the home of science, arts and inspiration
Spark inspiration and curiosity this Christmas with a gift that lasts all year. Through a range of talks, exhibitions, events, magazines and resources, Society members can explore the incredible stories of our planet’s people, places and environments.
Maurice Broomfield's dramatic photographs captured factories and their workers in an era of rapid transition, depicting the remnants of the industrial revolution alongside emerging technologies.
A wonderful gift for all the family this Christmas is a membership to the Institut français. Amongst their benefits are invitations to exclusive events, movies in their sumptuous Ciné Lumière, activities for younger members, access to their Art Deco listed library, superb food and drink and so much more!
With seasonal sparkle and Christmas activities for all, now's the perfect time to become a member of Historic Royal Palaces and start sharing uplifting experiences and days out with loved ones at some of the UK's most iconic palaces.
A wonderful way to support Leighton House Museum is a Christmas gift for Join the Friends and enjoy free, unlimited access to their historic house and invitations to private views..
Leighton House is thrilled to announce the launch of the museum's online shop, and just in time for Christmas! Exhibiting the best in contemporary design and artisan craft, their curated edit is inspired by the homes, work and collections of Frederic Leighton and Linley Sambourne.
A perfect gift for any music lover this Christmas is Membership of the Royal College of Music Friends scheme. In addition to priority booking and access to an exclusive programme of Friends events, they will receive regular advance info about RCM events while showing support for young musical talent.
From an early daguerreotype of Arctic explorer Joseph René Bellot to a remarkable aerial image of 1960s Abu Dhabi and iconic photographic ‘firsts’ from Antarctica to Zanzibar, this exhibition presents an introduction to the Society’s collection of over 500,000 historic images.
Recognised as the cultural home of Japan in London, be inspired by the beautifully displayed cabinets that blur the lines between a gallery and a store. From crafts rooted in Japanese traditions to one-of-a-kind pieces by artists, each product has a story to tell and will make a wonderful gift this Christmas.
The shop at the Serpentine is the place if you're looking for a unique piece of art this Christmas. Hervé Télémaque: Le chant du coq, James Barnor: Accra / London - A Retrospective, Jennifer Packer: The Eye Is Not Satisfied With Seeing, and so many more to inspire and possess.
If you're looking for something special this Christmas that will create memories and play a part in helping our planet thrive, then a Membership to the Natural History Museum is the perfect gift. In addition to exclusive benefits and early entry to exhibitions, you will be supporting scientists working hard to combat issues facing the natural world and the Museum's team who inspire millions of visitors worldwide to treasure and protect our planet..
The Royal Albert Hall has a profusion of wonderful festive gifts to spoil and enchant all the family. So Embrace your Christmas traditions this year and treat your loved one to something special.
Head over to the Design Museum for some exclusive designs to give your Christmas that edge , from exclusive cards and wrapping paper by designers James Daw and Kate Leamon to iridescent glass baubles, and porcelain stars by Danish designer Bloomingville.
Whether you’re piecing together the Italian Renaissance on an art history course, learning to sew in one of their practical courses, or exploring contemporary design discourse at a Friday Forum, embrace your creativity at the V&A Academy.
Sliding screens and transformative spaces, windows in Japan are part of a long architectural tradition that affect people’s everyday environments in culturally specific ways. Curated under the direction of architect and critic Igarashi Taro, discover the subtleties and intricacies of windows on our lives and psyche.
Talking Culture is a platform for thought-provoking discussions about the future of Europe, the UK, and the world. In this edition, artist Natalie Taylor, architecture & design collective Urban Radicals and landscape architect Adam Harris talk together about their "SouthKenGreenTrail" installations.
Universities like Imperial are supporting companies to achieve the transformation in technologies and business models needed to reach net zero. To learn more about how Imperial is working with industry to deliver a transformational change in technologies, processes and business models, download their new e-book:
Discover the very best in contemporary portrait photography in this National Portrait Gallery exhibition, which celebrates and showcases photographers from the leading international competition. With tickets from just £4 - it's not to be missed!
From calligraphy to virtual reality, and from illustration to photography, our workshops offer a huge variety of ways to get hands-on experience and explore new skills. Learn from experts, get closer to our collections and meet others in a creative environment.
Connect your class via Zoom to the V&A through live interactive sessions delivered by museum experts to bring museum objects and their stories to life virtually.
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.
Want to know more about carbon and the future of our planet? Are you interested in new technologies and how they can help our world? Join our Explainers at Our Future Planet to explore ways we can help reduce carbon dioxide in our air. Age 7+
Get your adventure gear ready, look closer and investigate trees with our Explainer team in this interactive storytelling session. Ages 3-7
The first UK institutional show for legendary Haitian-French artist includes paintings, objects, collages and assemblages from late 1950s to present day. Télémaque’s practice, combining archival and contemporary pop cultural references, traces histories and contemporary impact of racism, imperialism and colonialism
Walking is a wonderful way to experience the changing seasons as well as the exotic and native birds on migration over autumn. The seven-mile-long Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk passes through St James's Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. With help from our bird spotter sheets, you can have a go at identifying some of the wonderful creatures in your favourite Royal Park on your next walk.
Imperial College's latest podcasts centre around climate change anxiety, quantum computing and climate injustice. Discover more about their priorities for the upcoming COP26 climate change summit.
Take a trip to Bohemian London with the inaugural exhibition from the RCM Museum, following a major redevelopment. With artworks and manuscripts from artists and musicians such as Edward Burne-Jones, John Singer Sargeant and Jan Paderewski, it brings to life a time when Kensington was home to a lively social circle of famous local luminaries.
Devoted to the international prominence of the legendary Russian goldsmith, the exhibition will explore master goldsmith, Carl Fabergé – whose internationally recognised firm symbolised Russian craftsmanship, luxury and elegance – and the Anglo-Russian relationship which saw the opening of a London branch in 1903.
On the occasion of the COP 26 held in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November 2021, the Institut français is launching a series of rendezvous on climate change with French and British thinkers.
Explore the natural world in all its fragility and diversity at the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, where 100 powerful photographs tell the story of a planet under pressure. Book your free ticket in advance.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens with rides, entertainment, food, drinks and much more. Morning visits are great for families and as evening comes around, Hyde Park is transformed by thousands of sparkling lights so grab your mulled wine, hot chocolate or a stein of Bavarian beer and join in the festive fun!
Set against the backdrop of the Waterhouse building, the Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum is one of the most magical places to be this winter. Whether you can dance on ice like Torvill and Dean, or you skate more like Bambi, a visit to the Museum’s Ice Rink is a must this festive season.
Celebrate the legacy and creativity of one of the greatest musicians of our time. Discover the story of Amy’s early career through her recordings and teenage notebooks to unravel the creative process behind her music. Explore the outfits she wore during her greatest performances, handwritten lyrics and personal items that have never been exhibited before,
The Royal College of Music is excited to announce their programme of live events in their newly unveiled, state-of-the-art Performance Hall, Highlights of the autumn season include the return of masterclasses and a series of orchestral masterworks concerts.
Experience a mind-bending virtual trip into Wonderland... Curious Alice invites audiences to tumble down the rabbit hole and embark on a mind-bending trip into Wonderland through the playful dimension of virtual reality (VR).
Say the word meadow and it immediately conjures up images of distant lazy days, the smell of hay and wildflowers, the sizzle of summer heat and the sound of the wind and crickets in long grass. Meadows are often portrayed as a natural habitat but that’s not quite the case. Find out what makes a meadow and why they are so important or better yet learn how to create your very own wildflower meadow.
