Outernet: a brilliant interactive installation in London that is too little talked about

Outernet: a brilliant interactive installation in London that is too little talked about

June 11, 2025

In the heart of London, off busy Charing Cross Road, lies a technological marvel that is changing the way we experience art, entertainment and advertising. Outernet London is the world's largest digital gallery, set to delight visitors with its grandeur and innovation from November 2022. Combining cutting-edge technology with respect for historical heritage, this unique complex offers unforgettable immersive experiences that transport visitors to entirely new worlds. Despite its uniqueness, Outernet still remains a relatively unknown attraction in London, deserving much more attention from tourists and residents of the British capital alike.

Ad

Digital colossus in the heart of London

Outernet London is a true technological giant that has revolutionized the cultural landscape of the British capital. At the heart of the complex is the impressive Now Building, equipped with 23,000 square feet of high-definition LED screens that extend from floor to ceiling. It is the largest digital canvas of its kind in the world, offering an unprecedented quality and scale of immersive visual experience.

What sets Outernet apart from other London attractions is not just the size of the screens, but more importantly their use. The space serves as both a platform for experimental digital art and an innovative channel for experiential advertising. Brands such as Burberry, Amazon, Netflix, BMW, EA Games and Chanel are using Outernet's capabilities to create immersive, large-format presentations that blur the line between advertising and art.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Now Building is its innovative facade. Designed as a retractable structure, it reveals an urban public gallery with high-definition screens that surround visitors on all sides. This architectural solution not only enhances the functionality of the space, but also creates a seamless transition between the interior of the complex and the surrounding urban fabric.

The visual experience at Outernet is complemented by an equally impressive audio system. The complex is equipped with more than 90 L-Acoustics speakers that deliver sound using L-ISA technology, creating a fully immersive audio-visual experience. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the presented content with all their senses, making every visit to Outernet a unique experience.

It is worth noting the scale of the project - the screens in the Now Building cover an area of 2,000 square meters and offer 16K resolution. These are parameters that are hard to imagine until you experience them with your own eyes. Approximately 400,000 people pass through the Outernet space each day, making it one of London's busiest venues, even though it remains a relatively unknown attraction.

Outernet London is much more than just screens, however. The complex also includes two event spaces that serve as venues for concerts, performances and club events, as well as office space, apartments, retail stores and a 55-room music-themed hotel. This variety of functions makes Outernet a vibrant 24-hour venue, attracting a diverse audience.

It is interesting to note that the first exhibition presented at Outernet was 'Dotcom Séance' by artist Simon Denny. This exhibition explored the impact of technology on global cultural and political development, which fit perfectly with the nature of the venue itself. And in January 2023, Marco Brambilli's 'Heaven's Gate' exhibition opened, featuring psychedelic landscapes composed of looped fragments of iconic film moments. These examples show how the Outernet is becoming a platform for ambitious digital art that takes advantage of the site's technological capabilities to create new forms of artistic expression.

Analyzing the demographic profile of Outernet visitors, it is clear that the site attracts a relatively young audience. Most visitors are under the age of 44, with an average age of 35. Interestingly, three-quarters of visitors come from affluent backgrounds, classified as ABC1, with slightly higher income levels. These figures show that Outernet caters primarily to young, well-heeled professionals seeking new and innovative forms of entertainment and art.

Between past and future - a a unique blend of history and modernity

One of the most fascinating aspects of Outernet London is the way the project combines ultra-modern technology with the area's rich historical heritage. The complex is located adjacent to the famous Denmark Street, known as London's 'Tin Pan Alley' - a street with a remarkably rich musical history that has attracted some of the biggest talents in the British music scene for decades.

The creators of Outernet approached this historical context with extreme sensitivity and respect. Instead of completely transforming the site, they chose to preserve the original facades of the buildings, integrating them into the modern structure of the complex. This approach allowed them to create a unique space that simultaneously looks to the future and pays homage to the past.

A particularly noteworthy element is the inclusion of a 350-year-old blacksmith's stable, known as the 'smithy', in the design. This historic building has been painstakingly preserved and integrated into Outernet's modern structure, creating a fascinating contrast between centuries of history and cutting-edge 21st century technology. For visitors, it provides a unique experience - the opportunity to interact with the latest technological advances in a setting that remembers the days of the Stuart Restoration.

It is worth noting that the Outernet project was not limited to the physical preservation of historical elements. The complex's creators actively involved the local community in the process of its creation, offering apprenticeship programs, training and support for local charities. This social responsibility of the project shows that modern technology and development can go hand in hand with respecting local identity and supporting the community.

Outernet London also stands out from other attractions in the capital for its approach to digital art. Unlike traditional galleries, which often present static works, Outernet offers dynamic, changing exhibitions that take full advantage of the capabilities of huge LED screens. Exhibitions such as Marco Brambilli's 'Heaven's Gate' and Simon Denny's 'Dotcom Séance' demonstrate how technology can be used to create new forms of artistic expression that engage viewers in ways not possible in traditional exhibition spaces.

