Discover South Kensington - Discover South Kensington

the home of science, arts and inspiration

Discover amazing exhibitions, inspiring events and great places to eat

Welcome to London's home of science, arts and inspiration. Discovery is at the core of what happens here and there is so much to explore every day.

There are plenty of delicious places to eat or enjoy a drink here in South Kensington - from cafes, bars, afternoon tea, cocktails, bars or indoor picnic spots

Explore South Kensington on foot and discover the history of the area that connects London's home of arts and science.

The Great Exhibition Road Festival returns on 17 & 18 June - join us for a celebration of arts & science. Registrations are open.

top picks

Registrations open for the Great Exhibition Road Festival

The Great Exhibition Road Festival returns to South Kensington! Register now to come along for a great weekend of free events for all ages celebrating how awe and wonder can spark innovation in science and the arts. Check out the first events we've released for a taste of what's on this summer.

Great Exhibition Road Festival

Image credit: Naoya Hatakeyama, ‘Blast #5707’, 1998. © Naoya Hatakeyama

Photography Centre

The Photography Centre is the UK’s largest space dedicated to a permanent photography collection. The newly reopened galleries will showcase the museum’s world-leading holdings and enable visitors to experience photography and its diverse histories in new ways.

Image credit: Holidaze, 2020, Norblack Norwhite; photo Bikramjit Bose

The Offbeat Sari

Today, the sari in urban India manifests as a site for design innovation, an expression of identity, and a crafted object carrying layers of cultural meanings. The exhibition will unravel the sari as a metaphor for the complex definitions of India today.

Design Museum Kensington

19th May- 17th September

Guided Visits to the The Ismaili Centre London's Roof Garden

The Ismaili Centre Roof Garden is one of London’s hidden gems. The serene setting draws from the traditions of Islamic faith that have inspired outstanding buildings for many centuries. It will be open for guided visits on London Open Gardens weekend. Entry is free, no booking required.

10am-4pm (Last entry 3pm)

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Great Exhibitions

See an exhibition in our cultural & educational venues covering art, photography, design, music, history, science and so much more.

Free Events in South Kensington

From guided tours through the galleries, self-led walks, free displays and galleries covering art, science, design and more.

A night out in London

From DJs, films, late night exhibitions, concerts, inspiring talks, immersive performances, sleepovers, Lates, lectures - there is plenty to do here in the evening.

May Half Term

Explore the largest creature to have ever walk the earth at Natural History Museum, let off some steam at the Science Museum or enjoy the sunshine at the Royal Parks this May half term.

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Win Lunch for Two at Brindisa & 2 Tickets to Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination

To celebrate the reopening of Brindisa South Kensington, we’re offering one lucky winner a meal for two together with a pair of Science Fiction: Voyage To the Edge of Imagination tickets!

The V&A Opens its Completed Photography Centre

From pioneering historical techniques to dynamic contemporary practices, the Photography Centre is a place to discover photography's many histories and explore its extensive impact on our lives. Opening 25th May.

Pond Life: Albertopolis and the Lily

Among the latest additions to South Ken art scene is "Pond Life: Albertopolis and the Lily" by British artist Monster Chetwynd.

Two of South Ken's Venues Shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023!

The Natural History Museum and Leighton House Museum have been selected as finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023, the world's largest museum prize.

eat, meet & stay

Places to eat

There are plenty of delicious places to eat or enjoy a drink here in South Kensington - from cafes, bars, afternoon tea, cocktails bars, indoor picnic spots to a weekly Farmer's market.

Places to meet

If you are looking to hire somewhere in South Kensington, London, whether it is for a conference, private party, meeting room, film location or wedding, there are some unique venues to consider. To make it easier to find, we have compiled a list of venues that are available in the area.

Places to stay

Our cluster of world-leading cultural & educational organisations makes this a unique place to stay - with the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, & the Royal Albert Hall all within walking distance of each other.

Our Story

South Ken ZEN+

South Ken ZEN+ is our collective response to the climate and biodiversity crisis. With the parallel aims of becoming a zero emissions (ZE) and nature positive (N+) neighbourhood, South Ken ZEN+ is an ambitious programme to accelerate action in response to the greatest challenge of our age.

The Great Exhibition Road Festival

Join us in South Kensington on 17-18 June 2023 to enjoy a weekend of free events for all ages celebrating how awe and wonder can inspire science and the arts. Sign up for the latest updates and to be the first to hear about popular talks, workshops and shows.

Working Together

We work together to promote and develop innovation and learning in arts and science and make this a great place to visit, work, live and study today and for generations to come.

find your way on foot

Explore a network of quiet walking routes to and around South Kensington

South Kensington Trails

To help you plan a great day out in South Kensington, we have created some trails for you to explore – from days out with the kids, discovering hidden gems, strolling through the parks, delving into the extraordinary museum collections and so much more.

Our members

Natural History Museum

Royal Albert Hall

Imperial College London

Royal College of Music

Goethe-Institut

Institut français

Kensington Palace

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

The Ismaili Centre

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Westminster City Council

Royal Commission for the Exhibition 1851

South Kensington Estates

The Royal Society of Sculptors

Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum

Royal College of Art

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