Some things to do today

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 - and the V&A has issued a public call-out for garments, personal stories and pictures from people who have worn designs by Alphadi, Thomas-Fahm, Seydou and Ansah. calling out to its visitors to share this incredible story.

In their second series, BBC Arts and Blast! Films invite you to delve even further into the lives of the V&A's objects. The series will follow the work of the curators, conservators and technicians, who preserve and care for these priceless objects, such as the the delicate Michelangelo wax sculpture and Shirley Bassey's stage costumes - and many objects not on display.

The NHM Learning Teams from South Ken and Tring are delighted to announce the launch of the NHM Homework Club, on their Learning Twitter channel @NHM_Learn. Each week there will be a different theme and each day there will be a simple, fun activity for parents and teachers to do with children learning during lockdown. Then every Friday at 10:30am, join them for a live-streamed quiz to test what everyone has learned from that week.

The Science Museum has pooled together an expansive field of resources including experiments, games and videos to bring the thrills and fun of science into living rooms across the country. Discover activities to support a range of curriculum topics - and don't miss the Museum's Explainers Bitesize at 1pm daily this week on BBC2, and iPlayer, to help with homework, revision and learning.

This Christmas, Comptoir Libanais is helping you add lots of Middle-Eastern vibrancy and flavours to your celebrations. Their menu is bursting with wonderful dishes, and with a tempting £10 off your first takeaway order, it's like the icing on the Christmas cake!

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.

Visit the free display showcasing the London-based designer's work including her collaboration with the Emergency Designer Network to create PPE during the pandemic

The Goethe-Institut Advent calendar is back! In 2020 they will tell the story of many different residents of the Goetheweg who try to save their district centre in the run-up to Christmas. Will they be successful?

Step inside a large scale installation of these joyful artworks paired with quotes from their young creators, and revisit this incredibly powerful moment. These homemade rainbows became an international signal of hope and animated streetscapes around the world during lockdown.

Explore the winter night sky and the impacts of light pollution with this simple family-friendly star gazing experiment you can do in your garden or out of your window. I spy celebrates the Nobel prize winner Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and his ground-breaking discoveries around how stars form and how they explode.

Rediscover Japan's cultural home in London, where a fusion of traditional and contemporary will enchant and enlighten. From craftsmanship and design to innovation and technology, challenge your perceptions of Japan and discover something new.

Whale hellooo again! The Natural History Museum flings open its doors on 3 December. From Monday-Sunday, 10am-5:50pm. A world of dinosaurs, wild animals and wonderful beasts await you. Book your free tickets in advance.

It's finally time to welcome everyone back to the Design Museum's wonderful building! The museum will reopen on Wednesday 2 December with the exhibitions Electronic: From Kraftwerk to The Chemical Brothers, Beazley Designs of the Year and Margaret Calvert: Women at Work. New tickets have been released for exhibitions on that day.

The Science Museum opens its doors on 3 December and can't wait to share its wealth of stories of extraordinary human achievements and technological advances that have helped humanity overcome challenges throughout history. Open Wednesday - Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Please pre-book a free ticket.

The very best in French cinema and literature reopens once again in the spacious surroundings of the Ciné Lumière and the amazing collections in the Médiathèque via the Click & Collect service. The Cultural Centre will be open from 2 to 20 December, 5 days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday.

Get ready to explore seven miles of galleries and a host of new displays in the world's leading museum of art, design and performance. The V&A will reopen from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am - 5:45pm. Last admission 4:45pm. Book your free timed-entry

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!

Until the Royal College of Music can welcome you back in person, RCM Sparks is delighted to continue to offer a range of digital resources as well as participatory workshops and courses via Zoom, all designed to support the Recovery Curriculum. The digital resources are grouped by age: Early Years (0-4), Ignite and Explorers (5-11) and Springboard (12-18) and consist of activity packs, backing tracks or videos and are suitable for use in the classroom.

Each week 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.

Join us for a celebration of science and the arts. Discover the Festival at home with our new exhibition, Fantasies of Exhibition Road, and a year-round digital events programme for all ages, featuring talks, workshops, interviews and more each month. Then join us for the Festival weekend in South Kensington on 3-4 July 2021.

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 to our weekly newsletter. Bursting with great content, you'll be spoilt for choice. Every week, there's something different to see and do, from fantastic new exhibitions and wonderous collections to unique, one-off events to tantalise and excite. And if you're comfortably settled at home, we have just as much fun online. Quirky, different, entertaining, there's something for everyone.

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 new augmented reality app. Created in partnership with 42 Kids, this exciting new skills-building 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.

Inspirational and legendary—this is the story of the colossal engineering feats that allowed travellers to cross a continent in style. A small display about the Trans-Siberian Railway will be opening at the Science Museum on 26 March 2021 in support of the major exhibition about this astonishing feat of engineering at the National Railway Museum in York.

For the first time since the annual architecture programme was founded 20 years ago, the 2020 Serpentine Pavilion designed by Johannesburg-based practice Counterspace has been extended into a two-year commission.

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.

