FLEET STREET QUARTER RETURNS TO

THE LONDON FESTIVAL OF ARCHITECTURE 2026

Fleet Street Quarter are proud to once again take part in the London Festival of Architecture, continuing our growing programme of public art, culture and community events across the area.

Since first joining the festival in 2023, we’ve delivered a series of creative public realm projects — from the Herbalist Press installation at Holborn Garden bringing seating and greening through art, to 2024’s outdoor amphitheatre outside Maughan Library, which hosted outdoor theatre and an unforgettable performance by the Yamato Drummers in partnership with Sadler's Wells.

Last year also saw the unveiling of Whispers, a landmark public artwork celebrating the UK/Poland Season delivered in partnership with Polish Cultural Institute, Let's Art Foundation and On&On Designs. Earlier this year, the installation was granted planning permission to remain in place until February 2027.

Whispers was created by internationally renowned Polish artist and designer Oskar Zięta using his pioneering FiDU technology, a process which inflates welded steel using air pressure to create lightweight yet durable sculptural forms. The mirrored stainless-steel installation reflects the movement, light and architecture of the surrounding Fleet Street Quarter, encouraging interaction and conversation within the public realm. Known for blending engineering, innovation and art, Oskar Zięta’s work has been exhibited internationally and is celebrated for transforming industrial materials into striking contemporary sculptures. Read more here: A New Landmark for the Fleet Street Quarter

This year, the bench temporarily moves to the courtyard at the Edenica building at 100 Fetter Lane, designed by Fletcher Priest Architects, as part of a small exhibition and opening event, Common Ground: Curated Connections, on 1^st of June.

Alongside this, Fletcher Priest Architects will host mentoring sessions and open studio events throughout the festival. We’ll also be hosting a series of events to celebrate the festival across the Fleet Street Quarter:

• Common Ground: Curated Connection Panel: Monday 1st June 18:00

  Bringing together designers, architects and creatives for an evening panel discussion exploring public space, connection and cultural collaboration, featuring internationally renowned artist and designer Oskar Zięta.

• Outdoor Art Workshops with Bella Gomez Free drop-in creative workshops at Whispers on 11^th, 18^th and 30^th June, 12:00–14:00. 

• Live Performance by New Generation Youth Steel Orchestra Returning to the Fleet Street Quarter with an outdoor musical performance at Whispers on 3^rd June at 18:00. 

• Architectural Walking Tour with Sarah Williams-Robbins A guided tour exploring Fleet Street’s iconic architecture and historic buildings.