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Free Events in South Kensington

Discover an unforgettable day in South Kensington with our guide to free events. Delve into guided tours through galleries, embark on self-led walks, immerse yourself in our new series of Lates events, explore captivating free displays, and journey through miles of galleries showcasing art, science, design, natural history, and beyond. 

South Ken Kids Festival

18th - 24th Nov
Various times
Institut français
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The South Ken Kids Festival is back for its 27th edition! This year, the Institut français welcomes some of the most talented children’s writers and illustrators from both sides of the Channel and beyond!

Holly Herndon & Mat Dryhurst: The Call

4 October 2024 - 2 February 2025
10am - 6pm
Serpentine
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A collaboration between artists Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst, and Serpentine Arts Technologies, The Call proposes new cultural, legal, and technical rituals for art in the age of AI.

V&A Photography Centre: drop-in tours

Until 25th Nov
2:30pm-3pm
V&A South Kensington
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The V&A Photography Centre is the largest space in the UK dedicated to a permanent photography collection. Join a member of the Photography Team to explore the Centre’s current displays.

Inspiration Africa: Stories Beyond the Artefacts

Until 14 Dec
3:30pm-4:30pm
V&A South Kensington
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Explore the V&A galleries through the lens of African Heritage. First and second Saturday of the month.

Image credit: Blooms_B6 — Criss Cross collection by Bethan Laura Wood, Italy, 2013

PLATFORM: Bethan Laura Wood

14th Feb- Jan 2026
10am-6pm
Design Museum
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Wood is a multi-disciplinary designer whose work is characterised by material investigation, artisan collaboration and a passion for colour, detail and decoration.

Nature Study: Ecology and the Contemporary Photobook

Until 18th May 2025
10am-6pm
V&A South Kensington
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Landscape, flora and fauna have inspired photographers since the camera’s earliest days. Contemporary artists continue to experiment with the format of the book to adapt to the pressing challenges of our environment today.

Speculations on Capture

4th Sept-23rd Feb 2025
10am -5:30pm
V&A South Kensington
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Allahyari’s poetic film explores the stories of astronomical instruments made in Iran and Pakistan and now held at the V&A.

My Christmas Orchestral Adventure

8th Dec
12:30pm & 4:30pm
Royal Albert Hall
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Calling Santa’s little helpers! My Christmas Orchestral Adventure returns this December for more family festivities!

Image credit: © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

V&A trail: Christmas

V&A South Kensington
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Take the museums family trail to uncover Christmassy highlights in their collection.

Upstart at V&A South Kensington: Careers in Fashion

16th Nov
11am-4:30pm
V&A South Kensington
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A free festival exploring Future Thinking in Fashion. Learn about career pathways, and grow your network and skills.

Upstart: V&A East with Akiya - Transformative Garments

16th Nov
12pm-4pm
V&A South Kensington
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Join Erah x Akiya for a day transforming existing vintage pieces with painting, printing and branding inspired by the Lagos born east London artist.

Dr Esther Mahlangu: Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu

4 Oct 2024 - 28 Sept 2025
Serpentine
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Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu presents a new public art mural in the garden at Serpentine North. The work emphasises the importance of communities and unity among humans and other living species.

Saturday Talks: Chris Bayley on Lauren Halsey: emajendat

30th Nov
12pm
Serpentine
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Chris Bayley, Exhibitions Curator, leads a tour of Lauren Halsey: emajendat. The exhibition transforms Serpentine South Gallery into an immersive ‘Funk garden’.

Arabia Phoenix: a journey through time

16th Oct- 9th Nov
10.00am-5.00pm
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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This free exhibition of historic and contemporary photographs, maps and film is inspired by explorer Gerald de Gaury's 1940s book Arabia Phoenix and looks at dramatic changes in Arabia over the past century.

On the edge

14 Nov
7.00pm-9.30pm
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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An unmissable evening exploring wild places, threatened species and why we travel, in aid of conservation charity Explorers Against Extinction.

Assembly: Abraham Cruzvillegas and Celeste

5th Oct - 30th Nov
11am to 5pm
The Royal Society of Sculptors
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Assembly, a joint exhibition of Abraham Cruzvillegas and the artist duo Celeste (María Fernanda Camarena and Gabriel Rosas Alemán) is now open at Dora House, the home of the Royal Society of Sculptors.

Enchanted Bodies

6th Nov- 12th Dec
10am- 5pm
Imperial College London
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A group drawing, painting, photography and sculpture exhibition at Imperial's South Kensington Campus. Open to all and free to visit.

College Evensong: Advent

4th Dec
5:30pm-6:30pm
Imperial College London
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The service will have wonderful music for Advent to help us be ready in heart and mind to celebrate Christmas. It is free and open to all.