Rediscover some amazing galleries and more. Whether you're a space enthusiast or a codebreaking expert, choose a family trail to guide you around the Science Museum's inspiring free galleries this half-term. You can also explore their programme of free family activities including storytelling sessions and interactive shows.
What better location to host a celebration this summer than overlooking the Serpentine in London’s largest Royal Park. Serving up a delicious range of food from their menu or on-site BBQ and a wide selection of cocktails, wines and beers on offer.
Just like us, bees and other pollinators need a drink of water to survive. Find out how to create a bee bath to give our bees a helping hand with this video from Mission Invertebrate.
Download Mission: Invertebrate's free activities and information sheets to see London’s green spaces in a whole new way. Whether you’re at home, in your local park or one of the incredible Royal Parks, these resources will help you and your family discover fascinating nature on your doorstep.
Bring nature to your doorstep by keeping wild birds fed with a home-made bird feeder. Follow our steps to build a seed feeder from a reused plastic bottle.
This simple bee hotel will provide a home for a variety of solitary bees, including red mason bees and leafcutter bees.
Taking apart gadgets such as a travel alarm clock, disposable camera, headphones, propelling pencil or a tv remote control is a great way to explore beneath the surface of objects, to find out and question how something works or how it was made.
Save floor space in your balcony or window allotment with these pretty hanging plant pot.
Whatever the size of your outdoor space, a bug hotel is an easy way to provide habitat for invertebrates around your home. Check out our video for step by step instructions - why not have a go at making one today?
Find out how to create a wildflower meadow in your garden, or a meadow-in-a-pot for your front steps or windowsill.
Planting for pollinators in shady spots can seem difficult, but there are plenty of shade-tolerant flowering plants that light up darker areas of the garden and provide much-needed food for pollinators.
Do you have a sunny garden, windowsill or balcony? Find out which sun-loving plants are great sources of food for pollinators, and will look fantastic in your outdoor space.
Whether you have a garden, porch or windowsill, find out how you can choose plants that not only look fabulous but are loved by invertebrates.
What do you think is the fastest invertebrate in your garden? Why not go on a bug hunt to search for invertebrates? You could look under logs, flowerpots and around window sills to find invertebrates with different numbers of leg.
Follow the Royal Park's guide to make your own seed balls. Add a pop of wildflower colour to your outdoor space and help pollinators at the same time!
Make your very own solitary bee with this simple craft project!
Have you ever seen frothy bubbles on plant stems and wondered what it is? Learn all about cuckoo spit and how you can make your own!
Invertebrates are all around, but sometimes we have to look quite hard to find them. Make it your mission to go out and search for these fantastic creatures. You’ll need to be fast, quiet and alert when hunting bugs, just like a real spy... keep ‘em peeled.
Many invertebrates help recycle dead organic matter including fallen leaves, dead plants and wood. They eat it and turn it into smaller particles for fungi and bacteria to turn into compost – for more plants and trees to grow in!
Help a very hungry buzz find her way to a flower to get a drink of nectar then colour her in to cut out and wear as a mask! Suitable for ages 3-11.
Learn about insect body parts by looking at the uk’s largest invertebrate: the stag beetle! Rebuild the beetle by drawing its pieces in the correct places. Suitable for ages 5-11.
It’s often assumed that if you plan your garden with biodiversity in mind, you’ll have to sacrifice on style. This absolutely doesn’t need to be the case. Mission: Invertebrate’s aim is to enrich wildlife in the Royal Parks - some of the busiest green spaces in London.
A key part of design is to look at the world around us and see how we can make it better. This could be making an invention that helps us in some way, or even something that makes life more fun
Seven simple ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden. The amount of wildlife on our doorsteps is astounding but is increasingly being lost to hard surfacing and paving. Wildlife needs a helping hand. and even small changes can help. Here are seven easy ways to make your garden a haven for wildlife.
Why not embark on a craft project and decorate special cards for family and friends, create beautiful art, or make a collection of herbarium sheets recording the plants growing in your garden?
Boost your family's wellbeing with a magical mystery nature tour. Time in nature is essential for keeping us healthy and happy, even through winter's colder, darker months. Explore some of the key reasons why and venture out for some nature therapy.
As the UK prepares to host COP26, the venues here have a programme of thought-provoking and inspiring events and exhibitions exploring the road to a greener future.
Find something you couldn’t live without; create an interesting shadow. Students can follow their curiosity and work together to complete the challenges while exploring the fascinating world around them.
Crochet your own Sophie the Stegosaurus with an online class from TOFT. You will receive everything you need to make your dino, including wool, stuffing, crochet hook, sewing-up accessories and pattern, as well as expert tuition. During the workshop you will learn how to read a crochet pattern, start and finish each body part and sew them all together.
Delight the little one with a sensory storytelling class designed to boost their development and nurture a love for books. And afterwards, don't miss the chance to explore the rest of the Museum with a ready-written self-guided tour.
Nature is essential for human existence, whilst habitats and species are integral to the landscapes, history and sense of place of the Royal Parks. However, accelerating Climate Change and biodiversity loss is currently harming both human well-being, and the landscapes of the parks. Find out how you can help.
Walk in the footsteps of royalty in the beautiful gardens of Kensington Palace. The historic Sunken Garden is resplendent with white and pastel flowers to provide a picturesque setting for a new statue of Diana, Princess of Wales, unveiled to commemorate her 60th birthday.
In 2019 John Kampfner, author and broadcaster, released a new book "Why the Germans Do it Better: Notes from a Grown-Up Country" As part of their Talking Podcast series with Urban Radicals and Natalie Taylor, the Goethe-Institut shared Kampfner's lecture with the same title, and yes it made them a bit uncomfortable too.
Created by Serpentine Artists-in-Residence Jacob V Joyce and Rudy Loewe, the pack features illustrations of BIPOC (Black/Indigenous/People of Colour) environmental campaigners from around the world alongside a series of creative prompts.
Explore the relationship between the wood designs of architect, Alvar Aalto, and the forests of his native Finland, as part of Serpentine’s ongoing design research with Formafantasma.
With the climate crisis more urgent than ever, The Royal Parks’ Learning team and partners are playing a vital role in raising awareness and encouraging individuals to do all they can to be a hero for nature.
Aziza Jaffer is a Bollywood choreographer and dance instructor in Bujumbura, Burund, who teaches dance, and through dance hopes to create awareness of the consequences our actions have on the environment.
Curiosity and investigation are central to furthering our understanding of the universe today, ancient Greek thinkers shared a similar philosophy. Step back through millennia and discover how this ancient civilization questioned, contemplated, and debated the natural world.
Award-winning photographer Sebastião Salgado presents Amazônia, a series of breath-taking photographs that celebrate the indigenous peoples and varied landscapes of the Brazilian rainforest. Come and see what The Guardian said “may be the most urgent exhibition of the year”.
Supernova is a multimedia exhibition featuring the work of five British contemporary artists working in two and three dimensions. The title of the exhibition, Supernova, eludes to the moment that a star implodes, shooting materials into the cosmos and creating the raw ingredients of life.
The Goethe-Institut London is offering free space for cultural practitioners and community groups in their South Kensington building. They hope to welcome as many artists, makers and groups as possible; however, space is limited and available on an application basis. If you are seeking a room for rehearsing, working, writing, imagining, reading, thinking, planning or meeting please reach out to them.