Interestingly, despite its modernity and technological sophistication, Outernet London remains a space accessible to the general public. Unlike many exclusive art galleries, admission to the main space with LED screens is free, making this unique attraction accessible to everyone. This democratic approach to art and technology is another element that sets Outernet apart from other London attractions.

One of the lesser-known but extremely interesting aspects of Outernet is the way the site is changing the traditional approach to advertising. Brands that decide to use huge LED screens for their campaigns have to completely rethink their approach to marketing communications. Traditional, static ads don't work in this space - instead, brands are creating immersive experiences that engage audiences on a whole new level. It's a revolution of sorts in the way we think about outdoor advertising, which is changing from a one-way message to an interactive experience.

Also noteworthy are Outernet's plans to expand the concept beyond the UK. The company behind the London complex plans to open similar districts in New York and Los Angeles. These ambitious plans show that the Outernet concept - combining the latest technology with local cultural and historical context - has the potential to become a global trend in the development of urban spaces.

Outernet London can be seen as a kind of bridge between the traditional understanding of public space and its digital future. In a world where more and more of our interactions are moving to virtual space, Outernet proposes a model in which digital technology does not replace physical experience, but enriches and transforms it. It's a fascinating experiment that could point the way forward for public spaces in the coming decades.

Experience Outernet - a practical guide and hidden gems

When planning a visit to Outernet London, it's helpful to know how to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by this unique venue. First of all, note that the main space with LED screens - the Now Building - is open to the public free of charge. This is a rare opportunity to experience digital art on such an impressive scale without paying admission, making Outernet an attractive option even for travelers on a tight budget.

One of Outernet's lesser-known but worth discovering features is the variability of the content presented. LED screens display a variety of material depending on the time of day and the current program. This means that each visit can offer a completely different experience. In the mornings, one may encounter quieter, contemplative art installations, while in the evenings the space often bustles with energy, presenting dynamic visuals synchronized to music. This variety makes Outernet worth visiting several times, at different times of the day, to fully appreciate the spectrum of possibilities it offers.

Another little-known fact is that Outernet offers exceptional acoustic capabilities. The L-ISA audio system, using more than 90 L-Acoustics speakers, is designed to create precise sound zones. This means that as you walk through different parts of the space, you can experience changing soundscapes that complement the visual content. For music and sound lovers, this is a unique opportunity to experience the latest developments in surround audio.

Also worth noting are Outernet's less obvious architectural elements. In addition to the impressive LED screens, the complex offers fascinating design solutions that combine modernity with the historic character of the area. Of particular interest is how the new structure integrates with the preserved facades of the historic buildings on Denmark Street. This symbiosis of old and new creates a unique architectural experience that is worthy of attention in itself.

For those interested in London's musical history, a visit to Outernet can be the start of a fascinating journey through the surrounding sites associated with the British music scene. Neighboring Denmark Street, known as 'Tin Pan Alley,' was for decades the center of the British music industry. It was here that artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Kinks and Sex Pistols took their first steps. Many of the historic music stores are still in operation, offering unique instruments and accessories. This musical history provides a fascinating context for the modern Outernet complex, which continues the tradition of cultural innovation in this part of London.

One of Outernet's hidden treasures is the 55-room music-themed hotel that is part of the complex. Each room has been designed to pay homage to the rich musical history of the area, offering a unique experience for guests. Even if you don't plan to stay overnight, take a look at the hotel's lobby, which is an interesting space in its own right, combining music-inspired design elements with modern technological solutions.

Outernet London also stands out for its approach to accessibility. The complex was designed with people with different needs in mind, offering full access for people with disabilities. This is an important aspect that makes this unique attraction accessible to the general public, regardless of physical limitations.

When planning a visit to Outernet, it is also worth noting the special events that regularly take place at the complex. In addition to permanent installations, Outernet hosts concerts, fashion shows, film premieres and other cultural events. Checking the calendar of events before your visit can allow you to experience Outernet in an even more unique way.

It is also interesting to note that Outernet attracts a relatively young audience, with an average age of 35. This demographic influences the atmosphere of the venue, which is teeming with youthful energy and openness to experimenting with new forms of artistic expression. For older visitors, it can be a refreshing experience to see art and technology from the perspective of a younger generation.

All in all, Outernet London is much more than just an impressive set of LED screens. It's a comprehensive experience that combines cutting-edge technology with a rich history, offering a unique blend of art, music, architecture and innovation. Although the complex has only been in operation since November 2022, it has already managed to make its mark on London's cultural map by offering a whole new kind of public space - one that seamlessly blends the physical and digital worlds. For visitors to London, especially those interested in the future of art and public space, Outernet is a must-see - a true bridge between the past and the future of the British capital.

Similar articles

Ad