Rebuilt 1899 Mercedes van to go on show on Pall Mall before Brighton run
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Free art show on the RNLI’s Thames lifeboat base runs until 30 September
Paintings and architects' drawings of lifeboat stations are on show inside the floating base beside Waterloo Bridge, with a £5 donation suggested.
Key facts
- Free exhibition inside the RNLI's Tower Lifeboat Station, on the Thames by Waterloo Bridge
- Doors open 10am to 3pm each day, with the final day on Wednesday 30 September 2026
- Tickets booked via Eventbrite; a £5 donation is suggested
- Could be called off if the crew are needed for a rescue or emergency
The RNLI is letting visitors inside Tower Lifeboat Station, its floating base on the Thames next to Waterloo Bridge, for a free exhibition. Doors open at 10am and close at 3pm each day, and the last day is Wednesday 30 September 2026.
What the RNLI lifeboat station exhibition shows
Most of the work on the walls comes from the charity’s own archive. Paintings of lifeboat stations around the UK coast hang beside the original plans drawn up by the architects who designed them.
Seen together, they trace how the first lifeboat houses took their style from church architecture. Over two centuries those buildings were updated or rebuilt as fashions and technology moved on. The paintings range from soft pastels to bold, bright colour, and every one shows the boats and their stations in action.
A short film sets out why station design has changed over the years and highlights some recent improvements. One of them is a changing room for the volunteer crews.
How to visit the Tower Lifeboat Station
The RNLI asks visitors to book a free ticket on Eventbrite before going. There is no charge to get in, but people are invited to give a small donation when they arrive, and the suggested amount is £5. Donations go towards the rescue service and the volunteers who keep people on the river safe. There is a gift shop on site as well.
Temple and Embankment Tube stations are both a few minutes’ walk away. When the tide is low, visitors reach the floating building down a long ramp.
The station stays operational while the exhibition is on. If a rescue call comes in, or the crew need the building for an emergency, the RNLI may call off the event to protect visitors and station volunteers.
Key questions
When is the RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station exhibition open?
Each day from 10am to 3pm, with the last day on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
How much does it cost to visit?
Entry is free. Visitors are invited to give a small donation, with £5 suggested, and should book a ticket through Eventbrite.
What is the nearest Tube station?
Temple and Embankment Tube stations are both a few minutes' walk from the lifeboat station.
Can the exhibition be cancelled?
Yes. The station stays operational, so the RNLI may call off the event if a rescue call comes in or the crew need the building for an emergency.
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