Wildlife crime is one of the biggest illegal businesses in the world. In a Natural History Museum podcast, discover some of the most shocking, sensational and sinister crimes committed against the natural world, and hear from the people working to end them.
We all know waste is a big problem. So how are we going to fix it? New design ideas are redefining the things we use every day. From fashion to food, electronics to construction, even packaging itself – transforming our trash into treasure could provide our path out of the Waste Age.
The much acclaimed Ciné Lumière offers a wonderful choice of movies for the whole family to enjoy together, from the recently released Cruella to movies for the youngest family members, The Reason I Jump, and relaxed screenings tailored for children with sensory difficulties.
The V&A has opened a new permanent gallery exploring how design shapes how we live, work, travel, communicate and consume. The gallery includes Margaret Calvert and Jock Kinneir’s iconic British road signage system, Kim Kardashian’s Selfish book and Nike’s Nigeria football shirt for the 2018 World Cup.
The Great Exhibition² is an innovative new STEM project, delivered by Imperial College London and Big Ideas, inviting young people across London to enter their own ‘Incredible Innovations’ for a chance to showcase them at The Great Exhibition Road Festival.
The Royal Parks is launching a campaign urging visitors to ‘Help Nature Thrive’ in some of the capital’s largest and busiest green spaces. Hyde Park attracts almost 13 million visits a year. Its popularity results in high volumes of wildlife feeding, which is upsetting the park’s delicate ecosystem.
Book your free timed entry ticket to the Natural History Museum and explore the nation’s finest collection of natural history specimens.
Book your free timed entry ticket to the V&A and spend your day exploring their miles of galleries or dip into the exciting array of exhibitions and displays. Their café and shops are also open.
Don't forget to pre-book for your free entrance ticket to access both free displays and paid exhibitions.
Experience Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in concert in 2022 as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s Films in Concert series. Return of the Jedi (1983) sees Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and co. joined by Jabba the Hutt, Yoda and the Ewoks in an adventure across the galaxy as Darth Vader prepares to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance.
Experience The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in concert in 2022 as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s Film in Concert series. Peter Jackson’s award-winning epic fantasy adventure, based on the J.R.R. Tolkien novels, follows a hobbit named Frodo Baggins, who finds himself in the possession of the all-powerful One Ring, and the fellowship formed to take it to Mount Doom to be destroyed.
The British classic Brassed Off will be returning to the Royal Albert Hall in 2022 for a special screening with live accompaniment by the brass band that inspired the story.
A free coding session. You and your family can choose what you want to create, go at your own pace, and decide how you like to work—on your own or teamed up. From total beginners to programming experts, everyone is welcome.
With never-before-seen footage and the latest underwater filming techniques, this epic documentary transports you to the farthest reaches of this majestic land and reveals that what happens there affects every single one of us.
Book now to witness our fully immersive 3D documentaries on one of the biggest screens in the UK. Whether you’re exploring the wild and wonderful continent of Antarctica, uncovering the mysteries of space in Hubble or taking in astonishing views of Earth in A Beautiful Planet, don’t miss your chance to experience IMAX this half-term
Family favourite The Muppet Christmas Carol will be screened with live orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall as part of our 2021 Christmas season. This show will take you on a magical journey through the classic Charles Dickens story performed by the Muppets.
Explore the relationship between fashion designer and royal client. Featuring items from the archives of some of the most celebrated royal couturiers of the 20th century, the exhibition also includes the wedding dress of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Can carbon capture help us fight climate change? The Science Museum's latest exhibition explores the cutting-edge technologies being developed to trap carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Head to the Science Museum website to book your free admission tickets and explore their incredible galleries and exhibitions this summer.
Hear from the key women shaping the future of South Kensington’s cultural sector in this panel discussion celebrating International Women’s Day. From starting a new urban nature movement at the Natural History Museum to a £40 million state of the art redevelopment of the Royal College of Music, join an all-female panel to discuss how women are re-shaping Albertopolis.
This free, evolving display explores how humans have transformed the natural world. Through over 40 objects chosen by Museum scientists, they reveal the consequences of our actions and examine some of the solutions that could help mend our broken planet. The display opens in three stages. From 21 May The Food We Eat, 23 July The Products we Use and from 20 September The Energy we Consume.
From ancient Chinese ceramics to Alexander McQueen evening dresses, take an incredible journey through 5000 years of human creativity with the V&A's online collections.
Five brilliant history resources for home schooling from a Tudor servant during the reign of Henry VIII to being locked up in the Tower of London. Parental participation optional!
Why not introduce the youngest members of your family to French with the Institut français' bilingual nursery rhyme classes. Easy and relaxed, they will instil your children with confidence through the power of play.
Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg is designing a garden for birds and bees and other pollen-carrying species. Ginsberg has developed a special algorithm that optimises garden designs – including plant species and layout – for pollinators rather than humans. This will result in a new outdoor garden in Cornwall and a website where you can replicate the design using the same algorithm.
The V&A is launching Explore the Collections, a new digital platform that enables everyone from around the world to search, explore and discover over 1.2m objects from the museum’s collections.
Led by contemporary artists Laurelie Rae and Ayesha Gamiet, this online course will teach students how to analyse, draw and paint motifs and patterns, exploring different techniques and colour palettes. Each session takes inspiration from the beautiful examples of Islamic Art found in Leighton House.
The Museum houses an astonishing collection of over 80 million specimens spanning everything from meteorites to mice. But what does it take to look after one of the world's most important natural history collection during lockdown? And who is going to look after the flesh-eating beetles?
The V&A's Sustainable Exhibitions For Museums Network (SEFM) has recently joined up with The Happy Museum to look at how the museum sector can respond to the challenge of creating a more sustainable future.
The V&A is staging its first Africa Fashion exhibition, which will be as eclectic and varied, diverse and dynamic as its people. It will tell a story of fashion as a self-defining art form; a kind of movement culture that goes beyond individual garments to encompass attitude, gesture, style.
Join the Science Museum throughout 2021 for Climate Talks, a series of streamed panel discussions, Q&As and events exploring the problems caused by climate change. The first of the series begins with Climate Change: Why should we care?
Step into an online world full of fantastic real-life and magical beasts. There are highlights, stories and games galore. Walk around the exhibition from home with a 360° Google Streetview with Google Arts & Culture.
Featuring a collection of architectural designs for dogs by world-class architects and designers such as Ban Shigeru, Kuma Kengo, Itō Toyō and Sou Fujimoto, the Architecture for Dogs virtual exhibition explores architecture and design that can be joyful for both dogs and their human companions.
The Natural History Museum's virtual tour allows you to explore 14 exhibitions and access 300,000 specimens. Zoom in on the tiny details of the main hall's gilded ceiling or take a closer look at the marine reptiles discovered by Mary Anning. Enjoy a day at the Museum without even having to leave your home!
Treat the whole family to a Wonderlab's pass for a year’s worth of mind-blowing science. Fuel your child's imagination and give them the gift of wonder to the most spectacular interactive gallery in the world. Revealing the beauty of the science and maths that shape our everyday lives, this unmissable experience will ignite their curiosity and inspire them to see the world around them in new and exciting ways.
Be part of something big and become a Museum Member. Your support helps the Natural History Museum work for a future where people and planet thrive - and you'll enjoy colossal benefits!
