with authority and context, supporting storytelling not just on screen, but through the experience itself.
As the National Gallery looks to its next century, its refreshed spaces and renewed focus on engagement position it as a distinctive destination for screen events. The Pigott Theatre stands apart, offering techincal confidence, a central location and a level of cultural gravitas that few venues can match.
