the home of science, arts and inspiration

Discover amazing exhibitions, inspiring events and great places to eat

South Kensington Zero Emissions Nature Positive (ZEN+) Programme is our innovative neighbourhood response to the climate and biodiversity crisis. Visit our dedicated website for more information.

Discover South Kensington via the free Bloomberg Connects digital guide - the free arts and culture app.

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

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

Go behind the scenes in London's cultural heartland, where art meets science, music meets technology, and design meets engineering.

Plan a great day out this summer with our Kensington Summer Guide, made in partnership with High Street Kensington.

top picks

Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?

Touch a piece of Mars, wrap your hands around a fragment of the Moon and snap a selfie with the Allende meteorite, which – at 4.567 billion years old – is even older than Earth!

Natural History Museum

16th May-22nd Feb 2026

Kurt Cobain Unplugged

Experience rock history up close – see Kurt Cobain’s legendary Martin guitar on display for the first time in Europe. Reunited with his famous green cardigan from the MTV Unplugged performance, this exhibition celebrates the enduring influence of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana.

Royal College of Music

3rd June - 18th Nov 2025

The Craft of Carpentry: Drawing Life from Japan’s Forests

Just announced! Step into the serene world of Japanese carpentry. This exhibition transports visitors from the living forests that sustain the craft to the celebrated structures it has produced.

Japan House London

12th March-6th July

Image credit: Antoinetta, 2005 by Manolo Blahnik

Marie Antoinette Style

Tickets now on sale! A complex fashion icon, Marie Antoinette's timeless appeal is defined by her style, youth and notoriety. Explore the lasting influence of the most fashionable (and ill-fated) queen in history.

V&A South Kensington

20th Sept 2025 - 22nd March 2026

explore what's here

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Free Events in South Kensington

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

Out & About in South Kensington

There's lots to do outside from boating on the Serpentine, walking tours, the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, ice cream in Kensington Gardens & more....

Great Exhibitions

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

Fun for the Kids

Enjoy activities for all the family from music, science, arts, performance, film, parks, playgrounds, interactive galleries & so much more.

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Kensington Summer Guide

With many cultural venues within walking distance, plan a great day out this summer with our Kensington Summer Guide, made in partnership with High Street Kensington.

World Wellbeing Week in South Kensington

This corner of London offers surprisingly peaceful and uplifting ways to recharge. Here's our guide to some of the best wellness-friendly spots and activities to help you slow down and reconnect.

Father's Day in South Kensington!

Whether you're planning a day out or looking for the perfect present, South Ken has plenty of ways to celebrate your dad. From thoughtful gift ideas to a visit to one of the world-class museums, here are some top picks.

Highlights of the Great Exhibition Road Festival

From hands-on workshops and live experiments to inspiring talks and unexpected performances, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the highlights you won’t want to miss.

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, whether it is for a conference, private party, meeting room, film location or wedding, there are some unique venues to consider.

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

Thank you for joining us at the 2025 Great Exhibition Road Festival! We would love to hear your views which will help us make next year's festival even better! Please complete the short survey and share your feedback.

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

V&A South Kensington

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

Japan House London

Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum

Royal College of Art

Royal Brompton Hospital

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