How are London’s leading cultural organisations adapting for the future? Catch up on a thought-provoking panel discussion with leading voices from South Kensington’s cultural quarter via the.ismaili/tv
We have five reasons to give a V&A Membership this Christmas - Free unlimited access to all exhibitions - Priority booking for courses and talks - Exclusive access to the RIBA awarded Members’ Room and Subscription to the V&A Magazine, weekly news and online exclusives.
Each fortnight, our newsletter is packed with things to do whether online or here in South Ken - there are so many places to explore, hidden gems to discover, experiences to enjoy, food to feast on and so much more.
If you would like to keep up to-date with everything that is happening at our amazing science and arts institutions in South Ken, why not sign-up for our fortnightly newsletter. From fantastic new exhibitions and wonderous collections to unique, one-off events to tantalise and excite.
This exhibition showcases a selection of platinum prints, available to purchase, made from the newly digitised glass and celluloid negatives of the 1921 British Mount Everest Reconnaissance Expedition.
Create your own robot and help it overcome future world problems with the Science Museum’s augmented reality app. The app combines a series of fun challenges and the latest AR technology to help you think like a scientist. Recommended for ages 10–12. Download for free.
The Maria Lassnig Foundation and the Serpentine Galleries are delighted to announce that the 2021 Maria Lassnig Prize is awarded to UK-based Ghanaian artist Atta Kwami. A comprehensive monograph publication and a public art commission will be launched in 2022.
Being in the fresh air and close to nature is crucial for mental and physical wellbeing. Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are open during lockdown, and this time playgrounds and outdoor catering will stay open too. If you’re not nearby, there’s plenty of ideas on the Royal Parks website to try at home or in your local green spaces.
South Kensington's museums and galleries might be temporarily closed for a month but their online shops are still open and bursting with great ideas for Christmas presents. It’s a great way to support these charities at this difficult time. So put your feet up, relax and unwind with a little retail therapy!
Make the festive season one to cherish and remember with an exquisite selection of wonderful history-inspired gifts, cheerful tree decorations and delicious food and drink.
Go for a science-inspired theme this Christmas with a range of decorations and gifts from the Science Museum. Featuring space, robots and tech, science kits, puzzles and more.
With Christmas just around the corner, the Natural History Museum shop has some great ideas for sustainable presents from recycled glass baubles and felt animals to a pioneering sustainable gin!
For something totally unique and extravagant this Christmas, look no further than the V&A shop for that special gift. From a collection inspired by their latest Fabergé exhibition, and artisanal Iranian jewellery to exclusive silk accessories by leading designers, there's something for everyone.
Chosen by the V&A's African Heritage Gallery Guides, this selection of extraordinary objects invites you to take a closer look at European depictions of race, enslavement, pride, freedom, equality and activism.
The most prestigious global environment prize in history has been launched by Prince William with the Aga Khan Development Network as a Founding Partner. The Earthshot Prize aims to encourage large-scale change over the next 10 years — a critical decade for the Earth.
Footways London’s guide reveals quiet and characterful walking routes. Discover beautiful streets in Kensington at a different pace.
Combining the latest augmented reality technology with STEM skills, children can recognise a dinosaurs’ species, what it eats, likes and needs to survive. Young explorers can care for and capture fun photos of themselves interacting with their new dinosaur friend in the backdrop of their home or back garden. Age 7-10
Dawnosaurs Online is a set of free online activities aimed at children with neurodiverse conditions including autism and other sensory processing difficulties. Enjoy fun, educational resources, including a special visit to Ranger Stu's zoo
Are you ready to go on an adventure? This trail takes you on a journey through V&A galleries, exploring some of the incredible cultures and traditions you can see. You will discover objects that are hundreds of years old, uncover secret meanings behind animals and colour in art, and learn about some of the wonders of the museum, from an emperor's throne to dragons, from plaster casts to wigs!
Becoming a master craftsman took years of hard work. Beginning as an apprentice you then became a journeyman, often travelling for miles around the country. Eventually, you might join a guild as a master craftsman. Can you become a master of your trade? Start the game as an apprentice and test your skills.
Combine a German film, language lesson or a visit to the library at the Goethe-Institut London with a visit to Stein’s Berlin restaurant. The restaurant offers a journey through all of Germany's kitchen in a well-designed contemporary and cosy atmosphere. For your safety during the Covid-19 pandemic, Stein’s Berlin has introduced air-sanitising equipment and is frequently updating their opening hours.
Celebrate science and the arts at home with a year-round programme of online events from organisations across South Kensington. This month. peek behind the curtain with a magician helping surgeons develop new skills and explore how arts engagement affects mental and social wellbeing.
A fortnightly online talk series on cultivating care for the world beyond our lifetimes. 2020 is a poignant reminder that we need longer-term thinking now to tackle the existential risks we face and create a better world for future generations. It will bring together leading thinkers and doers from art, culture, philosophy, science, technology, law, finance and politics to take a longer view. Speakers will explore how engaging with the long-term can change the way we act in the short term.
From great exhibitions to debates with experts, and fun activities to try at home, there’s so much more to discover here.
Explore this cultural district and discover the history of the area with this free walking tour from Go Jauntly, curated by the Royal Geographical Society as part of the programme for Kensington + Chelsea Art Week.
Revealing the beauty of the science and maths that shape our everyday lives, this unmissable experience will ignite your curiosity, fuel your imagination and inspire you to see the world around you in new and exciting ways.
Planning a visit to the museums in South Kensington? What better way than by walking - safe, easy and now even more enjoyable with Footways' fantastic new walking map. Not just any map but a profusion of interesting streets woven together across London.
First to feature in Japan House London's new travel series, is the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum, an interactive open-air space in western Tokyo featuring preserved buildings from the Meiji period. Take a look at a wonderful selection of Japan's culture from
The Ismaili Sounds is pleased to present Calmate, performed by Hip-Hop artist Fidah, who in this song explores the balance between faith and world, and encourages open conversation on the existential questions of life.
Gentle giant or fierce meat-eater: which dinosaur shared your habits? Do you think you're more like a Tyrannosaurus Rex? Or a Sauropad? Or maybe even a Raptor? Take the Natural History Museum's quiz and find out who you really share your habits with!
Back by popular demand, Playful Prints! Discover how prints were made before photocopiers and printers were invented, then have a look at the V&A's fantastic collection of prints (which go back over 600 years) to fire your imagination. And if you want to try something really different, have a look at woodcut prints
Enjoy this wonderfully immersive and theatrical show exploring the origins, adaptations and reinventions of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland before it closes in December.
An international team of astronomers from Cardiff University and Imperial College has discovered a rare molecule – phosphine – in the clouds of Venus that could indicate the presence of life.
Discover the magic of the parks in the palm of your hand! Their free scavenger hunt game for your mobile phone takes you on an adventure through some of London’s most popular parks. Move at your own pace and discover interesting sights and uncovering photo challenges, amazing facts and games for all ages to enjoy.
Café Tangerine - the French restaurant with a British twist has reopened! Enjoy a glass of wine, a mini quiche or a sausage-roll before a screening – or just pop in if you’re in the neighbourhood to grab a sandwich, a brioche, some delicious cake or a coffee to go!
Cromwell Place, South Kensington’s highly anticipated flexible arts space, is bringing a new dynamic to the London art scene, Cromwell Place is an arts membership organisation - the first of its kind globally - providing a hub for UK and international galleries, dealers, advisors, curators, collectors and art professionals.
