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Hidden Treasures

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 Cadogan Gallery

Daily
Natural History Museum
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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.

Secret Life of the Home

Daily
Science Museum
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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,

RGS Exhibitions

Monday to Friday
10am-5pm
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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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.

Blyth Gallery

Open Daily
9am-9pm
Imperial College London
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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 Italian Gardens

Daily
Kensington Gardens
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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.

Serpentine Exhibitions

Daily
Serpentine
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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 Royal College of Music Museum & Guided Tours

10:15am–5:45pm
Royal College of Music
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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.

Treasures

Open Daily
Natural History Museum
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Explore 22 objects spanning 4.5 billion years of the Earth's history in this collection of some of the museum's most extraordinary specimens.. Each exhibit tells a remarkable story and has been chosen for its scientific, historical and cultural importance.

DIVA

On until 7th April 2024
10am-5:45pm
V&A South Kensington
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DIVA celebrates the power and creativity of iconic performers, exploring and redefining the role of 'diva' and how this has been subverted or embraced over time across opera, stage, popular music, and film.

Thomas J Price at the V&A

Until 27th May
10am-6pm
V&A South Kensington
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British artist Thomas J Price is celebrated for his arresting yet contemplative sculptures depicting everyday people. This display sets his work in dialogue with the V&A's historic collections.

The Zizi Show

25th May- 20th April 2024
10am-5:45pm
V&A South Kensington
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The Zizi Show is a deepfake drag cabaret that explores the ethical problems which exist in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The display explores what AI can teach us about drag, and what drag can teach us about A.I.

Turn it Up: The Power of Music

On until 6th May 2024
10am - 6pm
Science Museum
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Why does music have such a hold over us? What is it about music that drives us to create, perform, feel, connect with others? Explore how music shapes our lives in this landmark interactive exhibition at the Science Museum.

Engineers

Daily
10am-6pm
Science Museum
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Engineers shape the world that we live in, creating bold, ground-breaking innovations that respond to global challenges and improve billions of lives. But how much do we know about the people behind these innovations?