In 2021, the Serpentine will present a major survey of British-Ghanaian photographer James Barnor, whose career spans six decades, two continents and numerous photographic genres through his work with studio portraiture, photojournalism, editorial commissions and wider social commentary

Encounter paintings and drawings from the past decade by Jennifer Packer, one of the most significant artists of her generation. Don’t miss 'The Eye Is Not Satisfied With Seeing' at The Serpentine. Book your free visit today

Staged simultaneously in Paris and multiple cities across the world, the evening will engage audiences in free debates with the theme TOGETHER as the common thread to tackle the latest ideas behind issues central to our times.

This display reflects on the role of humour in debates around identity, empire and power over the past two hundred years. Through over 30 objects, ranging from costumes to scripts, from puppets to music, this display unpicks the punchlines to discover what humour since the Victorian era – whether subversive, surreal, mocking or celebratory – can tell us about what it means to be British today.

Photographers, both amateur and professional, were invited to submit up to 10 photographs or films to Earth Photo, an international photography competition and exhibition. Developed jointly with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), Earth Photo aims to stimulate conversations about the world, its inhabitants and our treatment of both. 54 photos and videos shortlisted in a virtual exhibition online now.

The Design Museum Shop sells a unique selection of classic, beautiful and cutting edge books and objects for wonderful and unique festive gifts.

The Serpentine Galleries have an exceptional selection of ideas and presents for Christmas, from limited prints from Anish Kapoor: Monad, Maria Lassnag and the recent Cao Fei exhibition to beautiful publications and Tracy Emin's fragrance, exclusive to the Serpentine.

Making instant ice-cream is just one of the activities on the Science Museums website to try at home. You can also take a virtual tour via Google Streetview, let a curator guide you round the galleries, explore online exhibitions, play games and so much more.

Discover a fantastic selection of ideas from the Royal Albert Hall gift shop, featuring exclusive prints, souvenirs, and the ever-popular Steward Bear - and more..

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!

Decorate your home with exquisite Christmas ornaments inspired by all the historic royal palaces and celebrate 'the most festive time of the year!' with their perfect gifts. Beautifully designed Christmas cards, advent calendars, plus a range of unique stocking fillers to tempt.

Look no further than the Science Museum for some space-inspired gifts to share your love of astronomy this Christmas, from fun little stocking fillers for kids and adults to games for budding young scientists.

With Christmas just around the corner, the Natural History Museum has hand-picked a selection of presents perfect for lovers of the natural world. Choose from ranges that promote sustainability, products that support communities or unique experiences - all with nature in mind.

If you're looking for something different, the V&A shop showcases a wide range of designs inspired by the museum's collections and exhibitions. Beautiful prints from the recent Kimono exhibition, extraordinary designs from Filthy Lucre, and for every fan of Alice in Wonderland, a unique publication of beautiful illustrations from Peter Blake, Salvador Dali and Ralph Steadman.

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.

Explore historic photographs of local people going about their daily lives. Images of Cairo’s streets were popular with tourists, and photographers found plenty to catch their eye in the bustling city, especially around the bazaar, Khan al-Khalili. The museum bought many of these photographs a century ago as a record of Cairo’s architecture.

Discover one of the great furniture designers and architects of the twentieth century whose work was often overshadowed by her male peers, such as Le Corbusier and Jean Prouvé.

The most prestigious global environment prize in history is being launched today 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. To find out more visit

The French Film Festival will return to the Ciné Lumière in December and January. Meanwhile, enjoy the most anticipated films by first class directors and with your favourite French stars (Isabelle Huppert, Gérard Depardieu, Juliette Binoche, Vincent Cassel) online from 27 November to 4 December.

Explore the 100-year history of the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance. Discover a host of costume, designs, film and unique material from the last century including shoes worn by Dame Darcey Bussell DBE at her 2007 farewell performance.

Experience the best moments in design from January 2019 to the moment global attention shifted in late January 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. See up close innovations from around the globe – from a self-sanitising door handle to a steak grown from human cells, the TikTok dance that took over social media and Stormzy's stab-proof vest designed by Banksy for his headline Glastonbury performance.

Enjoying Comptoir's food has never been this fun and easy! During each visit you will collect points and earn exclusive rewards. With their app, you're always just a few taps away from delicious Lebanese flavours. Make sure to download it to receive a £5 welcome gift!

Explore the universe from the comfort of your home in a series of online talks hosted by Japan House London which introduce the exciting work of JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Various dates to be announced soon

Linking in with Japan's cultural calendar, each month a different theme is explored. This October it's metalworking. In conjunction with LIVE! Kouba – a virtual factory festival - invites visitors to explore the renowned metal-craft workshops of the Tsubame-Sanjo region.

This Black History Month the RGS is sharing the stories of Black geographers from the 1800s through to the present day who have contributed to the better understanding of our world. Each Thursday during October, they will be sharing short profiles of some of the Black geographers who have a connection with the Society or who appear in the Society’s historical Collections.

