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Some Things to Do This Weekend

Energy: Sparks from the Collection

Until 18th May 2025
10am - 6pm
V&A South Kensington
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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.

How Not to Photograph a Bulldog

25th May- 20th April 2024
10am-5:30pm
V&A South Kensington
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This book display reveals how dogs have been used to teach photography, and how dog photography has developed as a discipline in its own right.

Image credit: Naoya Hatakeyama, ‘Blast #5707’, 1998. © Naoya Hatakeyama

Photography Centre

Opens 25th May
V&A South Kensington
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The Photography Centre is the UK’s largest space dedicated to a permanent photography collection. The newly reopened galleries will showcase the museum’s world-leading holdings and enable visitors to experience photography and its diverse histories in new ways.

The Great Exhibition Augmented Reality Experience

Online
Hyde Park
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Visit Hyde Park, where the 1851 Great Exhibition was held. Download the free app to see a true-to-size recreation of the Crystal Palace. Explore the site, admire the building's scale and details, and learn about its fascinating history.

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?

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.

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.

Gazette Brasserie

Mon & Tue: 5pm – 10.30pm Wed to Sun: 10am – 10.30pm
Institut français
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Gazette Brasserie is the perfect venue for coffee meet-ups, quick lunches, pre-cinema drinks and nibbles or a cosy dinner at the Institut français in London.

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.

Quiet walking routes to and around South Ken

Discover South Kensington
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If you’re planning your trip to South Ken, take a look at our new walking map, created with Footways, where you can discover a range of wonderful routes to take a quiet stroll & discover our extraordinary history. Get off the tube a stop early and explore London’s home of arts, science and inspiration by foot.

Beguiling Beni: Safflower Red in Japanese Fashion

Until 31st March
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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Closing soon. The Japanese dye 'beni', made from safflower petals, produces red hues and an iridescent green. This display reveals its many uses in fashion, textiles, cosmetics and ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

Skateboard

On until 2nd June 2024
10am-6pm
Design Museum Kensington
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This new exhibition presents the design evolution of the skateboard from the 1950s to today. The exhibition also hosts a skateboard ramp, which can be booked as an Open Skate session and exhibition ticket combined (for over 15s).

Injecting Hope: The Race for a Covid 19 Vaccine

30th Nov - 12 May 24
10am - 6pm
Science Museum
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A new free exhibition explores the worldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed. See how scientists and researchers adapted to the various challenges of this massive programme.

Free Events in South Ken

Daily
Discover South Kensington
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We have an abundance of free events in South Kensington for a great day out. From guided tours through the galleries, self-led walks, a new series of Lates events, free displays and miles of galleries covering art, science, design, natural history and so much more.

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

Daily
8am - 6pm (Mon-Fri); 7pm on Sat & Sun
Hyde Park
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The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen serves a wide variety of tasty hot meals and snacks, freshly prepared sandwiches and salads, a daily selection of cakes from the bakery and hot and cold drinks from the bar. Enjoy the popular terrace area with sweeping views over the Serpentine.

Places to Eat

Daily
Varies
Various
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If you are planning a day out in South Kensington, there are lots of delicious places to eat or enjoy a drink both inside and outside depending on the weather. From cafes, bars, afternoon tea to indoor picnic areas - there is plenty of choice!

Gem Strathmore Hotel

Daily
Gem Strathmore Hotel
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The hotel is the former London residence of the Earl of Strathmore, the late Queen Mother’s father, is a restored Victorian mansion located close to London’s most famous museums, galleries, and cultural attractions. The magnificent colonial-style Earl's Restaurant is an exquisite blend of Victorian grandeur and contemporary luxury.

Royal College of Music Cafe

Mon - Sat (Sat - term time only)
8.30 am - 4.30pm
Royal College of Music
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The café serves barista-style coffees, sandwiches, snacks and hot food in spectacular surroundings. Enjoy your refreshments inside or out, with access to the new 1851 Courtyard and accompanied by the sounds of music across the College.

Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery

Daily
10am - 6pm
Science Museum
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Step into the fascinating world of technicians for a peek behind the scenes in the Science Museum's brand new interactive gallery. Experience what it’s like to create visual effects on a blockbuster film set or operate a robot in a manufacturer's workshop,

V&A tours are back

Dates & times vary
V&A South Kensington
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Discover the work of the V&A's conservation studios, or join a guided tour through their unique galleries. Members can also explore hidden places and historical sites in and around London, often inaccessible to the public.

Self-Guided Tours at the Natural History Museum

Daily
10am-5:50pm
Natural History Museum
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Whether you're visiting for the first time or the fiftieth, these tours and free things to do, will take you through the best the Museum has to offer.

What you can do to help the planet: an illustrated guide

Online
Natural History Museum
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The future of humanity depends on the natural world. But we are facing a planetary emergency. We're losing green spaces, animals and plants to deforestation, exploitation, urbanisation and global warming. But hope isn't lost. If we act together, we can make a  positive difference. Here's how to do your bit to protect nature.

IMAX: The Ronson Theatre

Daily
Varies
Science Museum
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Book your ticket to watch this fully immersive IMAX experience on one of the biggest screens in the UK. Experience the very best of digital and analogue cinema on one screen with Antarctica, A Beautiful Planet and Hubble all in 3D.

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.