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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.

Christmas Quiz

17th Dec
7.30pm-10.00pm
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Unleash your inner cartographer and embark on a journey of trivia that spans the continents. Teams of up to six are welcomed. Bring along your friends, family, or join forces with fellow quiz enthusiasts when you arrive.

Victoria's Childhood Christmas

4th Dec-5th Jan 2025
10am-6pm
Kensington Palace
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Step into the home of Princess Victoria and experience the magical atmosphere of a Regency Christmas, brought back to life at Kensington Palace.

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 and free to all at Imperial's Blyth Gallery.

Leighton and Landscape: Impressions from Nature

16th Nov - 27th April 2025
10am - 5.30pm
Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum
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An exhibition devoted to Frederic Leighton's plein air paintings and an opportunity to see the Victorian artist in a new light exploring his lifelong passion for travel which influenced his practice and vision for the house.

Timeless Treasures: Indian Jewellery

12th Dec
7pm- 8:45pm
V&A South Kensington
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Join Krishna Choudhary, founder of Santi, and Curator Susan Stronge for a discussion on the rich heritage and exquisite craftsmanship of Indian jewellery.

On Growth and Form

4th- 29th Dec
10am- 5:30pm
V&A South Kensington
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Daniel Brown takes inspiration from 19th-century flower collecting and cultivation practices to pose new questions about the possibilities of artificial life.

Workshop: Knitwear Darning with TOAST

25th Jan, 8th Feb, 1st March
Various times
Design Museum
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Learn the basics of traditional knitwear darning in this half-day workshop run by TOAST Repair specialists.

Doodle Day

11th April
1:30pm-4:30pm
Design Museum
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Join the museum for an afternoon of playful drawing activities inspired by The World of Tim Burton exhibition.

Design Camp: Digital Character Design for 11 to 14 year olds

17th Feb
10:15pm – 4:15pm
Design Museum
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Young people will be introduced to character design inspired by Tim Burton, design their own characters with plasticine and learn how to redesign them using 3D modelling software.

Festive Shopping Event

12th Dec
4pm-8pm
Japan House London
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Sample a range of Japanese tea and treats, get to know the character of whisky and sake through a mini masterclass and tastings, explore a sustainable approach to gift wrapping with furoshiki, and more.

Image credit: Surrounded, 1996 © Tim Burton

The World of Tim Burton

25th Oct- 21st April 2025
10am - 6:00pm
Design Museum
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Delve into the fantastical world of Tim Burton in this major exhibition exploring his remarkable creations and key collaborations with designers.

Versailles: Science and Splendour

12th Dec- 21st April 2025
10am-6pm
Science Museum
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Discover how the Palace of Versailles used science as a tool of power in this illuminating new exhibition.

Looks Delicious! Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture

2nd Oct- 16th Feb 2025
10am- 8pm
Japan House London
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Take a mouth-watering journey through the uniquely Japanese phenomenon of shokuhin sanpuru – the unexpectedly realistic food replicas displayed in front of restaurants across Japan.

Visions of Nature: A Mixed Reality Experience

From 24th Oct
10am-5pm
Natural History Museum
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Equipped with a mixed reality headset, be transported a century into the future to explore what could lie ahead for the planet.

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.

Christmas at the Natural History Museum

20th Dec
18.30-21.30
Natural History Museum
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Explore the galleries away from the daytime crowds, chat with scientists and take part in a range of yuletide activities. From festive fossils and wintery whales to creating nature-themed Christmas cards.

Storytelling with Father Christmas

1st- 15th Dec
Various times
Natural History Museum
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Father Christmas is coming to the Museum this December! Come along for a unique storytelling experience.

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.