We might be mourning T-shirt weather and sunsets at 10pm, but crisp, sunny autumnal days are spectacular in London's eight Royal Parks. As well as experiencing the changing of the seasons, visitors can also enjoy virtual Halloween activities, guided walks, bug hunting, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Rediscover the V&A’s Raphael Court – home to the iconic Raphael Cartoons. Following an extraordinary refurbishment, gain a new understanding of the ingenuity of Raphael and explore the fascinating history of a Renaissance treasure.

This October half-term meet the roaring T. rex, say hi to the giant sloth and walk beneath the 25-metre blue whale skeleton. Plus from 19 October to 1 November, enjoy self-guided activities in the Wildlife Garden, look out for science stations around the Museum and download the I Spy trail to enjoy on your visit. Tickets are now available for visits up to 1 November, don't forget to book your free tickets in advance.

See South Kensington in a whole new light as it is transformed by a selection of artists re-imagining spaces along Exhibition Road in Albertopolis, where the Great Exhibition Road Festival takes place. The artists were inspired by conversations with scientists at Imperial College London on mental health and wellbeing research to create digital dreams of these iconic places.

Discover the beauty of locomotive engineering and journey through 100 years of model-making at the Science Museum’s free exhibition. Brass, Steel and Fire highlights the great age of experimentation when vicars, lace makers and engineers breathed life into hissing, steaming miniature locomotives.

Flick through Wildlife Photographer of the Year images and explore the exhibition at your own pace (and without the crowds!) in this online gallery filled with stunning nature photographs.

My Dino Mission AR is aimed at 7-10 year olds and enables budding young palaeontologists to help a stranded dinosaur get back to its own time period many millions of years ago. 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

Go on a small safari with a handy guide to the minibeasts that live in the Wildlife Garden and their habitats. Then, complete the NHM's leaf bingo by spotting fabulous foliage in the Museum's outdoor space. There's an incredible variety and volume of life in the garden just waiting to be discovered.

For over 300 years, steam has been the driving force behind the working factories, shipping and railways that are essential for trade. Even now, steam turbines generate the majority of the electricity we use every day, both at home and at work. See the huge, red Burnley Mill engine in action.

Tribes is a fascinating exploration of both the benign and malign effects of our very human need to belong. How this need – genetically programmed and socially acquired – can manifest itself in positive ways, collaboratively achieving great things that individuals alone cannot. And yet how, in recent years, globalisation and digitisation have led to new, more pernicious kinds of tribalism.

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.

Use objects from around the home to help you create your own story. Then design the costumes and sets, and bring it to life! Take a look at the objects in the V&A collections for more inspiration. Designed for ages 7 and up.

Play with objects, artworks and your favourite animals in these creative drawing challenges designed for ages 7 and up. Start off by sketching a creature in clothes, and then create your own funky critter.

Evoking the experience of being in a club, this exhibition will transport you through the people, art, design, technology and photography that have been shaping the electronic music landscape. Celebrate 50 years of legendary group Kraftwerk with their 3D show. Step into the visual world of The Chemical Brothers for one of their legendary live shows, as visuals and lights interact to create a new three-dimensional experience by Smith & Lyall. Travel to dance floors from Detroit to Chicago, Paris, Berlin and the UK’s thriving scene and indulge your senses with Andreas Gursky’s images, iconic DJ masks and fashion, a soundtrack by French DJ and producer Laurent Garnier and a sound reactive visual installation created specifically for the exhibition.

Just down the road at the Royal Society of Sculptors, award-winning artist Fabio Lattanzi Antinori has transformed the terrace with a bold digital display. The Cost of Your Words is a bold digital sculpture which displays the current cost of keywords captured from Google searches in and around South Kensington, making a statement from the unexpected associations of words and their relevance in today's society. Step inside this gem of a gallery for Content Provider by Jeremy Hutchinson and you’ll never look at the office in quite the same way again.

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.

Crisp autumn days are wonderful for walking, and it’s a great way to explore this cultural district. 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.

Discover mind-blowing exhibits and demonstrations that fuel your imagination and immerse yourself in a world of wonder.

The Institut français has made it so easy to sign up and learn French. They've even extended the starting date to October. You can learn with your own tutor or with a friend or in a group. The possibilities are endless. And if you book now they're offering an early bird 10% discount. There's no excuse!

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!

The Crystal Palace dinosaurs might look comically incorrect, but they hold an important place in the history of palaeontology and at the time of construction in 1854 were as accurate as was possible based on the scientific data available. But just how much did Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins and his scientific advisors get right and wrong about these prehistoric reptiles?

As part of the Royal College of Art's In Session events with leading designers, Nadia Danhash, Director of InnovationRCA discusses with Judah Armani, Founder & Director of InHouse Records, about how to tackle some of the toughest challenges of our age, through design.

In an everchanging world, designers of tomorrow need to be inspired. The V&A's Innovate is a fantastic opportunity for students in years 7, 8 and 9 to work in teams to design a solution to a real-world problem. The two themes this year are Home and Community. Become an Innovator.

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

This display presents for the first time watercolour during the Renaissance as a unified art form, highlighting its versatility and pivotal role in understanding, interpreting and documenting the natural world.

The digital artwork “Earth Speakr” by Olafur Eliasson on the occasion of the German EU Council Presidency invites children to speak for the planet – and adults to listen to what they have to say.

