Discover South Kensington - Discover South Kensington

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

South Kensington's museums and cultural venues are preparing to open their doors and welcome you back this week - don't forget to book your tickets in advance of your visit.

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The V&A Opens 2 December

Get ready to explore seven miles of galleries and a host of new displays in the world's leading museum of art, design and performance. The V&A will reopen from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am - 5:45pm. Last admission 4:45pm. Book your free timed-entry

Welcome back to the Institut français 2 December

The very best in French cinema and literature reopens once again in the spacious surroundings of the Ciné Lumière and the amazing collections in the Médiathèque via the Click & Collect service. The Cultural Centre will be open from 2 to 20 December, 5 days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday.

Institut français

Kensington Palace reopens 5 December

Kensington Palace reopens on 5 December. Wander through the King’s State Apartments, the Queen’s State Apartments and Queen Victoria’s childhood at your leisure, and really get to see and appreciate the history of this unique place.

Kensington Palace

Saturday-Sunday

Science Museum Reopens 3 December

The Science Museum opens its doors on 3 December and can't wait to share its wealth of stories of extraordinary human achievements and technological advances that have helped humanity overcome challenges throughout history. Open Wednesday - Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Please pre-book a free ticket.

Natural History Museum reopens 3 December

Whale hellooo again! The Natural History Museum flings open its doors on 3 December. From Monday-Sunday, 10am-5:50pm. A world of dinosaurs, wild animals and wonderful beasts await you. Book your free tickets in advance.

Natural History Museum

Serpentine Gallery reopens 5 December

London's eminent art gallery reopens on 5 December with a spectacular exhibition to mark the occasion - Jennifer Packer: The eye is not satisfied with seeing. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm. Book your free ticket in advance.

Serpentine Galleries

The Covid Culture Shock

How are London’s leading cultural organisations adapting for the future? Join us for special, live online event, to reflect on lessons from the Covid crisis and to reimagine the future for our cultural venues and districts. The Covid Culture Shock brings together leading voices from South Kensington’s art and science district, featuring the Royal Albert Hall, V&A, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Serpentine Galleries, Ismaili Centre and Goethe-Institut London.

Discover South Kensington

Tuesday 8 December 2020

Live Online 6pm-7pm GMT

Japan House reopens 3 December

Rediscover Japan's cultural home in London, where a fusion of traditional and contemporary will enchant and enlighten. From craftsmanship and design to innovation and technology, challenge your perceptions of Japan and discover something new.

Japan House London

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Explore Online

Whilst the cultural and educational venues in South Kensington physically close their doors in the face of the Coronavirus, there are plenty of online events and resources that are available meantime. Here is a sample of some of them.

A Night In!

Staying in is the new going out and there won't be enough hours in the night to watch all the things we have for you!

South Kensington for Schools online

A huge variety of information online for educators from the cultural and educational organisations in South Kensington's, including events, workshops and resources, allowing you to plan the best school trip ever or bring a bit of the magic into your own classroom!

Fill your stockings with treats from South Kensington

South Kensington's museums and galleries online shops are bursting with fantastic ideas for Christmas presents, and it’s a great way to support these charities at this difficult time. So put your feet up, relax and unwind with a little retail therapy!

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Win a bottle of bubbles and celebrate the Festive Season at The Kensington Hotel

We are celebrating the start of the festive season by partnering with our friends at The Kensington Hotel to offer you the chance to win a bottle of champagne and a selection of small plates.

Science Museum's new IMAX opens in December

The Science Museum's new IMAX opens in December with latest laser technology and original 70mm projector cementing its place as Europe’s leading destination for film fans.

The Natural History Museum to transform five-acre London gardens into an urban nature epicentre

The Natural History Museum has been given the go ahead from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to transform its five-acre gardens into an exemplar of urban wildlife research, conservation and awareness

V&A reopens The Raphael Court

The V&A’s Raphael Court – home to the Raphael Cartoons – has had a nine-month refurbishment to mark the 500th anniversary of Raphael’s death. The Raphael Cartoons are among the greatest treasures of the Renaissance in the UK

Our Story

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.

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.

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

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

Royal Albert Hall

Imperial College London

Royal College of Music

Goethe-Institut

Institut français

Kensington Palace

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Serpentine Galleries

The Ismaili Centre

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Royal Commission for the Exhibition 1851

South Kensington Estates

The Royal Society of Sculptors

Leighton House Museum

Royal College of Art

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