the home of science, arts and inspiration

Some things to do today

National Art Library and Archive talks: each Monday from 15 January

V&A South Kensington
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The V&A will be holding free, open sessions every Monday (except bank holidays) in the National Art Library. A member of the Library or Archives staff will introduce the history and purpose of the Library and talk about an item from their collections.

Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration

opens 22nd January
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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One of the foremost British artists of the 20th century, Lucian Freud is best known for his figurative paintings, but he also made many etchings, often of the subjects and sitters featured in his painted works. A selection of these intricate and intimate prints will be on display at the V&A South Kensington in 2024.

Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence

2nd March - 22nd Sept
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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Last chance to explore Tropical Modernism - an architectural style developed in the hot, humid conditions of West Africa in the 1940s.

Design Museum Shop Christmas Gift Guide

Design Museum
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Channel your inner interior designer and transform your space into a winter wonderland with classic and contemporary decorations from all the wonderful designs that are on offer at the Design Museum Shop this Christmas!

Natural History Museum Christmas Gift Shop

Natural History Museum
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Go wild with the dinosaur decorations this year! Look out for the T. rex on skis, the Stegosaurus in a bobble hat and the Triceratops tree topper to top it all off. As for decorating yourself and the kids, there is also festive knitwear!

Family Trails at the Science Museum

Science Museum
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Go on a journey of discovery and exploration around the Science Museum.

Young V&A

Opens 1st July
10am-5:30pm
V&A South Kensington
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Get ready to spark your creativity at Young V&A – the museum where children, young people and families can imagine, play and design. From 1 July 2023, be inspired by spaces, explore our collection and get creative. Right now, keep in touch on social.

Engineers

Daily
10am-6pm
Science Museum
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Engineers shape the world that we live in, creating bold, ground-breaking innovations that respond to global challenges and improve billions of lives. But how much do we know about the people behind these innovations?

Power Up

10am - 5.30pm
Science Museum
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Immerse yourself in this hands-on gaming zone, featuring the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a retro games fan, a serious gamer or just want to beat your family at Mario Kart.

Quiet walking routes to and around South Ken

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

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

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

Places to Eat

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

Footways - exploring London on foot

Online Map
Footways
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Why not plan your visit to South Ken using the Footways walking map available at railway stations and online? You can plan your route away from the busy roads and discover a quiet and alternative side to London.

Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery

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

V&A tours are back

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

Self-Guided Tours at the Natural History Museum

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

IMAX: The Ronson Theatre

Daily
Varies
Science Museum
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Experience this fully immersive IMAX, on one of the biggest cinema screens in the UK. With an IMAX laser 4k projector and an IMAX 70mm film projector, this experience is great for all cinema lovers. Regularly showing are scientific documentaries and the latest blockbuster releases.

The Royal College of Music Museum & Guided Tours

10:15am–5:45pm
Royal College of Music
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The Royal College of Music's Museum offers a unique opportunity to interact with over 500 years of musical history. Items include the world’s oldest guitar and earliest keyboard instrument with strings. Enjoy a tour of the Museum, led by their knowledgeable team on Wednesdays at 12:30pm.

Royal Geographical Society Membership

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Spark inspiration and curiosity 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.

Membership to Institut français

Institut français
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A wonderful gift 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!

Historic Royal Palaces Membership

Kensington Palace
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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.

Join the Friends of Leighton House Museum

Leighton House and Sambourne House
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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 Gift Shop

Online
Online
Leighton House and Sambourne House
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Leighton House museum's online shop has some of 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.

Give the Gift of Music

Royal College of Music
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A perfect gift for any music lover is the 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.