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.

The Royal Parks popular guided tours may be temporarily on hold but there is a lot you can discover by yourself! Covering over 253 hectares, explore the park and learn all about the environments, wildlife and heritage that surrounds you.

Sanne Visser is a Dutch designer who works and lives in London. Learn how to harness the potential of natural materials and circular design in a behind-the-scenes look into her home studio.

Cromwell Place, South Kensington’s highly anticipated flexible arts space, has recently announced that it will officially open its doors on 10 October 2020 following five years in development. 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+. This fun, educational series is like Monty Python meets Bill Nye the Science Guy. 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.

For all who love creating beautiful things or simply being inspired by other's creativity, don't miss Leighton House Museum's new series The Artist Studio, featuring three contemporary artists who respond to Leighton House collections using their craft.

A new website uses reported cases and deaths to estimate the probability regions in England, Scotland and Wales will become COVID-19 ‘hotspots’. The team behind the website, from Imperial College London, define a hotspot as a local authority where there are more than 50 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 of the population per week.

Sharks’ non-bony skeletons were thought to be the template before bony internal skeletons evolved, but a new fossil discovery suggests otherwise. The discovery of a 410-million-year-old fish fossil with a bony skull suggests the lighter skeletons of sharks may have evolved from bony ancestors, rather than the other way around.

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. From the Royal Observatory of Greenwich Park to the roaming deer of Richmond, explore 5,000 acres of historical parkland right in the middle of London. 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.

The much loved Stein's Berlin restaurant reopens in Kensington with carefully spaced seating and special air purifiers to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Enjoy some wonderful dishes in their modern contemporary interior on on their terrace overlooking Princes Gardens.

New development plans for South Kensington station include much needed step-free access to the street and museum subway. The deadline for comments on the planning application is 4 September. If you use the station and care about its future, please have your say on the planning application.

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

James Bowen's A Streetcat Named Bob is Westminster Libraries' Book of the Week. Since the publication of his popular book, Bowen now dedicates his time to working with homelessness, literacy, and animal welfare charities. Visit one of their libraries today and give it a read!

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.

Asante gold court regalia is richly symbolic of an economy centred on the gold trade. Small brass goldweights were shaped to express proverbs encouraging honesty, integrity and the need to leave a legacy of good deeds. This display highlights contested heritage: some items were taken by British troops when they raided the Asante capital, Kumasi, in 1874 in conflicts over gold-trading ports.

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.

An online festival showcasing films by designers, and films on design by filmmakers and artists. Students from three graduate programmes investigate the relationship between design and film – film as a medium of worldmaking, film as a response to and reflection of current environments and conditions, film as a material for research and development and film as a conceptual and practical tool for designing.

As we enter a new decade characterised by technological acceleration, 24/7 working, and climate uncertainty, there is a crucial role for design in supporting the ways we care for ourselves, each other and the planet, and to this end four emerging designers are exploring alternative avenues for communities to become more resilient.

The Serpentine Galleries' latest podcast features perspectves from self-organised Indigenous organisations at the front line of extraction and climate change, as well as artists researching our more-than-human entanglements.

Finally! Summer has started, lockdown restrictions are easing and other than keeping your distance and wearing a mask on public transport it’s pretty much back to normal. Right? Not exactly. The Royal Parks have been hugely popular during lockdown but they need a little TLC. Please pick your litter up and bin it or take it home. Just yours. Treat the wildlife, trees and plants as the wonderful living things that they are and we can all enjoy these special places of tranquility.

A quarter of British mammals are at risk of extinction. Out of the 47 native mammals, 11 are at risk of extinction, including the much-loved hedgehogs and water voles. Discover tips on how to help hedgehogs and build your own hedgehog house.

Ciné Lumière reopens on 26th August with some fantastic films in their programme of events. For our youngest audience there's The Lost Prince, a father's world of magic begins to disappear as his daughter grows up, the classic and memorable Les Misérables, the award-winning comedy of manners Le Charme discret de la bourgeoisie, and more!

The V&A reopens on 6th August. They've made some changes to keep you safe during your visit. For now all visitors – including Members – need to book a free timed entry ticket here.

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.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2020 Awards. From imaginary worlds and fairy-tales to the difficult reality of life in a refugee camp, the winners of this year's awards demonstrate the versatility and breadth of contemporary illustration.

Enjoy the best of French and world cinema on the big screen and an exciting cultural programme with both onsite and online events. Why not also try French courses, the Library Click & Collect service or the Food & Drink Takeaway Pop Up? Hygiene and social distancing measures are implemented so you have the safest and most comfortable and pleasing experience.

How has the coronavirus pandemic impacted upon what and how we eat? In a new Imperial Stories feature, Imperial College London experts explain how our diets have been affected by COVID-19.

The Solar Orbiter spacecraft has unveiled its first images, including what appear to be ubiquitous miniature solar flares. The ‘campfire’ flares may solve a longstanding mystery about our star: why its outer atmosphere is hotter than its surface.

