Serpentine Galleries — London's Twin Art Hubs in Kensington Gardens

The Serpentine Galleries are two contemporary art spaces located in London's Kensington Gardens, flanking the Serpentine Lake. The main Serpentine Gallery, originally a 1934 tea pavilion, was transformed into an art exhibition space in 1970. Across the lake, the Serpentine North Gallery occupies a former 1805 Napoleonic-era gunpowder magazine, which was dramatically re-imagined and extended by Zaha Hadid in 2013.

The Annual Serpentine Pavilion

A defining feature of the Serpentine is its annual Pavilion commission, launched in 2000. Each summer, a world-renowned architect who has not yet completed a permanent building in the UK is invited to design a temporary structure on the lawn in front of the main gallery. This 100-day installation serves as a public space, café, and event venue, attracting global attention for its innovative design. Past architects include Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, Rem Koolhaas, Sou Fujimoto, and Bjarke Ingels. After its summer run, the Pavilion is dismantled and often sold, finding new homes worldwide.

Exhibitions and Programs

The main Serpentine Gallery hosts focused solo exhibitions by established artists like Damien Hirst and Gerhard Richter, offering an intimate viewing experience. Serpentine North, with Zaha Hadid's architectural intervention, is typically dedicated to larger installations and showcases emerging artists. The galleries are also known for their dynamic public programs, including the "Marathon Series" of 24-hour lectures initiated by former director Hans Ulrich Obrist, and the "Park Nights" series held within the Pavilion, featuring diverse performances, music, and talks that blur traditional artistic boundaries.

Visiting Information

The Serpentine Galleries are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with free or low-cost admission. They are easily accessible via the Piccadilly Line (Knightsbridge or Lancaster Gate stations), followed by a short walk through the park. The two galleries are connected by a scenic 15-minute walk across the Serpentine Bridge. Visitors can combine their trip with nearby cultural landmarks such as the Royal Albert Hall, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Kensington Palace. The Serpentine North also features the 'Magazine Restaurant,' a popular brunch spot, and the gallery shop offers unique artist editions.