This summer there is lots to do in South Kensington if you are looking for a great day out - from boating on the Serpentine, visiting some of South Ken's brand new exhibitions, enjoying a big-screen experience at the Science Museum's IMAX cinema and so much more...
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of the Tropical Modernism exhibition, architecture and illustration. Dive into a day filled with immersive workshops, hands-on activities, and captivating performances.
Explore a free trail across the museum celebrating Taylor Swift, with a range of her iconic looks on display. The costumes will sit alongside instruments, music awards, storyboards and previously unseen archival which will explore her childhood and recording legacy, many on display for the first time.
A major exhibition exploring the design evolution of one of the world’s most famous dolls: Barbie®. Journey into the Barbie universe and discover over 250 remarkable objects, with rare, unique and innovative dolls dating from 1959 to the present day.
Serpentine and The Royal Parks are hosting a new large-scale sculpture by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Since 1946 Kusama’s pumpkins have taken many forms, colours and shapes, but they are always covered in the artist’s signature polka dot pattern. Located by the Round Pond in Kensington Garden.
Seoul-based Korean architect Minsuk Cho and his firm Mass Studies have been selected to design the 23rd Pavilion which opens at Serpentine South on 7 June.
This new sound installation by artist Jana Winderen in collaboration with sound specialist Tony Myatt explores the watery depths of the River Thames. It features captivating recordings from an underwater habitat that’s often inaccessible to our ears.
Head to the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen to hire a boat over the summer. Recognised as one of the most famous boating spots in London, Hyde Park is the perfect place to take in the scenery, enjoy an ice cream and float down the Serpentine in the middle of the park.
Why not plan your visit to South Ken using the Footways walking map available at railway stations and online? You can plan your route away from the busy roads and discover a quiet and alternative side to London.
Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre explores the world of birds like never before. From surviving the mass extinction that wiped out all the other dinosaurs to their remarkable evolution into more than 11,000 species.
Experience this fully immersive IMAX, on one of the biggest cinema screens in the UK. With an IMAX laser 4k projector and an IMAX 70mm film projector, this experience is great for all cinema lovers. Regularly showing are scientific documentaries and the latest blockbuster releases.
Say hello to a full-size Diplodocus grazing in a Jurassic garden, come face-to-face with the earliest mammals and walk in the footsteps of our earliest ancestors. As you explore the grassland, wetland and woodland habitats, experience how nature can thrive in urban spaces. Booking not necessary.
Showcasing the best of foreign film - it screens a mix of French, European and Global films - with subtitles.
Immerse yourself in this hands-on gaming zone, featuring the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a retro games fan, a serious gamer or just want to beat your family at Mario Kart.
An unparalleled selection of the world's leading photographers, telling the story of modern and contemporary photography. Discover iconic images across subjects such as fashion, celebrity, reportage and the male body.
The Serpentine Lido is, arguably, London's most iconic 'open water' swimming location. The Lido is open for public swimming on weekends from mid-May, and every day between June and Mid-September.
Formal avenues, magnificent trees, ornamental flower beds, and wildflower meadows outside Kensington Palace make this a stunning end to our trail as well as home to the Princess Diana Playground, the Italian Water Gardens and the Albert Memorial.
Mathematics is too often perceived as dry and complex, but this new gallery will tell stories that place the subject at the heart of our lives, exploring how mathematicians, their tools and ideas have helped to shape the modern world.
A unique fountain memorial to Princess Diana designed to reflect her spirit of life and love of children.
This display shines a light on the diverse kinds of energy in photography, from the hidden processes intrinsic to creating a picture, to the subjects in front of the camera.
Discover the magic of Hyde Park and head on a self-guided walk. All of the activities are guaranteed to get you walking and discovering interesting things about the history, wildlife and horticulture around you.
An exhibition exploring the extraordinary career of fashion model Naomi Campbell. Through the work of leading global designers and photographers we celebrate her creative collaborations, activism and far-reaching cultural impact.
Fun, free things to do in a park, on the street, or anywhere outdoors.
Take a peek inside London's most iconic music venue. Did you know that the Royal Albert Hall once hosted a séance; flooded the auditorium with 56,000 litres of water for an opera concert; and that criminals, as well as musicians and politicians, have graced the Hall’s stage?
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.