Candlelit dinners, flowers, poetry – what’s not to love about Valentine’s Day? Dating back centuries, the romantic occasion is celebrated annually on 14 February. But from bouquets of roses to decadent chocolate selection boxes, there’s almost too much to choose from. Year on year, we show our partners or love interests just how much they mean to us, and year on year, we find ourselves in the exact same predicament: how on earth do I step it up a notch – again?

Underneath the perfumes and jewellery and expensive gifts given on Valentine’s Day, all we really want to do is bring a little extra happiness and joy to the ones we love. And at The Lightbox, we believe that art has the power to make you feel good – great, even. So, we’ve shared a few ways you can enjoy art with your beloved to really share the love this Valentine’s Day:

1. Enjoy a quiet afternoon wandering through the galleries

David Hockney: Ways of Working at The Lightbox

Arm in arm, take a stroll through one or all of the three stunning galleries at The Lightbox. In the Main Gallery, explore David Hockney: Ways of Working, tracing the renowned artist’s ingenious practices over the last six decades. Head up to the Upper Gallery to celebrate women in Great Minds by Anne-Katrin Purkiss, an exhibition dedicated to women working in creative, scientific and artistic production. Before braving the winter cold, nip into Coming to Light: Paintings, Drawings and Prints by Roy Ralph, showing landscapes and figures by a hidden hero of twentieth century art.

£7.50 Day Pass | £50 Joint Membership for free entry throughout the year

2. Find hidden treasures in The Lightbox Shop

  
Valentine's Gifts from The Lightbox Shop

What’s love without a little bit of luxury? From hydrating organic body lotions and hand creams to scarves as vibrant as you are, indulge your loved ones in something special from The Lightbox Shop this Valentine’s Day.

Prices on selected items vary | Pop into The Lightbox Shop to purchase a gift

3. Feast on four courses at our annual Valentine's Food and Film Night

Valentine's Food and Film Night at The Lightbox

Last, but by no means least – what better way to enjoy the Feast of Saint Valentine than with a fine-dining experience of your very own? Enjoy a themed four-course meal prepared by Seasons Café’s head chef before heading up to the spacious Ambassador Room for a screening of the romantic film, Some Like It Hot (1959).

£49 Adults | £45 Lightbox Members | View the menu and book

Whether or not you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day with us, or at all, our doors are open year-round for you to enjoy an exciting programme of exhibitions, and, most importantly, feel the love. Without the support of our visitors and Lightbox Members, our cultural programme, as well as our Art and Wellbeing programme, would not be possible. As ever, we thank you for your support.