the home of science, arts and inspiration
Whether you're visiting South Kensington for the first time, or you've visited a hundred times, here's a list of some of the best, but least well-known, exhibits, galleries, and places.
The Royal College of Music's new 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 Curator Professor Gabriele Rossi Rognoni on Wednesdays at 12:30pm.
Go behind the scenes withthe science educators for a look at the Museum's fascinating zoology collection preserved in spirit. Explore some of the Darwin Centre's 27 kilometres of shelves, you'll encounter numerous treasures hidden among the 22 million animal specimens housed here.
The Italian Gardens is a 150-year-old ornamental water garden located on the north side of Kensington Gardens near Lancaster Gate. It is believed to have been created as a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria.
A unique fountain memorial to Princess Diana designed to reflect her spirit of life and love of children.
Serenity is a striking bronze sculpture located on the south side of the Serpentine, near the Diana Memorial Fountain. The sculpture is inspired by the Egyptian goddess of nature. It was designed by British sculptor Simon Gudgeon and was installed in the park in 2009.
Take a look at the regularly-changing exhibitions, displays and residences in the two Serpentine galleries, Serpentine South Gallery and Serpentine North Gallery on either side of the river in the centre of Hyde Park.
The Italian Gardens is a 150-year-old ornamental water garden located on the north side of Kensington Gardens near Lancaster Gate. It is believed to have been created as a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria.
The Blyth Gallery, curated by Mindy Lee, is an artist-run space for creative exploration of ambitious visual projects. Exhibitions include Imperial College students and staff shows, exhibitions of postgraduate Fine Art student work and work by visiting professional artists.
The Royal Geographical Society Pavilion has a constantly changing programme of displays that include exhibitions created by external organisations, broadly linked to geographical themes and also by selected sponsors of the Society.
Serenity is a striking bronze sculpture located on the south side of the Serpentine, near the Diana Memorial Fountain. The sculpture is inspired by the Egyptian goddess of nature. It was designed by British sculptor Simon Gudgeon and was installed in the park in 2009.
Discover the world’s oldest clock and watch collection in its new home at the Science Museum, including more than 1000 watches, 80 clocks, 25 marine chronometers and a number of fine sundials and examples of hand engraving.
From pop-up toasters to horse-drawn vacuum cleaners, take a closer look at the development of household appliances. You’ll find ancient Roman keys, 18th century cooking utensils and a 21st century robotic vacuum cleaner,
Explore 22 objects spanning 4.5 billion years of the Earth's history. Each exhibit tells a remarkable story and has been chosen for its scientific, historical and cultural importance.From a meteorite to Darwin's pigeons, uncover some of the most extraordinary specimens in our collection.
Some of nature's most unique and valuable treasures are on display in the Vault gallery. See the world's largest collection of coloured diamonds, discover gems that glow in the dark, and marvel at rare meteorites from out of this world.
Visit the V&A's amazing collection of ceramics, first opened in 1868. The galleries include the stunning Ceramic Staircase which was designed by Frank Moody, a master in the Schools of Design, together with his students.
The V&A's glass collection is one of the largest and the most comprehensive in the world, showcasing the development of design and technology in glass-making over 3,500 years. Find the exhibition in rooms 131, 129 and 83-84.
One of the finest collections of jewelry in the world - over 3,500 jewels, including pendants given by Queen Elizabeth I.
Showcasing the best of foreign film - it screens a mix of French, European and Global films - with subtitles.
