Nestled in the heart of academic Bloomsbury, the Brunei Gallery is quietly changing the face of the UK art scene. The space belongs to SOAS University of London, so exhibitions tend to focus on aspects of Asian, African and Middle Eastern history and culture. Often, they coincide with research being conducted at the university and are curated by the experts themselves.

Past topics include tent-making in Islamic Cairo, recycling methods in Japan and underground pop culture in ‘50s to ‘80s Ghana. However, while highly specialised, these exhibitions are designed to be accessible to any discerning visitors with an interest in non-Western art.

The Brunei Gallery is open to the public five days a week, with extended hours on Thursday evenings. During these times, it is also possible to visit the Japanese Roof Garden: a space for quiet meditation, complete with raked gravel and hanging wisteria. Entry is free and there is no need to book in advance.