the home of science, arts and inspiration

What's On

Out Shopping: The dresses of Marion and Maud Sambourne (1880-1910)

23rd March - 20th Oct
10am - 5.30pm
Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum
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A curated selection of rarely-seen outfits, this exhibition will tell the story of Marion Sambourne and Maud Messel, at a moment in history that significantly shaped fashion.

Outdoor Activities for Kids

Online
Natural History Museum
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Fun, free things to do in a park, on the street, or anywhere outdoors.

Pandemic Objects

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Online
V&A South Kensington
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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.

Pattern Pod

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

PEOPLE, PRIDE AND PROGRESS: THE STORY OF LGBTQ+ RAILWAY WORKERS

22nd May
7.30pm - 8.45pm
Science Museum
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This discussion brings together rail historians and railway workers to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ rail workers, marking an exciting new oral history project launched by the National Railway Museum.

Performance Festival 2024: ‘Remastered’

19th April - 28th April
Various Times
V&A South Kensington
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Through a range of special free and ticketed events – live performances, talks, tours, screenings, workshops, and more – ‘Remastered’ invites audiences to explore the beauty of transformation; from making anew, to remixing the past, and inspiring the future.

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

Photography Centre

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

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!

Planting for Pollinators

Online
The Royal Parks
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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.

Polar Silk Road

Until 24th Nov
10am - 6pm
Natural History Museum
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Gregor Sailer's photography exhibition The Polar Silk Road explores the existing, potential, and unexpected impacts of this new global trade route and documents this fast-changing region at a pivotal moment in its history.

Power Pack: Climate Emergency

Online
Serpentine
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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.

Power Up

27th July 2023- 31st May 2024
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.

Princess Diana Memorial fountain

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

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Daily
During winter/spring 6am-7:45pm
Kensington Gardens
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Explore and have a great adventure in the playground with a huge wooden pirate ship which is the centrepiece of the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground.

Princess Diana Memorial walk

Daily
Hyde Park
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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.

Private Room Hire at Ognisko Polskie

Ognisko Polskie
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Ognisko is well suited to large corporate events, exhibitions, product launches, gala dinners, fashion shows, weddings and other private functions.

Professional Development at the V&A

Online & onsite
Daily: 10am-5:45pm - Friday: 10am–10pm
V&A South Kensington
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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.

Queen Carolines Temple

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

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.

Raising Ambition in Net Zero Flight

26th April
12pm - 1pm
Imperial College London
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Rapid action is needed from industry and governments to reach zero-emission aviation by 2050. In efforts to achieve this, the University of Cambridge has been leading a team in developing the 2030 Sustainable Aviation Goals. In this seminar, these goals will be presented.

RBKC Libraries online

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Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
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RBKC libraries have a fantastic online library to keep you entertained. There is a vast selection of journals, comics, books, audiobooks, language-learning platforms, reference books and much more!

RCM Sparks

Various - term time
Royal College of Music
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From babies to teens, RCM Sparks run a variety of inspiring events for a range of abilities, including family workshops, concerts and courses

Registration is now open for Great Exhibition Road Festival 2024

15th - 16th June
Great Exhibition Road Festival
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Planning ahead for the Summer? Register now for the Great Exhibition Road Festival and explore extraordinary events in South Ken: London's home of arts and science.

Resources for Schools online

Online
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Geography teachers and students, 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.