Introducing Professor Universe who has seven educational videos for children aged 6+. After crash landing on a strange planet, Professor Universe must use his knowledge of science to get back home. Get ready to learn about orbits, light, stars, gravity and more with a cast of weird and wonderful characters.
When we think about the history of exploration, we often imagine it as the work of exceptional individuals in extraordinary circumstances. Men and women venturing forth on some incredible journey, a fundamentally collective and shared experience. This wonderful online exhibition draws on images of exploration since 1800.
A podcast series where you can take a behind-the-scenes look at the eight Royal Parks. Meet some of the incredible experts who work at The Royal Parks and discover the fascinating stories of these iconic green spaces.
The Royal College of Music has launched its autumn events season for 2020, including the first performances in London’s newest concert hall. The state-of-the-art Performance Hall is part of a recent £40 million investment in the RCM’s iconic South Kensington campus.
This is the ideal time to explore Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for over 300 years. Walk in the footsteps of royalty in Victoria's re-imagined childhood rooms and the magnificent King's State Apartments and Queen's State Apartments.
The Ismaili Sounds presents Shab-e-Didam, a song in praise of Hazrat Ali. This rendition is performed by the DN Khorog Band from Tajikistan and features original lyrics by the celebrated Persian poet and philosopher, Hafez-e Shirazi.
What is queer ecology? How do queer theory and artistic practice inform environmental activism and climate justice? How can we think decolonisation and queerness together? Victoria Sin welcomes guest host Kostas Stasinopoulos to dive into transformation, queerness, the natural and unnatural, wild, decolonial and submerged perspectives
Awarded Industrial Fellow 2018, Ben Barnes is developing a method to purify exosomes that is both scalable and economically viable, so that they can be used therapeutically. Purification of these biomolecules is essential for the development of regenerative treatment, which could potentially be used to tackle cancer and act as delivery vehicles for therapeutic molecules.
Get up close with nature, discover fascinating creatures and intriguing science with these top tips for family visits and a self-guided tour. Can't make it to the Museum? There are still plenty of ways to get involved online with live talks, dinosaur crafts and ways to explore nature in your local area
Listen up and hear the beat! Time to take a closer look at this hidden hardworking hero… your heart. Get your blood pumping in this fun, family-friendly workshop where you can make your very own working stethoscope and put it to the test.
If you love cinema, and you’re 25 years old or under, the 25 and Under £5 Scheme at Ciné Lumière is for you! Whether you want to see the latest releases or discover French classics, attend special Q&As or explore world cinema, enjoy discounted tickets with no booking fees.
Join the surgeon and academic Professor Roger Kneebone in conversation with unorthodox people whose careers defy traditional boundaries and who swim against the tide. Howard Williams, distinguised international conductor, explores the parallels between our experiences, discussing similarities and differences between music and medicine.
Imperial’s COVID-19 Response Team has been working with health services and governments around the world to help plan responses to the pandemic. Since January, the team have been working relentlessly to model the pandemic in real-time, providing policymakers and health leaders around the world with the latest estimates of the scale of outbreaks.
William III and Mary II were crowned as joint monarchs in 1689, after they were invited by Parliament to take the throne in the place of Catholic King James II, Mary’s father. They bought Kensington Palace to become their new home, away from the bustle of Whitehall Palace, and transformed the building into a royal home. The Queen's apartments were where Mary, and later royal consorts, lived. This is where they had their bedroom, took their meals, entertained their friends and distinguished guests, and relaxed.
The Design Museum has launched a new pay it forward scheme in partnership with local charities, including The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, The scheme is aimed at offering free access to the museum's temporary exhibitions to young people and adults in the local community for whom price might be a barrier to participation - including those most affected by the Coronavirus crisis.
For Benjamin Britten – one of the foremost composers of the 20th century – a quiet place to compose was absolutely essential. He was fortunate enough to achieve this for most of his life, spending his last two decades at The Red House, which has become a new creative retreat open to women members of the Royal Society of Sculptors to spend time in Suffolk..
'The perniciousness of Covid-19 is that it forces physical separation, even in death' writes Catrin Jones, Chief Curator at the V&A, in her blog about the pandemic's effect on mourning. Even in our digital age, virtual goodbyes cannot compensate for the touch of a hand, which has become a public marker of personal rites of passage. An absorbing read.
The Science Museum has joined forces with the BBC to bring you Bitesize Daily. Experience the wonders of science at home with exciting experiments and demonstrations carried out using exhibits at the Museum's Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery in London.
Trumpet virtuoso Håkan Hardenberger leads Jack Wilson through a masterclass on From the Wreckage, by RCM Research Fellow in Composition Mark-Anthony Turnage. Supported by the RCM Symphony Orchestra under the directorship of Timothy Lines, watch this engaging journey through a classic of contemporary concerto repertoire.
The Institut français' Click & Collect is back. Simple, safe and free to use, all you have to do is order on line, wait for confirmation and go along and pick-up.
Bringing together world-leading experts in polar and marine exploration, the expedition aimed to solve unanswered questions about one of the most remote and least-studied wilderness areas on our planet. From Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5. ,
From joyful depictions of nightclubs to the tensions between police & the Afro-Caribbean community during the late 1970s & early 80s, Denzil Forrester (Painting, 1983) has been painting about the British Afro-Caribbean experience for nearly 40 years.
Explore the Glastonbury Festival Archive at the V&A and find out how you can can add your memories to this eclectic and fascinating resource that documents how the Festival has developed over the past 50 years.
How can botanical knowledge support practices of ecological and personal healing? Victoria Sin and Lucia Pietroiusti co-host a round table with Emma Nicolson from Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh with artists Keg de Souza, Nabihah Iqbal and botanist Greg Kenicer. Featuring sound works by Rachel Pimm and Keg de Souza.
Crisis and the rise of the right... We refer to Europe mainly in terms of its political and economic systems, and often only when those systems are being challenged. We want to address Europe as a place and as a concept - a continent formed of an international community.
During times of pandemic, a host of everyday, often-overlooked ‘objects’are suddenly charged with new urgency. Pandemic Objects is one of many thought-provoking articles written by V&A bloggers.
This awe-inspiring series has seen the release of three creatures captured on 50p coins - the Megalosaurus, the Iguanodon and the Hylaeosaurus that originally led the coining of the term ‘dinosaur’ in 1842.
Asian ceramics have been the subject of international and inter-Asian trade for over one thousand years. Transported by sea through dangerous waters, many of these ceramics never made their final destination, but not all have ended up on the ocean's bed.
Explore the parks through the works of some famous writers - discover J M Barrie’s ultimate fancy, Peter Pan, walk in the steps of Virginia Woolf through Kensington Gardens, or visit the famous Speaker’s Corner, George Orwell’s ardent haunt.
A virus is showing us how interlinked we are globally and yet how fragile our public life is. What does the pandemic mean for each of us and for society as a whole? Artists and intellectuals from around the world respond to our present predicament and what lies in store.
Not everyone can come to the Royal Parks right now, so they want to bring the Royal Parks to you. Be prepared to escape into the nature, heritage and beauty of these incredible green spaces from the comfort of your own home.
Join Historic Royal Palace's Joint Chief Curator, Lucy Worsley, in a special one-off programme, 'Lucy Worsley's Royal Photo Album', as she uncovers the stories behind some of the most famous photographs of the British Royal Family.
