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Discover South Kensington is an initiative of the Exhibition Road Cultural Group

Discover amazing exhibitions, inspiring events and great places to eat 

Welcome to South Kensington - London's arts and science district

The Great Exhibition Road Festival returns next year in early July

top picks

Food: Bigger than the plate

From gastronomic experiments to urban farming, this exhibition brings together the politics and pleasure of food to ask how the collective choices we make can lead to a more sustainable, just and delicious food future.
V&A
18th May - 20th Oct
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Seeing Through Babel

The work of the Syrian-Armenian artist Kevork Mourad, Seeing Through Babel uses the artist’s trademark techniques – monotypes and drawing onto the surface of the work – and is designed to allow visitors to walk in and around it, Drop-in and see him at work from .21 — 30 June , 11am–6pm
The Ismaili Centre
1st July - 15th Aug
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Apollo 11 Family Festival

Join a free family festival celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon, featuring hands-on activities led by space scientists and enthusiasts. A chance to dress as an astronaut, find out what happened to all the Moon rocks, discover how your body changes in space and more!
Science Museum
20th & 21st July
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France Dance UK

FranceDance UK is a four-month festival bringing the best in French contemporary dance to venues across the country. Featuring 50 performances, including several UK premieres, at 16 festivals and theatres in 9 major UK cities, the festival focuses on creation and innovation.
Institut français
10th July - 12th Nov
Varies
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Great Exhibitions

Great exhibitions in South Kensington, London. Experience the design and culture of video games, see extraordinary art, marvel at stunning wildlife photography, explore life in the dark, discover how homes are changing and so much more.

Fun for the Kids

Explore and experiment - interactive activities for families - music, science, arts, performance, film, parks, playgrounds, simulators and so much more here in South Kensington.

Tours and Talks

Enjoy a talk, join a debate, take yourself on a tour or book into one of the guided tours in South Kensington.

A trip to the movies

Enjoy a trip to the movies in South Kensington from blockbusters, live orchestras, film festivals, IMAX screens to Sunday classics. There is something for everyone.

A night out in London

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

Hidden Treasures

Whether you're visiting South Kensington for the first time, or you've visited a hundred times, here's a list of some of the best, but least well-known, exhibits, galleries, and places.

Out & About in South Kensington

South Kensington has plenty of great attractions for you to visit outside from boating on the Serpentine, walking tours around Albertopolis, the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, ice cream in Kensington Gardens and more....

Summer in South Kensington

This summer there are lots of things to do in South Kensington and if you are looking for a great day out - try boating on the Serpentine, learning to trapeze, exploring the Serpentine Pavilion, walk amongst butterflies, Promming at the BBC Proms or visit a great exhibition...

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Team London Ambassadors return to Exhibition Road

Team London Ambassadors return to Exhibition Road this summer to welcome visitors to the area. They will be here until 1st September.

Win dinner for 2 at the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum Hotel - Ashburn S.W.7 Restaurant and Bar

Win a delicious three course dinner for two people and a bottle of wine at the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum Hotel - Ashburn S.W.7 Restaurant and Bar, just off Gloucester Road.

Behind the scenes at the Science Museum

We met with Hannah, an Explainer at the Science Museum, for a little insight into what it’s like working there as well as some visitor tips and top picks.

Celebrating Victoria & Albert's bicentenary

To commemorate the 200th year since Queen Victoria & Prince Albert’s birth we have created a special trail for visitors to South Kensington. Here we explore how the royal couple left their mark on the area.

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

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

working together

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About Us

Discover South Kensington is an initiative of the Exhibition Road Cultural Group which brings together the leading cultural and educational organisations to promote innovation and learning. South Kensington is the home of science, arts and inspiration.
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South Kensington Timeline

South Kensington has a rich history associated with royalty, arts and sciences. Sometimes known as Albertopolis, London's original cultural quarter is a legacy of the Great Exhibition of 1851 organised by Prince Albert. Find out more about our history through our timeline.

find your way

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Take a tour

One of the best ways to see South Kensington is to explore some of the amazing cultural venues within walking distance from each other. We have put together some suggested itineraries for you to explore – themed around art, science, royal connections, great days out with the kids, exploring the museums and so much more.

Our members

Natural History Museum

Science Museum

V&A

Royal Albert Hall

Imperial College London

Royal College of Music

Goethe-Institut

Institut français

Kensington Palace

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Serpentine Galleries

Royal Parks

Design Museum

The Ismaili Centre

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Royal Commission for the Exhibition 1851

South Kensington Estates

The Royal Society of Sculptors

Japan House

Leighton House Museum

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