Six centuries of intellectual tradition.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in London, UK — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: August 17, 2026
Prof. Brian Cox · Royal Albert Hall · September 15, 2026
Particle physicist and broadcaster Brian Cox takes us on a journey through quantum mechanics — the strange, counterintuitive, and deeply beautiful theory that underpins all of mode…
Elif Shafak · Barbican Centre · October 8, 2026
Novelist and political thinker Elif Shafak explores the city as both a physical place and an idea — how the stories told about cities determine who belongs, who is erased, and what…
British Library · British Library, London · August 17, 2026
A relaxed opening of the Fairy Tales exhibition designed for families of children and young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) and/or complex communicat…
Horrible Histories · Apollo Theatre · August 17, 2026
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain
Mary Beard · Conway Hall · August 18, 2026
A public lecture exploring the contemporary relevance of classical texts and what they reveal about civic life today. Mary Beard draws on her decades of scholarship to argue for th…
Ed Yong · Wellcome Collection · August 18, 2026
Science journalist Ed Yong presents new reporting on the human microbiome and its surprising effects on behaviour and public health. He will consider implications for medicine, pol…
Anne Applebaum · Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre · August 18, 2026
Historian Anne Applebaum discusses the political and economic pressures shaping Europe over the next decade. She will consider democracy, defence policy and fiscal strategy in a ch…
Horrible Histories · Apollo Theatre · August 18, 2026
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain
British Library · British Library, London · August 18, 2026
A practical introduction to intellectual property and its protection, aimed at anyone with an idea who needs to understand IP basics.
Shoshana Zuboff · Kings Place (hosted by Intelligence Squared) · August 19, 2026
Shoshana Zuboff argues for regulatory and structural interventions in the tech sector in a high-profile Oxford-style debate that includes industry critics and defenders. The sessio…
Zadie Smith · British Library · August 19, 2026
Acclaimed novelist Zadie Smith reads from her forthcoming work and discusses themes of identity, place, and narrative form. The author Q&A will be followed by a short signing sessi…
British Library (Business & IP Centre) · British Library, London · August 19, 2026
An introduction to the British Library's Business & IP Centre with practical guidance on essential sources of business information.
Mary Beard · Conway Hall (Holborn) · August 20, 2026
Renowned classicist Mary Beard explores how ancient texts and ideas continue to shape modern political and cultural life. The lecture includes a Q&A considering the public value of…
Sir Simon Wessely · Wellcome Collection · August 20, 2026
Professor Sir Simon Wessely chairs a panel discussion on the future of mental healthcare, prevention strategies and digital interventions. Speakers from clinical practice, policy a…
Margaret Atwood · British Library · August 20, 2026
Pulitzer-shortlisted novelist Margaret Atwood reads from her forthcoming book and discusses the craft and ethics of imagining near-future dystopias. The session concludes with audi…
Luciano Floridi · Conway Hall (Holborn) · August 20, 2026
A public lecture by Professor Luciano Floridi exploring whether current and near-future AI systems can be considered moral agents and what that means for responsibility. The talk w…
Naomi Klein · Intelligence Squared, London · August 20, 2026
Naomi Klein joins an Oxford-style debate on the adaptability and sustainability of global capitalism in the face of climate and social crises. Two teams will argue for and against,…
Mary Beard · Conway Hall (Holborn) · August 20, 2026
Dame Mary Beard explores how ideas from the Roman Republic continue to shape contemporary debates about citizenship and liberty. She will read from recent work and take audience qu…
Naomi Klein · Wellcome Collection · August 20, 2026
Naomi Klein discusses the intersections of climate change, public health and social movements, arguing for systemic policy responses. The session combines lecture, case studies and…
Salman Rushdie · British Library · August 20, 2026
Salman Rushdie presents readings from his latest novel and discusses storytelling in an age of political upheaval. A moderated discussion and audience questions follow the reading.