Serpentine Galleries — Art and Architecture in the Park

A Cultural Oasis in Kensington Gardens

Nestled within Kensington Gardens, the Serpentine South and North Galleries are among London’s most inspiring spaces for contemporary art and architecture.
Surrounded by greenery and open skies, they invite visitors to experience bold ideas in a peaceful, natural setting.

Together, these twin galleries form one of London’s most creative landmarks — connecting art, landscape, and design.

A Legacy of Artistic Innovation

The story began in 1970, when the Serpentine South Gallery opened in a former 1930s tea pavilion beside the Serpentine Lake.
Since then, it has hosted groundbreaking exhibitions by artists such as Andy Warhol, Marina Abramović, and Damien Hirst.

In 2013, the Serpentine North Gallery (formerly the Magazine Building) opened across the Serpentine Bridge, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
Together, the two spaces embody the gallery’s spirit — merging heritage with modern innovation.

Exploring the Serpentine Galleries
1. Serpentine South Gallery

The original Serpentine South Gallery presents changing exhibitions from leading international artists.
Each show reimagines the space, transforming its light-filled rooms into immersive environments that inspire curiosity and reflection.
In addition, its annual Summer Pavilion project invites world-renowned architects to design a temporary structure beside the gallery — a highlight of London’s cultural calendar.

2. Serpentine North Gallery

Just a short walk across the bridge, the Serpentine North Gallery showcases experimental art, film, and performance.
Its sleek, fluid extension by Zaha Hadid creates a stunning contrast with the Grade II-listed 1805 building, symbolising the meeting of past and future.
The adjoining café and social space make it a perfect place to pause and reflect between exhibitions.

3. Architecture and the Pavilion Programme

Every summer since 2000, the Serpentine Pavilion has brought visionary architecture to the park.
Designs by Frank Gehry, Bjarke Ingels, Sou Fujimoto, and Francis Kéré have transformed the lawn into an outdoor gallery of ideas.
Therefore, the pavilion stands as one of the world’s most celebrated platforms for contemporary architectural creativity.

Learn more at the Serpentine official website

A Space for Everyone

The Serpentine is free and open to all.
It promotes accessibility, inclusion, and global collaboration through art that challenges, surprises, and delights.
Furthermore, its location — surrounded by lakes, trees, and open paths — makes it a peaceful yet vibrant cultural escape in central London.

Visiting the Serpentine Galleries
How to Get There

Address: Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA (South Gallery) / W2 2AR (North Gallery)

By Tube: Lancaster Gate, South Kensington, or Knightsbridge (15-minute walk).

By Bus: Routes 9, 10, 52, 452 stop near Hyde Park Corner or Kensington Gore.

By Car: No parking in the park; use nearby public transport.

Opening Hours & Admission

Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm. Entry is free.

Facilities

Café and outdoor seating

Shop with art books and gifts

Step-free access throughout

Guided tours and family activities

Nearby Attractions

The Design Museum: Celebrating creativity and innovation.

Royal Albert Hall: Iconic venue for music and culture.

Kensington Palace: Historic royal residence.

Hyde Park: Scenic walks and boating on the Serpentine Lake.

Together, they form the Kensington Gardens Art & Design Trail.

Why Visit the Serpentine Galleries?

The Serpentine South and North Galleries offer a rare blend of art, architecture, and landscape.
They’re places where creativity breathes — where ideas unfold naturally, just like the park that surrounds them.

Whether you come for the exhibitions, the architecture, or the serenity of the gardens, the Serpentine offers inspiration in every season.

It’s not just a visit — it’s an experience of art in harmony with nature.