For the first time, a new study simultaneously tracks brain activity, eye movements and body movements of a pro race car driver in extreme conditions. The Imperial College London research team worked with Formula E World Champion Lucas di Grassi to compare how his brain and body reacted to steep curves and straight segments of the Top Gear race track under wet and rainy conditions. The results, published in Scientific Reports, could help explain how experts in physical tasks have tuned their bodies to react.

Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the Institute of Health Equity at University College London, talks to Science Director Roger Highfield about why some communities are at higher risk of COVID-19. His pioneering studies of civil servants revealed how, as you move down the social hierarchy to an office messenger, your risk of illness and death rises.

RBKC is launching a Culture Plan with a difference in September. There will be a fantastic choice of online and open space activities for residents and visitors. The world-famous Notting Hill Carnvival is going digital; front row seats guaranteed! Theatre projects will bring together playwrights and actors with the local community, and K+C Art Week will be creating a public art trail in shop windows on the iconic King's Road and Kensington High Street.

Evoking the experience of being in a club, this exhibition will transport you through the people, art, design, technology and photography that have been shaping the electronic music landscape. Celebrate 50 years of legendary group Kraftwerk with their 3D show. Step into the visual world of The Chemical Brothers for one of their legendary live shows, as visuals and lights interact to create a new three-dimensional experience by Smith & Lyall.

The Design Museum has launched a new pay it forward scheme in partnership with local charities, including The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, that distributes free exhibition tickets in the local community. Launched to coincide with the partial reopening of the museum on 31st July, it 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.

The Royal Parks' 5,000 acres of historic green spaces have been a haven during these extraordinary times, a place to hang out with family and friends, exercise or simply unwind. But their popularity has produced an astonishing 258 tonnes of trash equivalent to 20 London buses! This summer the Royal Parks are asking everyone to spread some kindness and help look after our precious green spaces. Spread the word!

The Royal Parks are pleased to announce that almost all cafes and catering kiosks are open in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, and for their youngest visitors, the playgrounds are due to open imminently.

Kensington Palace is thrilled to be re-opening on 30th July. There will be some changes to ensure visitors are safe, but they are confident everyone will have a great time!

With the outbreak of coronavirus, many of us are spending more time at home. With quizzes being particularly popular here's a ready-made quiz round of 15 questions featuring facts from the Science Museum Group Collection.

Science Director Roger Highfield explores how growing human tissue into mini-organs, or ‘organoids’, will help the fight against COVID-19, from explaining puzzling complications to creating novel treatments.

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 Shellworks, founded by Imperial College London graduates Insiya Jafferjee, Amir Afshar and Edward Jones, won the Venture Catalyst Challenge 2020 for their invention which turns waste crustacean shells into biodegradable, composable products that can be used as an alternative to plastic. 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste has been created on earth to date but might now become a thing of the past.

Researchers have solved the mystery of why a species of bacteria that causes food poisoning can swim faster in stickier liquids, such as within guts. The findings could potentially help scientists halt the bacteria in its tracks,

The Serpentine's phased re-opening begins on 4th August with Cao Fei's immersive Blueprints, exploring her ability to create virtual worlds, navigate physical and virtual spaces, and considers the changing landscapes of cities in China and beyond. The exhibition is free but booking in advance is essential. Tickets available later this month.

'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.

This time last year hundreds of staff, students and volunteers were getting ready to host the Great Exhibition Road Festival. We’re sorry Covid-19 means we can’t do it all again this year but it means we’re even more excited about 2021. Meanwhile, relive some of the highlights of last year here.

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.

Sir Ian Blatchford describes how the Science Museum Group is focused on meaningful and ongoing change in response to Black Lives Matter.

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​ f​or nearly 40 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.

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.

In times like these, the reflective space poetry offers can give respite to breathe and recharge. Every day this week book suggestions from Westminster Libraries' staff will be highlighted. All the books are available for free on their cloud library service with your membership card.

For the first time in their 150-year history, the Royal Albert Hall hosted a very special concert behind closed doors, marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day, with Mezzo Soprano Katherine Jenkins.

Are you a resident of Kensington and Chelsea or a frequent visitor of the local area? Sign up to receive the latest news and updates from the Council via K&C Life, their weekly enewsletter. In addition to discovering more cultural things to do in the area, you’ll learn the latest information about changes in service, Covid-19 support and much more. Stay informed and sign up today.

For a new residency, the Goethe-Institut London and Somerset House Studios welcome artist, DJ, writer, and performer Juliana Huxtable. Working remotely from her studio, Juliana will be taking part in live streams and artist development opportunities.

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.

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..

Find out more about the Royal Geographical Society's online lectures offered through their School Membership package

Jointly run by the RCM and Imperial College, London, the internationally celebrated research Centre for Performance Science (CPS) has launched a major new study to track the effects of Covid-19 on arts and culture students and professionals.

Get closer to London based artist Morag Myerscough. In conversation with the Design Museum's director, Tim Marl0w.

Every Saturday come online and enjoy a lively discussion with the Design Museum's director, Tim Marlow, and a familiar face from the world of design, fashion and architecture. This coming Saturday 18th April at 2pm, it's the creative duo 2LG Studio.