Westminster Libraries & Archives have some great online activities for your kids from rhyme time on Wednesday mornings to story telling on Mondays and Fridays.
Hard to believe that Pac-man turns 40 this month. To celebrate, Head of Commercial Experiences and gaming fan, Mark Cutmore explores the story of the much-loved character and pop-culture icon and the undisputed granddaddy of gaming mascots.
Inspire students' creativity and passion with the Design Museum's fantastic range of ready made lessons. Make a wiggle side chair, redesign your kitchenware or design your own environmentally friendly packaging - with everyday materials and household objects.
Fun activities for young ones to discover more about this iconic landmark and its namesake Lord Leighton. Learn about the amazing paintings which line its walls and create a masterpiece of your own!
Discover more about how science and maths affect the world around us with the Science Museum's free games, and apps. Spring your way through 30 obstacle levels on Launchball or test your own all-terrain space rover.in Rugged Rovers. For early learners through to KS4.
The Science Museum's Learning Resources is bursting with interesting and fun experiments. Bring the wonder home and explore science and maths with their hands-on activities the whole family can do together.
Take a virtual tour of the magnificent Crystal Palace and experience its innovative design and beauty. Constructed in 1851, it defined Prince Albert's ambitions to showcase the best of Victoria's reign.
The Royal Society of Sculptors has teamed up with ArtUK for a creative challenge - sculpture inspired by architecture. Look at books & photos for inspiration from unusual buildings, or explore the internet for ideas from around the world. Then use anything recyclable around your home and start creating!
In the Science Museum’s new Shaping Science series, meet the artisans who are using a mix of traditional and modern techniques to create beautiful hand-made scientific instruments from a replica seventeenth century globe to a brass sundial and clock wheel.
The NHM is inviting all you budding photographers to explore nature on your doorstep. It could be from your balcony or in your back garden. Share your snaps with them on Instagram and inspire others - and stay safe! #WPYFromHome.
Goethe-Institut London and Somerset House Studios are collaborating to establish a new international artist residency programme to support a Germany-based artist working at the intersection of music, art and technology. For the inaugural edition, they welcome DJ, writer and performer, Juliana Huxtable to London.
The Goethe-Institut's popular podcasts regularly feature a dynamic and thought-provoking selection of exclusive interviews and debates. Kris Nelson, Artist Director of LIFT discusses 'why does theatre matter right now?' against a background of rising right-wing parties, and the current challenges of COVID-19.
The Royal Parks have launched the first episode of the Hidden Stories of the Royal Parks podcast. Sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home as they bring the parks to you.
Japan House launches their first virtual exhibition, 'Anno’s Journey: The World of Anno Mitsumasa', showcasing the lifeworks of the beloved story teller and illustrator. A captivating and sensory experience.
Emma-Jayne Parkes uses her design skills and a special type of ‘smart’ material to change the perception of a grey, rainy day. Discover more about her Squid London’s colour changing umbrella!
Stepping into a teacher's shoes, even for a short time, may be daunting, especially if it feels like centuries since you were in the classroom yourself. But don't panic! Historic Royal Palaces has lots of ideas and resources online to help your children continue exploring history without having to step outside the front door.
Of the Museum's 80 million specimens, only a tiny fraction ever go on display. Uncover colourful stories behind the specimens, meet collectors and curators past and present and read about their contributions to our understanding of the natural world.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Diaphonique's Franco-British fund for contemporary music, Pascal Dusapin’s opera Passion highlights how dance and opera work beautifully together.
Hang out with the Nature Live Online team on Tuesdays at 13.00 for interactive talks featuring topical discussions with the NHM scientists and cutting-edge research.
Earth Photo is an international competition and exhibition created by the Society and Forestry England. Showcasing the very best in environmental visual media and how it can better connect us with the world by telling stories and encouraging discussion about our planet, its inhabitants and our treatment of both.
Which post-quarantine couture look you would go for? The V&A would love to hear which option you would choose.
One of the most influential designers of the 2oth Century, Elsa Schiaparelli's subversive, often surreal designs have been beautifully captured in this film, by senor curator, Sonnet Stanfill.
Ever wondered about the story behind your underwear? Modesty laws, changing fashions, and a desire for comfort have all influenced the design of underwear over time. Take a rummage through the V&A collection and find everything from the practical to the provocative.
Delve into the V&A's archives and discover a weird and wonderful selection of V&A exhibition posters from 1915 – 2015.
From their living room to yours, a range of artists will be performing exclusively for you. Relax and enjoy singer-songwriter KT Tunstall or set sail with the Sea Shambles, listen to the rich vocals of This is Kit or entertain your little ones to the sounds of Jazz for Kids, with many more acts to follow.
Turning their eyes towards the sky, the Russian people pioneered space travel, becoming the first nation to launch satellites, animals and humans into orbit. Their early achievements were seen as a challenge by America, and created fierce competition between the two nations. Delve into a fascinating world of exploration and discovery..
Distinct, elegant and vivid in colour, items from the V&A's fashion collections reveal the relationship between Art Deco design and the clothing and jewellery of the 1920s and 1930s. Jeanne Lanvin's 1930s beautiful evening dresses were the epitome of Art Deco elegance, combining simple, fluid forms with severe geometry. Immerse yourself in a bygone era!
The Serpentine launches 'Earth Perspectives', a new artwork conceived by Olafur Eliasson for Earth Day 2020, comprising of nine images featuring nine different views over the Earth.
From light bulbs to motorways and cups of tea to concrete, discover the extraordinary science stories behind familiar objects and technologies we encounter every day
RBKC libraries have a fantastic online library to keep you entertained and uplifted. There is a vast selection of journals, comics, books, audiobooks, language-learning platform, reference books and much more!
Resources to support recent geographical stories in the press. Suitable for Key Stages 1-5.
You can join Imperial from wherever you are in the world with their online content and events!
Find out more about the Royal Geographical Society's online lectures offered through their School Membership package
The RGS has created ten curated datasets, on a variety of topics, to help teachers guide students in the use of open datasets. The principles behind these resources can be applied by teachers and students to other relevant open datasets. Suitable for key stages 3, 4 and 5.
Get immersed in the stories behind the RGS' Collections from the comfort of your home.
To mark the centenary of Eric Newby’s birth, and the recent donation of his archives to the Society, this exhibition displays a selection of stunning photographs from Newby’s travels, from The Last Grain Race to A Small Place in Italy.
Geography teachers and students: now that your lessons have moved online, why not check out RGS' fascinating case studies and articles that link directly to key stages and course content? From the carbon and water cycles to geopolitics and development, they have a resource to help you learn.
The RCM Chamber Orchestra is joined by three celebrated musicians from the Chamber Orchestra of Europe – violinist Mats Zetterqvist, clarinetist Romain Guyot and trumpeter Nicholas Thompson. Together they perform Brahms' richly textured Symphony no 2.
Britain's first astronaut, Helen Sharman, shares her thoughts on confinement and isolation when living and working in space, and how those lessons could apply to isolation during the coronavirus outbreak.
A new COVID-19 project by Imperial researchers will look for potential new treatments using the computing power of people’s smartphones.
Welcome, naturenauts! Are you ready for an adventure? Grab your phone or tablet to explore the nature on your doorstep.
Whether you’re looking for ideas to entertain the children, or are simply after some creative fun to fill an afternoon, check out the Young Design Museum strand. Bring the world of design to life through everyday materials and household objects.
