Free Events in South Kensington

Rediscover the newly refurbished V&A’s Raphael Court - home to the iconic Raphael Cartoons. Commissioned in 1515 by Pope Leo X for the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, they depict the lives of the apostles, Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

Follow this self-led trail to discover some of the objects on display at the Science Museum that tell stories of queer communities, experiences, and identities.

Each summer, the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 holds an Albertopolis event in partnership with the BBC World Service bringing together three ground-breaking engineers and a public audience.

The Royal College of Music's Museum offers a unique opportunity to interact with over 500 years of musical history. Items include the world’s oldest guitar and earliest keyboard instrument with strings. Enjoy a tour of the Museum, led by their knowledgeable team on Wednesdays at 12:30pm.

The collections document current practice and the history of all areas of performing arts in the UK, including drama, dance, opera, circus, puppetry, comedy, musical theatre, costume, set design, pantomime, popular music and much more...

The V&A will be holding free, open sessions every Monday (except bank holidays) in the National Art Library. A member of the Library or Archives staff will introduce the history and purpose of the Library and talk about an item from their collections.

Discover how the world can generate and use energy more sustainably to limit climate change in the Science Museum’s new, free gallery. Energy Revolution looks at the past, present and future of sustainable energy and how we can achieve a low carbon world.

Discover the world’s oldest collection of timepieces at the Science Museum. See over 600 watches and clocks charting the history of clock making in London.

Discover the world’s oldest collection of timepieces at the Science Museum. See over 600 watches and clocks charting the history of clock making in London.

Marking 100 years since Gabrielle Enthoven founded the theatre and performance collection, explore an A–Z of themes to show how performance continues to entertain, provoke and inspire

Wood is a multi-disciplinary designer whose work is characterised by material investigation, artisan collaboration and a passion for colour, detail and decoration.

Join the Museum to explore the relationship between fashion and the natural world and discover the female scientists and activists whose work has shaped our understanding.

The Museum is excited to finally share Fixing Our Broken Planet, their first new permanent gallery since 2016! Explore the biggest challenges facing the planet and discover science-backed, hopeful solutions that will help us to create a more sustainable world.

A free exhibition examining how science can help us find more sustainable ways to grow and produce, purchase and cook, eat and enjoy food to help protect the planet.

Can beauty be measured? Prof Armand Leroi and his team at Imperial College think so – and they need your help! They’ve devised a game to discover the most beautiful pot shape. Art and Science meet! Play this quick game to take part and help them discover The Perfect Pot!

Explore the past and present of Palestinian fashion. This display brings together examples of historic Palestinian dress from the V&A collection.

The V&A's collection of photography from the United States – one of the largest outside North America – reveals the breadth of the country's photographic traditions and the central role of image-making in American life. This event is free.

Visit the Design Museum garden and explore a vibrant collection of birdhouses by some of London’s most innovative designers.

Recharge and cool down in the heart of the V&A. A place for kids to paddle in the courtyard shallow pool or grab a drink while surrounded by summer planting and stunning Victorian architecture.

In this free display, look at the life of the man whose vision led to the creation of the Natural History Museum. On display for the first time are a selection of his published works and original drawings.

Celebrate Caribbean culture through fun family activities, games, and stories.

Serpentine is honoured to announce an exhibition of recent works by David Hockney. Presented at Serpentine North, the exhibition will showcase seminal works, shown in the UK for the first time. This event is free!

In this free display, discover four research projects from across the UK that are driving change in housing, healthcare, local planning and resource management.

Celebrate the innovative printmaking techniques and bold visions of 25 women printmakers from 1900 – Now. From Käthe Kollwitz to Faith Ringgold, explore the work of artists who have used print to make their own lasting impression. This event is free!