Welcome, naturenauts! Are you ready for an adventure? Grab your phone or tablet to explore the nature on your doorstep.

Virtual Museum: nine ways to explore from home. 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.

From Alvar Aalto to Zaha Hadid, take a journey into the world of design through  the ages with this look  into the museum's collection and exhibitions - past, present and future.

Upskill with free learning sessions for adults. Keep  inspired and  informed with fashion starter packs, lunch time sketching with leading architects and more.   Why not use this time to  learn some new skills?

Whether you’ve found yourself in charge of your children’s school day, 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.

Artists present exclusive sessions from their homes to yours. In these strange times, closing the Hall’s doors is the best way to look after the world, but we are now opening a (virtual) window for you to experience some of the most talented artists around.

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.

From our friends in the arts, not to be missed, a wonderful virtual journey celebrating the architecture and heritage of London's historic bridges by transforming the capital at night and lighting up 14 bridges along the River Thames. Once complete it will be the longest public art project in the world.

The V&A Illustration Awards are seen as the UK's most prestigious annual illustration competition, celebrating excellence in student illustration. Free to enter, they attract a raft of creativity and talent. Read more on the V&A blog. The winners will be announced on Tuesday 2 June 2020.

Kensington Palace are bringing the stories of the palace to your home. Brilliant, resilient women have occupied Kensington Palace for over 300 years. For example, can we respect Queen Victoria as feminists? Hear the debate online.

Catharsis totally immerses audiences within a digital simulation of a re-imagined old-growth forest, a forest that has developed undisturbed over hundreds of years. A wonderful way to escape and let your imagination run wild.

During this extraordinary period of forced isolation, Serpentine Galleries look for ways to support artists and keep the flame of creativity alive. They would love to hear your thoughts about how you see art's influence in a world changing over the coming months. How can people come together to support artists in this trying time? Please share and tag #SerpentineStories.

Want to learn German while social distancing? The Goethe-Institut London's next online group course gets underway on 30 April, providing you with a flexible way to learn #GermanforReal with like-minded people, from the comfort of your home!

Rediscover the V&A’s Raphael Court - home to the iconic Raphael Cartoons - reopening on 14 November. Following an extraordinary refurbishment, gain a new understanding of the ingenuity of Raphael and explore the fascinating history of a Renaissance treasure. They were commissioned in 1515 by Pope Leo X for the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and depict the lives of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul – Fathers of the Christian church. The Cartoons have been on loan to the V&A from Her Majesty The Queen since 1865.

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

In the late 18th century, women's hair styles went crazy! It wasn't uncommon to see women sporting huge, towering creations coloured with scented powder and decorated with flowers, ribbons or even ships in full sail.

The Serpentine is collaborating with NOWNESS and K11 Art Foundation on a new online exhibition. Focusing on one artist and artwork gradually unveiled each week, this special moving image programme brings together a group of East Asia-based practitioners, featuring additional online content from the artists, curators and project advisors.

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.

If you are looking for inspiration for your next project, look no further than this free, downloadable sewing pattern. Create an original Mary Quant design from 1962: the bold and beautiful 'Georgie' dress. Get sewing!

Led by V&A staff as well as independent researchers, the Lunchtime Lecture programme explores varied aspects of the V&A’s collection and displays in more detail.

Discover the history and essence of Japanese design through this seminar by Japan House’s Chief Creative Director and President of Nippon Design Center, Hara Kenya.

Learn how royalty used fashion to entertain, control and impress. A History of Royal Fashion takes you into the wardrobes of British kings and queens across five royal dynasties from the Tudors, Stuarts and Georgians to the Victorians and Windsors.

The Royal College of Music would love to hear from RCM students, staff and alumni about the benefits, quirks and surprises of working from home. They would be thrilled to see your photos and videos and to hear your stories and insights. Join us in keeping the music alive within the RCM Community on Facebook. Here to keep the music alive in the #RCMCommunity!

Keep up-to-date with all the key business support from central Government and the Council for the self-employed and businesses within the borough. London Growth Hub has launched a new portal to support London-based businesses and employers to manage and mitigate their exposure to COVID-19 (coronavirus). In this toolkit, you will find all the resources needed to help promote this opportunity to your network:

While the Gallery buildings are closed, the Serpentine’s work continues. Collected here are some of the ways you can interact with their programmes through online exhibitions, digital commissions, podcasts, special broadcasts and more.

For updates on the Coronavirus virus and useful links for residents and businesses, please see the Westminster City Council website. There is also a sign-up for anyone who would like to volunteer to help people in Westminster.

Welcome to the V&A, the world's leading museum of art and design. Collections are unrivalled in their diversity. Explore historical and contemporary art and design, including works of art from many of the world's richest cultures.

Imperial researchers and Coursera have partnered to offer a free Massively Open Online Course explaining the science behind coronavirus.

COVID-19 Response Fund: Alumni accelerate global race against coronavirus. This new fund will help accelerate the critical work at Imperial on COVID-19. All donations, large and small, will make a tremendous difference.

Academics and researchers from Imperial College Business School have offered reactions and analysis of the impact of coronavirus on business and the economy.