Can't get out far to explore nature? The Natural History Museum has got lots of fun activities and ideas to occupy you and family at home, in your garden or local outdoor space.
Delve into the Museum from home with a virtual self-guided tour of the galleries, an interactive experience about Hope the blue whale and audio guides narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Study German online in their virtual classrooms with live sessions and follow individual exercises at your own pace. Choose your level from beginner (A1, A2) to intermediate (B1, B2) to advanced (C1, C2). Learn German and get qualified for your future.
Rediscover the newly refurbished V&A’s Raphael Court - home to the iconic Raphael Cartoons. Commissioned in 1515 by Pope Leo X for the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, they depict the lives of the apostles, Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
From light bulbs to motorways and cups of tea to concrete, discover the extraordinary science stories behind familiar objects and technologies we encounter every day.
Famous worldwide as the painter of such masterpieces as the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519) is also renowned for his notebooks in which he recorded his thoughts and inventions. Five of these fascinating notebooks, bound into three small volumes, have been in our collection since 1876 when they were bequeathed to the Museum by John Forster
Whether you're into knitting, coding, or crafting your own furniture, the V&A has got a creative project for you. These fun, free resources and tutorials are all inspired by their incredible collections – bringing you a range of DIY makes to try at home.
In addition to the galleries opening, Serpentine's work continues online. Collected here are some of the ways you can interact with their programmes through online exhibitions, digital commissions, podcasts, special broadcasts and more.
Imperial researchers and Coursera have partnered to offer a free Massively Open Online Course explaining the science behind coronavirus.
Find answers to your big nature questions. Delve into stories about the Museum's collections, scientists and research. Uncover the history of life on Earth, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals.
Enjoy a family Create and Make workshop at home. Colour, cut and build to create your own Design Museum exhibition. Colour, cut and build to create your own Design Museum exhibition. Bring the Design Museum to you by building your own furniture exhibition.
Royal College of Music brings you performances from their extraordinary student's on their YouTube channel.
A wealth of French resources is at your fingertips. Simply register online to keep up-to-date with daily news and current affairs, magazines galore, audio books, bestsellers - the selection is endless!
From its early beginnings to the foundation stone laid by Queen Victoria in 1899, to today's state-of-the-art galleries, the Museum has constantly evolved in its collecting and public interpretation of art and design. Its collections span 5,000 years of human creativity in virtually every medium, housed in one of the finest groups of Victorian and modern buildings in Britain.
From ancient Chinese ceramics to Alexander McQueen evening dresses, take an incredible journey through 5000 years of human creativity with their online collections.
The Royal Albert Hall's stage may have temporarily fallen silent but there's a lot to see and read on their blogs to lift your spirits.
Have you always wanted to learn French but never had the time? Or felt self-conscious amongst a group of strangers in a classroom? Well now you have no excuses! The Institut français has a dedicated team of native speakers who can teach you one-to-one - or even with a group of friends.
Stay connected with The Royal Society of Sculptors through their online blogs.
While our five museums are closed, join us online to discover inspiring stories of scientific achievement on our websites, delve into our incredible collections or through videos and 3D models, hear from scientific pioneers. Explore fun activities to try at home or simply have fun playing our online games.
The V&A's team of writers will take you behind the scenes to discover a kaleidoscopic world of art and design spanning over 5000 years, from the weird and wonderful to the obscure and intriguing.
Explore over 325,000 objects and archives from the Science Museum, Science and Industry Museum, National Science and Media Museum, National Railway Museum and Locomotion.
Go behind the scenes on the Science Museum's blog and explore the world of espionage and code breaking, celebrate women in space, unlock the myths and misconceptions of quantum computing - and more!
Explore over 250,000 objects and archives in the museum's ever-expanding digital collection. Find out about the fascinating histories behind even the smallest objects.
Follow step-by-step instructions for science activities and experiments that are safe and easy to do in the classroom or at home.
For the Design Museum, design is a continually evolving subject which it explores through its exhibitions programme, publishing, permanent collection, learning and research activities. Find out more about the design of some of the most iconic objects from Concorde, to London Transport.
Find out more about Japanese art and culture through a series of videos and interviews from the Japan House London.
Japan House London invite you to explore the stories about Japanese cultures.including Japanese wine, a Bonsai guide, sake and more.
Championing new ideas in contemporary art since it opened in 1970, Serpentine has presented pioneering exhibitions of 2,263 artists over 45 years, showing a wide range of work from emerging practitioners to the most internationally recognised artists and architects of our time. Explore more online.
The Royal Society of Sculptors is pleased to provide free downloadable teachers’ resources to support classroom art activities. Have fun!
Learn German Online - anywhere, anytime and as part of a group! You will not be learning alone but in a small group of between six and 16 participants. The course will introduce you to the German language on the basis of everyday situations, and you will practice your German skills in various ways.
The Royal College of Music was the first music conservatoire to partner with the Google Cultural Institute, opening up collections to audiences around the world. The museum and library curate a range of interactive digital exhibitions, drawing on key social and historical themes to enrich our understanding of music history.
The Goethe has an incredible selection of eBooks. In fact, more than 23,000 German language audio books, movies, materials for German language learners, magazines and newspapers available to download from the Onleihe, the Goethe-Institut’s digital library.
Striving to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the Science Museum's world-class collection forms an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical achievements from across the globe. Explore the museum's exhibitions and online collections.
Explore online the world's leading museum of art and design - the V&A enriches people's lives by promoting the practice of design and increasing knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the designed world.
With five vast and visually stunning galleries containing more than 3,000 medical artefacts, striking artworks, interactive games and immersive experiences, Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries brings the history of medicine to life. Take a closer look at what's on display in the Collection Online
Explore a story of natural history discovery in an interactive experience, Making Natural History, Dive into the museum's 80 million specimens, encounter a prehistoric marine reptile in virtual reality, discover pioneering Museum research, navigate the galleries in 360 degrees & take a tour of exhibits tackling natural history themes,
Volcanic eruptions are one of the most powerful natural forces on our planet. Making your own miniature erupting volcano is a great, safe way to start learning about these incredible geological features.
Don't miss this incredible exhibition before it closes in January. Discover where the real and wizarding worlds intertwine, and how the wonders of the natural world have inspired myths, legends and magical creatures for generations.
Interested in German literature, but don’t know where to start? In the “German Riveter”, the European Literature Network has put together some recommendations! All of the books mentioned in the magazine can be found in our library in London or in our digital library – free of charge!
If you haven't seen it already, don't miss this wonderful and immersive installation by contemporary artist Darren Waterston. His detailed and decadent interpretation of James Abbott McNeill Whistler's famed Peacock Room, a sumptuous 19th-century interior, will leave you in awe.
Discover more about some of the curious and creepy cures used to keep us healthy in days gone by. This interactive science show will delight and disgust the whole family!
Showcasing extraordinary medical artefacts including the world’s first MRI scanner, Fleming’s penicillin mould, a professional pianist’s prosthetic arm and even robotic surgery equipment.
Discover space firsts such as Sputnik, Yuri Gagarin and the work of Sergei Koralev. Delve into an amazing history, bringing to life objects from our Exploring Space gallery.
