Herron and Chalk were founding members of Archigram (1960). Located directly next to Lasduns National Theater begun in 1967 the gallery is part of the Southbank Centre on the southern bank of the Thames. It houses both the collection but also the temporary exhibitions of the Arts Council of Great Britain (today Arts Council of England), which concentrate on modern and contemporary art. Perched on a high base the building sets itself apart from street level and attempts to separate pedestrians from cars. The characteristic roof structure with pyramid-shaped additions makes for even light in the exhibition rooms.

Large-scale renovation is completed since January 2018.