Serpentine Galleries, London

Name: Serpentine Galleries
Address: Kensington Gardens, London, W2 3XA, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7402 6075

#53 among attractions in London

Museum, Art museum, Modern art museum, Art gallery, More...

Gallery (18)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mark Ahsmann / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Villarreal9 / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Giogo / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Lwbalmondstudio.co / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / AxaxaxaxMlö / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Giogo / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Martin van Baal / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of London's verdant Kensington Gardens, the Serpentine Galleries stand as a beacon of contemporary art, attracting culture enthusiasts from around the globe. Established in 1970, the galleries comprise two distinct spaces: the original Serpentine Gallery, and the newer Serpentine Sackler Gallery, which was renovated and expanded in 2013 by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

The Serpentine Galleries are celebrated for their commitment to presenting the works of pioneering modern and contemporary artists. They host a dynamic range of exhibitions, including painting, sculpture, installation, and digital media. The programming is innovative and often features the first UK exhibitions of prominent international artists, offering visitors a chance to engage with cutting-edge visual art.

Beyond the indoor exhibitions, the Serpentine is also famous for its annual architectural commission, the Serpentine Pavilion. Each year, a different architect is invited to design a temporary structure on the gallery's lawn, providing an exciting and interactive space for the public. These pavilions have showcased the talents of some of the world's leading architects and have become a highlight of London's cultural calendar.

Alternative names: Established: 1970 (54 years ago)Visitors per year: 1.19 mil.Coordinates: 51°30'17"N, 0°10'30"W

Address

Kensington GardensCity of Westminster (Knightsbridge and Belgravia)London W2 3XA United Kingdom

Contact

+44 20 7402 6075

Website

Social media

Facebook Instagram Twitter

London

Day trips

Serpentine Galleries – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Albert Memorial, Kensington Gardens, Royal Albert Hall, The Serpentine.

~1010 ftSW
Queen Victoria's memorial to her husband
Albert Memorial, London
5 min walk • The Albert Memorial is one of London's most ornate monuments, dedicated to the memory of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's beloved husband. Located in Kensington Gardens, just opposite the Royal Albert Hall, this Victorian-era memorial is a grandiose celebration of the...
~1360 ftNW
Green expanse west of Hyde Park
Kensington Gardens, London
7 min walk • Kensington Gardens, a verdant oasis in the heart of London, England, offers a serene retreat from the bustling city. Originally part of Hyde Park, these gardens were carved out by King William III in the late 17th century and cover 265 acres of meticulously maintained...
~1420 ftS
Landmark Victorian concert hall
Royal Albert Hall, London
7 min walk • The Royal Albert Hall, an iconic concert hall nestled in the heart of London, stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. Inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1871, the hall was named in memory of her husband, Prince Albert, whose vision for a 'Central...
0.4 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
The Serpentine, London
11 min walk • Nestled in the heart of London's Hyde Park, The Serpentine is a tranquil oasis offering a respite from the bustling city life. This historic lake, renowned for its recreational facilities and picturesque setting, has been a staple of London's green spaces since the...
~1170 ftN
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
The Long Water, London
6 min walk • The Long Water, a serene and elongated lake located in the heart of London, offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nestled within the expanse of Kensington Gardens, one of the capital's eight Royal Parks, The Long Water is a...
~1470 ftN
Vernacular architecture, Monuments and statues, Sculpture
Peter Pan statue, London
8 min walk • Nestled in the verdant landscapes of Kensington Gardens in London, the Peter Pan statue is a whimsical tribute to the beloved character created by J.M. Barrie. This charming bronze sculpture, crafted by Sir George Frampton, has stood since 1912, captivating visitors...
~1000 ftSW
Monuments and statues
Frieze of Parnassus, London
5 min walk • In the heart of London, nestled on the southern facade of the iconic Royal Albert Hall, sits the Frieze of Parnassus, an exquisite example of Victorian sculpture that often goes unnoticed amidst the city's bustling attractions.
~790 ftE
Vernacular architecture, Monuments and statues, Fountain
Diana, London
4 min walk • The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, is a poignant tribute to the late princess and a place of solace in the bustling city of London. Nestled in the southwest corner of Hyde Park, this contemporary fountain was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2004...
~1080 ftNW
Vernacular architecture, Monuments and statues, Sculpture
Physical Energy Sculpture, London
6 min walk • Physical Energy is a bronze equestrian statue by English artist George Frederic Watts. Watts was principally a painter, but also worked on sculptures from the 1870s. Physical Energy was first cast in 1902, two years before his death, and was intended to be Watts's memorial to "unknown worth".
0.4 miN
Monuments and statues
Statue of Edward Jenner, London
11 min walk • A statue of Edward Jenner, the physician, scientist and pioneer of the world's first vaccine, is located in Kensington Gardens in London. A work of the sculptor William Calder Marshall, the bronze was originally unveiled by Albert, Prince Consort in Trafalgar Square on 17 May 1858, before being moved to its present location in 1862.
~1770 ftS
Gothic Revival architecture, Church
Holy Trinity Church, London
9 min walk • Holy Trinity Church, South Kensington, is an Anglican church located on Prince Consort Road in the City of Westminster, London, England. The current building dates from 1901 and was built by George Frederick Bodley and Cecil Greenwood Hare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Serpentine Galleries open?

Serpentine Galleries is open:

Monday closed
Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 6 pm
Thursday 10 am - 6 pm
Friday 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday 10 am - 6 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Serpentine Galleries?

Nearby attractions include Rock on Top of Another Rock, London (1 min walk), Diana, London (4 min walk), Frieze of Parnassus, London (5 min walk), Albert Memorial, London (5 min walk).

How to get to Serpentine Galleries by public transport?

The nearest stations to Serpentine Galleries:

Bus

Exhibition Road • Lines: 23, 452, 52, 9, N9 (6 min walk)
Royal Albert Hall • Lines: 23, 360, 452, 52, 702, 9, N9 (7 min walk)

Metro

Lancaster Gate • Lines: Central (13 min walk)
Knightsbridge • Lines: Piccadilly (17 min walk)

Train

London Paddington (23 min walk)