Discover old world charm, beautiful rich furnishings, exquisite original arts, outstanding cuisine and an experienced and passionate team. This elegant historic hotel is perfectly located opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens, and close to the Royal Albert Hall. Enjoy Stable’s Bar and the signature ‘Smoking Old Fashioned’, Afternoon Tea in the Park Lounge or dine in Cheneston’s or The Oratory, the stunning original chapel.
In the heart of Knightsbridge, on a quiet street overlooking private gardens, discover this enchanting boutique townhouse. Moments from Harrods and the V&A Museum, a passionate team welcomes each guest like family. With a unique character and beautiful traditional style, enjoy a delicious breakfast, Afternoon Tea by the fire or sip on one of London’s most famous martinis.
Trace the remarkable story of steam and how it shaped the world we live in today. Steam has been the driving force behind British industry for 300 years. Without it, the Industrial Revolution could never have happened. Even now, steam provides 75% of the electricity we use every day.
Fly Kids is a pay-as-you-go flight simulator that lets your child experience the sights and sounds of flying with the Red Arrows during one of their aerobatic displays.
Discover how London grew from a lively capital city to a global hub for trade, commerce, and scientific enquiry between 1550 - 1800. This new free gallery spanning over 650 m² takes visitors on a journey through the metropolis during a time of momentous change.
Develop the professional skills you need to work in today's museum sector. Led by expert staff, these intensive part-time courses use V&A case studies to provide unique insights into our collections, work and best practice.
Imperial College London are offering a range of courses in the arts, humanities, languages and sciences, and they are open to all adults - you don't need previous experience in a subject or entrance qualifications
Discover the magic of Hyde Park in the palm of your hand! A free scavenger hunt game using mobile phones that takes you on an adventure through one of London's most popular parks.
From rucksacks to despatch boxes, Birkin bags to Louis Vuitton luggage, Bags! will explore the style, function, design and craftsmanship of the ultimate accessory.
Liberty Drives is a voluntary service, helped by sponsors and donations, for people who find walking difficult. A fleet of six electric buggies can accommodate five passengers plus one person in a wheelchair. The tours last up to one hour and show visitors around the main sights.
The Library at Japan House offers a new approach to appreciate and engage with books, by displaying books in a particular way, and through bookshelf exhibitions curated by HABA Yoshitaka of BACH, a book specialist in Japan.
Come face-to-face with a full-size engineering model of BepiColombo, the European Space Agency’s first ever spacecraft to explore Mercury. Standing over six metres tall, this Structural Thermal Model (STM) of the spacecraft was used to test BepiColombo’s resilience during its seven-year journey to Mercury.
Swim alongside some of the most exotic creatures on the planet, from the bizarre Rainbow Nudibranch to the Giant Pacific Octopus. Narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, Deep Sea 3D transports you below the ocean surface on a unique underwater adventure.
Discover the story of Princess Victoria, the young girl destined to be queen, in the rooms where she was born and raised at Kensington Palace. Explore how an indulged young princess blossomed into the independent and iconic monarch we remember.
The ambience of The Kensington hotel’s discreet cocktail bar is set by its elegant décor: the oak panels, polished brass accents, mirrored walls and slate floor lend a strong, sophisticated feel that is matched by the creative and classic cocktails mixed by the immaculate staff.
The natural charm of the hotel’s Drawing Rooms with their open fireplaces, colourful artwork and pretty objects d’art, provide the ultimate in luxurious yet relaxed living. The Drawing Room offers hotel guests and visitors an enticing selection of fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced menus throughout the day, including a quintessentially English Afternoon Tea.
Knightsbridge Hotel is located in a tree-lined street just a short walk to Harrods and the V&A Museum, Natural History Museum and Hyde Park. There are 44 individually designed bedrooms and suites, as well as a drawing room and library serving afternoon tea all day long. The hotel provides 24 hour room service.
Number Sixteen forms part of a mid-Victorian white stucco terrace and is situated in the quiet leafy street in South Kensington. The hotel has a beautiful tree-filled garden, which is perfect on a sunny day for dining, drinking, relaxing or entertaining friends. There are 42 individually designed bedrooms, a drawing room and library as well as The Orangery restaurant, which serves delicious seasonal food and Afternoon Tea all day.
The new Photography Centre at the V&A houses over 600 spellbinding photos including some of the oldest known photographs to modern masters. The Museum began acquiring photographs in 1852, and its collection is now one of the largest and most important in the world.
Narrated by Jim Carrey and using incredible 3D technology, Under the Sea will leap off the screen and take you on a fascinating journey to discover the mysteries of the ocean floor.
Tim Peake is your guide for an out-of-this-world virtual reality mission that puts you in the pilot’s seat of a Soyuz capsule. As the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut, Tim Peake spent six incredible months aboard the International Space Station.
From mankind's earliest dreams of flight to the wide-body aeroplanes of today, discover the absorbing story of flight. Overhead walkways allow you to get up close to aeroplanes suspended in the air. Examine exhibits from the pioneer days of aviation, including the world's most authentic Antoinette monoplane (1909), Amy Johnson's Gipsy Moth and the Vickers Vimy, which first crossed the Atlantic in 1919.
Fuel your adrenaline and feel what it's like to fly a low level mission in the RAF's latest Typhoon jet. Our new simulator takes you on an action-packed flight, demonstrating the aircraft's manoeuvrability through the beautiful landscapes of North Wales and the Lake District.
From dinosaurs to mammals, explore the amazing diversity of life on Earth. Follow our planet's evolution and walk beneath a 25.2-metre blue whale skeleton. Take a journey through our spectacular Earth sculpture and find out about the tremendous forces that shape our planet. See scientists at work in the Darwin Centre and enjoy the tranquil habitats of our Wildlife Garden.
The Ampersand Hotel is an elegant restored Victorian treasure, a small luxury hotel with a unique concept, uniting guests with the local surrounding area through the five themes of botany, music, geometry, ornithology and astronomy.
The Japanese restaurant, Akira, is on the first floor of Japan House London. Named after Chef SHIMIZU Akira, the restaurant presents an authentic Japanese dining experience based on Akira’s ‘trinity of cooking’ principles – food, tableware and presentation. AKIRA is now offering a takeaway service. T
Stein's Berlin Restaurant is a new and exciting addition to the well loved Stein's group of German restaurants. Their modern contemporary restaurant inside a Grade 2 listed building also features a fantastic terrace overlooking Princes Gardens.
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.
Join in on the third Thursday of every month for fun craft evenings and pick up new and exciting crafting skills
Find a diverse range of contemporary sculpture and 3D art, alongside artist talks and workshops.
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.
Experience an inspiring story of human endeavour, bringing our universe to life in this stunning IMAX 3D presentation with real images of distant galaxies, the sun and Mars, taken by Hubble and the world’s most powerful telescopes
The naked eye perceives only a fraction of what there is to see on Earth; we are surrounded by things that are either too fast, too slow or too small for us to observe. Unlock the secrets of this unseen world in this stunning IMAX 3D film.
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.
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.
This is the largest French library in the UK, and also contains the Bibliothèque Quentin Blake, which is full of exciting and educational materials for children up to 12.
Help to explode some rocket-fuelled bubbles, melt some marshmallows, and learn all about the challenges of space in this free interactive family show. This show is suitable for children aged 5 and above.
Traditional service and Victorian grandeur come together with sleek style and contemporary comfort at the Kensington, in one of London’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods. Embrace a sophisticated member’s club vibe, whether over afternoon tea or all day dining in the light, lively drawing rooms, cocktails in the glamorous K Bar.
