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Free Events in South Kensington

We have an abundance of free events in South Kensington for a great day out. From guided tours through the galleries, self-led walks, a new series of Lates events, free displays and miles of galleries covering art, science, design, natural history and so much more. 

Mission: Invertebrate

The Royal Parks
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Download Mission: Invertebrate's free activities and information sheets to see London’s green spaces in a whole new way. Whether you’re at home, in your local park or one of the incredible Royal Parks, these resources will help you and your family discover fascinating nature on your doorstep.

Princess Diana Memorial fountain

Daily
Hyde Park
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A unique fountain memorial to Princess Diana designed to reflect her spirit of life and love of children.

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Daily
During winter/spring 6am-7:45pm
Kensington Gardens
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Explore and have a great adventure in the playground with a huge wooden pirate ship which is the centrepiece of the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground.

V&A Photography Centre

Daily: 10am-5:45pm - Friday: 10am–10pm
V&A
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The Photography Centre at the V&A houses over 600 spellbinding photos including some of the oldest known photographs to modern masters. The Museum began acquiring photographs in 1852, and its collection is now one of the largest and most important in the world.

Barbara Chase-Riboud: Infinite Folds

11th Oct-10th April 2023
10am-5:30pm
Serpentine
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The Serpentine presents Infinite Folds, an exhibition featuring over 30 works by visual artist, sculptor, novelist and poet Barbara Chase-Riboud. By combining materials with different qualities, such as hard versus soft, light against heavy, and tactile versus rigid, Chase-Riboud’s works speak to the artist’s interest in creating forms that unify opposing forces.

Re:Imagining Musicals

On til 27th Nov 2023
10am-5:45pm
V&A
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This display celebrates the glittering world of musical theatre, exploring the evolution and craftmanship of iconic musicals, from Miss Saigon and My Fair Lady to modern classics SIX the Musical, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

The Ralph Saltzman Prize 2023

2nd Feb-23rd April 2023
Times vary
Design Museum Kensington
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The Design Museum's annual prize in partnership with the Saltzman Family Foundation is back, celebrating emerging designers in recognition of Ralph Saltzman’s design legacy. The Prize reflects the Museum’s overarching commitment to champion new talent and nurture the development of a vibrant design sector.

Sokari Douglas Camp

until 14th May 2023
10am-5:30pm
V&A
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British-Nigerian artist Sokari Douglas Camp focuses on socio-political issues and the history of the African Diaspora in her work. This monumental sculptural group addresses the legacies of slavery, issues of power and gender, and the climate crisis.

Beguiling Beni: Safflower Red in Japanese Fashion

Until 31st March 2024
10am-5:45pm
V&A
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The Japanese dye 'beni', made from safflower petals, produces red hues and an iridescent green. This display reveals its many uses in fashion, from heel-less shoes by Noritaka Tatehana, to textiles, cosmetics and ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

Yinka Ilori: PARABLES FOR HAPPINESS

15th Sep- 25th June 2023
10am-6pm
Design Museum Kensington
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The display showcases key elements of Ilori’s vibrant aesthetic where visitors will discover 100 objects ranging from artworks, photographs and furniture, to textiles, books and personal possessions. The display offers an unprecedented glimpse into Ilori’s use of the power of design to absorb cultural influences and express London’s rich mix of identities.

Injecting Hope: The Race for a Covid 19 Vaccine

30th Nov - 7th Jan 24
10am - 6pm
Science Museum
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A new free exhibition explores the worldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed. See how scientists and researchers adapted to the various challenges of this massive programme.

Families Workshop: Making and Painting - Natural Inks

22nd April
10:30am-4pm
V&A
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Artist Nikki Gardham will guide you as a family to develop your own ‘live’ inks using spices and ordinary household ingredients. Get inspired by the collection to get thinking about images of nature, composition, and design.

Pride at the Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall
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Introducing Pride at the Royal Albert Hall, a pop-up exhibition celebrating the rich history of LGBTQ+ trailblazers, icons and events at the Hall.

Seeing Things Queerly

10am-6pm
Science Museum
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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.

False Flags

27th Feb-28th April
11am-5pm
The Royal Society of Sculptors
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Polly Morgan’s new work explores appropriation in the animal world; how colour, pattern and iridescence are used to dazzle and misdirect. In the newly reopened Dora House.

Discovery Days: Spring Surprises

4th-6th April
11am-3pm
Hyde Park
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Celebrate the changing of the season with the family and get outdoors to enjoy fun nature-inspired activities suitable for the whole family to enjoy.

Discovery Days: Marvellous Mammals

11th-13th April
11am-3pm
Hyde Park
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Celebrate the changing of the season with the family and get outdoors to enjoy fun nature-inspired activities suitable for the whole family to enjoy.

Open Samstag- Library Tour

Every Second Saturday of the Month
2pm-2:30pm
Goethe-Institut
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Every second Saturday of the month, the library staff at the Goethe-Institut London offer an introduction to the collection and use of the library.

Bold Beasts!

11th-14th April
11am-1pm or 2-4pm
The Royal Society of Sculptors
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Creative family drop in! Combine colours and patterns from the animal kingdom to create 3D disguises, marvellous masks and sculptural body adornments. All welcome.

Frozen Music and Movement Workshop

22nd April
11am-3:40pm
V&A
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Let it go with Disney Theatrical Teaching Artists! Explore the world of Frozen the musical, learn the lyrics and dance moves from the number Fixer Upper.

Families Workshop: Zines with Printmaking!

15th April
10:30am-4pm
V&A
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Join this free workshop with Khidr Collective to explore how to make a DIY zine! Get inspired by people’s experiences and objects from the V&A’s collection to to fill your zine with images and text celebrating Ramadan, belonging and joy!

Friday Late: The Body Beautiful

31st March
6:30pm-10pm
V&A
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To mark the opening of Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance, this Friday Late explores our relationship with our bodies. Donatello was a pioneer in sculpting the body in revolutionary ways, depicting the human emotive spectrum, from suffering and grief to courage and joy.

Science Fiction Lates

4th May
6:30pm-10pm
Science Museum
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Embark on an epic intergalactic adventure on 4 May to celebrate both the extension of the Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination exhibition and, of course, Star Wars Day. Enjoy mind-expanding talks, otherworldly workshops and much more at an adults-only, after-hours night.

Serpentine Swim

16th Sept (Register by August)
Hyde Park
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Fundraise for The Royal Parks charity by swimming in Hyde Park’s famous Serpentine Lake.