Our Royal Parks are open for essential daily exercise, be that a walk, run or cycle for those who live nearby. Visit the Royal Park's website for an update on the changes temporarily in place. Please do not drive or use public transport to get to the parks.

Their doors might be closed for now but the Royal Albert Hall is still here to bring you stories, performances, and activities to keep you entertained and inspired at home. Stay tuned!

The Natural History Museum has lots of fab ideas to occupy yourself and family at home, in your garden or local outdoor space. Make a nature journal, a volcano or explore the world's best nature photography

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.

Since 1904, the Royal College of Music has published a seasonal magazine, celebrating the achievements of its students, graduates and staff.

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!

This history of the V&A is a story like no other. From its early beginnings as a Museum of Manufactures in 1852, 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.

Stay informed with the latest news, announcements and stories from the Royal Geographical Society.

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.

School’s out for most children and The Royal Albert Hall understands how odd that must feel for the little ones (and the grown-ups!), which is why they asked comedian Tiernan Douieb to make a video for any kids at home who might be a bit worried about current things.

Due to the current situation, the Goethe-Institut London is closed to the public until 19.4.2020. Language classes will change to online-teaching for the time being. There will be no language exams. All public events during this time are cancelled or postponed. The library will also remain closed.

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.

The Science Museum will be sharing updates on their temporary closure, upcoming exhibitions and collection via their newsletters, which you can sign up for.

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.

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.

Take an intimate look behind the scenes at the V&A in a 6-part series with BBC Two. Made with BBC Arts and Blast! Films, Secrets of the Museum explores some of the most fascinating objects and the curators, conservators, tech experts and teams who look after them.

Championing new ideas in contemporary art since it opened in 1970, the 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.

As the world is facing a new economic crisis, how could the arts and civil society benefit from blockchain technologies? Hear from artists, curators, technologists and researchers who are using blockchain to revolutionise their way of working in the Goethe-Institut London’s latest Talking Culture podcast episode.

For all the latest on Coronavirus advice and also disruption to RBKC council services, or additional support from the council, please visit their website.

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,

For almost 200 years the medium of photography has created an unprecedented intimacy between Sovereign and subjects. The new display explores the British Royal Family’s enduring relationship with the camera. Going on display at Kensington Palace for the first time will also be a selection of images taken by Royal Family members themselves

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.

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. 

Johannesburg-based practice Counterspace, directed by the all-woman team of Sumayya Vally, Sarah de Villiers and Amina Kaskar, were selected to design the Serpentine Pavilion 2020. All three were born in 1990 and are the youngest ever architects to be commissioned for this renowned architecture programme.

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.

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.

The exhibition will offer unprecedented insight into Prada’s creative approach, inspirations and landmark collaborations.

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.

Utilising various media, including video, the internet, interactive technologies, photography, drawing, painting and watercolour, Suzanne Treister explores emerging technologies, alternative belief systems and potential human futures through a newly commissioned book and web-based augmented reality work.

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.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is now open. Explore the world's best nature photography exhibited on 100 light panels. Go deeper and discover the surprising - and often challenging - stories behind the images during a time of environmental crisis. The exhibition is expected to sell out at weekends, so book in advance to guarantee entry.

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.

Whether seeking guidance across a broad area, or niche support on topics such as, audience development, forging new revenue streams, organising private hire events, and collections management, there’s a plethora of subjects to choose from. Led by expert staff, learn and share best practice with colleagues from fellow UK and international cultural organisations.

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.

Exploring 5,000 years of art, design and culture, Epic Iran will shine a light on one of the greatest historic civilisations, its journey into the 21st century and its monumental artistic achievements, which remain unknown to many.

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.

In this workshop, pupils work in small teams to design and build a LEGO Martian rover. They then code, test and evaluate their designs. After receiving missions from scientists, they will have to decide what their rover should investigate and build appropriate tools for the challenge. In a final challenge, pupils will see how their rovers perform on a large-scale realistic Martian surface.

The new Photography Centre opens at the V&A with 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.

IKEA and the Design Museum present the Last Straw, an installation featuring the last ever single-use plastic straw IKEA will serve or sell in any store in the UK and Ireland.

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.

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.

A new app from the Museum which encourages kids and their favourite grown-ups to head outdoors and learn fun facts about UK wildlife. Grab your phone or tablet to explore the nature on your doorstep.

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.

Artist Lee Ufan brings new public sculpture to Kensington Gardens. Comprised of two, angled, mirrored, steel sheets and two different-sized stones, Relatum – Stage will merge the natural and industrial in an installation that reflects the surrounding environment of the Park.

How do today’s scientific discoveries shape tomorrow’s world? Get the scoop on the most surprising science stories and the biggest breakthroughs in the Tomorrow's World gallery.

A brilliant online resource that can be used in schools to accompany D&T lessons, or alongside a trip to the Design Museum. This site looks at the design of objects and the story behind designs, and includes teacher guidance.

Cool off at the ice-cream and milkshake bar. Indulge your sweet tooth with sundaes and milkshakes or design your own ice cream tubs. Find the Shake Bar right outside Wonderlab.

