An ambitious new gallery, showcasing the pick of modern British art under the patronage of Charles Saatchi, opens to the public tomorrow.

A host of celebrities and leading artists celebrated the opening of the Saatchi gallery last night, and were treated to an installation' 200 of nude people, organised by artist Spencer Tunick.

Showing works by leading artists such as Damian Hurst and Tracey Emin, the gallery is based in County Hall, central London.

The massive building once housed the Greater London Authority, and will now feature permanent and temporary exhibitions from a range of artists.

Central to the gallery will be a "hall of fame", showing many of the controversial pieces by artists who have benefited from Saatchi's patronage.

Tracey Emin's My Bed' and Damian Hurst's split pig in formaldehyde are permanent exhibitions in the gallery.

The Saatchi gallery is seen by some commentators as a direct competitor to the nearby Tate Modern, and will add to the flourishing cultural life of the South Bank.