Set off on a treasure hunt to unlock the secrets of the museum hidden in its walls. Meet a cast of characters, collect gems and reveal the museum's secrets!

The beautiful Sunken Garden was planted in 1908, transforming part of the gardens previously occupied by potting sheds into a tranquil ornamental garden. Today, the garden continues the tradition of rotational flower displays in the spring and summer.

The Italian Gardens is a 150-year-old ornamental water garden located on the north side of Kensington Gardens near Lancaster Gate. It is believed to have been created as a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria.

Hyde Park has a fleet of rowing and pedal boats on the Serpentine and the UK's first Solarshuttle, a magnificent vessel which glides across the lake powered only by the sun. The Solarshuttle carries up to 40 passengers and the pedal and row boats hold up to 6 persons each.

The trail will include creative looking, thinking and drawing activities as you explore the museum and exhibitions. The trail asks the user to consider what it's like to be a designer, maker and user of some of the wonderful objects in the collection. Takes 30 - 40 minutes.

Explore the different time periods dinosaurs lived, sort the facts from the myths about why they died out, and find out what our scientific research has taught us about these prehistoric giants.

Are you big on museums, but short on time? NHM's knowledgeable visitor assistants have designed just the dinosaurs tour for you. It will introduce you to some of the Museum's most famous and imposing specimens. One hour

As the European Space Agency's first British astronaut, Tim Peake spent six incredible months aboard the International Space Station. Using VR technology, get a 360° look inside a Soyuz capsule and retrace Tim's 400km journey back to Earth from the ISS.

The Serpentine Sackler Gallery & adjoining Magazine Restaurant, opened in 2013, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The Serpentine is now two contemporary art galleries in the heart of the Royal Park of Kensington Gardens in central London.

City of Towers is an installation presenting research into a new concept for the design and construction of high-rise buildings. City of Towers explores the concept of the tower through the lens of Parametricism – an architectural style created by the use of 3D software that renders shapes and forms using complex mathematical formulas. These 3D printed studies are sculptural in quality, precise in their creation, and sometimes appear to imitate natural forms.

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.

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.

Spanning five centuries, the Fashion collection is the largest and most comprehensive collection of dresses in the world.

Take a self-guided tour and explore how London’s quarter for the arts and sciences was created. Discover more about it's great institutions and magnificent buildings.

The Garden is an exciting interactive space, created especially for children aged 3–6 and their parents and carers in the basement of the Museum.

A suggested route where you can enjoy a ride through some of London's hidden gardens and get a glimpse of some of the Parks including Hyde Park along your way.

Meander from Clerkenwell, through our Museum quarter and through historic Hyde Park. Here is a suggested route from TfL and Santander Cyles.

Why not hop on a Santander bike and explore South Kensington - take a ride through the Parks, pass Kensington Palace, around the Serpentine and arrive at the Museums.

Every Tuesday, the market is open to all, providing great-tasting locally-sourced provisions on the Queen's lawn.

Afternoon Tea includes finger sandwiches, musically-themed sweet treats, homemade scones and a pot of fine tea, provided by the East India Company.

From babies to teens, RCM Sparks run a variety of inspiring events for a range of abilities, including family workshops, concerts and courses

One of the finest collections of jewelry in the world - over 3,500 jewels, including pendants given by Queen Elizabeth I.

Set design, costumes, make-up, posters - and the first folio of Shakespeare's play.

Showcasing over 1100 objects from the V&A’s collections of 17th- and 18th-century European art and design in a suite of seven galleries.

Get closer to the Museum and its incredible collections with our wide range of free or paid-for bespoke tours.

Pattern Pod is an amazing multi-sensory area for children under 8 years old. Fun, interactive exhibits encourage them to recognise and copy patterns.

The Information Age gallery celebrates more than 200 years of innovation in information and communication technologies. Relive some remarkable moments of history.

Could you shape the world we live in? Find out if you've got the problem-solving, big-thinking, team-working skills to be a globe-trotting engineer of tomorrow.

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?

Through dramatic film footage, exhibits, interactive games and our famous earthquake simulator, explore how the powers within shape the world in which we live.

Meet your ancient relatives, trace the origins and evolution of our species, and explore what makes us human.

Inside the Cocoon see hundreds of Museum specimens. Marvel at beetles and butterflies, metre-high plants, huge tarantulas and historic herbaria.

Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. Come and explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence museum scientists use in their daily work.

Explore the rich diversity of mammals, from polar bears to pygmy shrews in the Mammals gallery. -

Explore Queen Caroline's Temple which is a classical style summer house overlooking the Long Water, east of Lancaster Walk, Hyde Park.

Explore and adventure in the playground with a huge wooden pirate ship which is the centrepiece of the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground.

Tree-lined avenues and flower beds provide a stunning back drop to Kensington Palace.

Showcasing the best of foreign film - it screens a mix of French, European and Global films - with subtitles.

The children's library has reopened providing children with easy access to a wide range of interactive resources.

The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk takes visitors through four of the most beautiful parks in the world, including Hyde Park and Kensington Palace.

A unique fountain memorial to Princess Diana designed to reflect her spirit of life and love of children.