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The Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens

Serpentine Gallery

ArchitectureArtOpens 10amFreeLancaster Gate

The Serpentine runs two exhibition spaces in Kensington Gardens: the original 1934 tea pavilion and the Serpentine North, designed by Zaha Hadid. Together they punch well above their weight, showing ambitious solo exhibitions by artists like Yayoi Kusama, Marina Abramovic, and Gerhard Richter. The annual summer pavilion commission, where a leading architect builds a temporary structure on the lawn, is one of London's great cultural traditions.

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What's On

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Serpentine Pavilion 2026 'a serpentine' by LANZA atelier, aerial view

Serpentine Pavilion 2026 by LANZA atelier

'a serpentine', the 2026 Serpentine Pavilion by Mexico City studio LANZA atelier, is a brick structure based on the English serpentine (crinkle-crankle) wall.

Now showing6 Jun – 25 Oct· Free
Jesús Rafael Soto: Pénétrable BBL Jaune, kinetic sculpture in Kensington Gardens

Jesús Rafael Soto: Pénétrable BBL Jaune

A 10-metre kinetic sculpture of 4,000 suspended yellow PVC tubes in Kensington Gardens, inviting visitors to walk through and activate the work with their movement.

Now showing16 Jun – 25 Oct· Free
Amar Kanwar exhibition at Serpentine North

Amar Kanwar

A major solo exhibition of new and existing films by New Delhi-based artist Amar Kanwar, transforming Serpentine North into a meditative visual and sonic environment exploring displacement, nationalism and memory.

Now showing23 Sept – 31 Jan 2027· Free
Justin Caguiat: Change Ringing at Serpentine South

Justin Caguiat: Change Ringing

Justin Caguiat's first major UK exhibition brings together painting, sculpture, printmaking, sound and film in a site-responsive installation, including thermochromic paintings that shift with heat and light and bronze bells that ring in continually changing sequences.

Now showing8 Oct – 10 Jan 2027· Free

Pierre Alechinsky

Pierre Alechinsky's first major solo presentation at a UK public institution in over six decades, timed to his centenary year, at Serpentine South.

Upcoming11 Feb 2027 – 18 Apr 2027· Free

Matt Copson

Matt Copson's first major UK solo show at Serpentine North, bringing together laser animation, sculpture, animatronics and sound.

Upcoming16 Mar 2027 – 22 Aug 2027· Free

Adrian Piper: I'm This Space, Selected Works 1967–2027

Adrian Piper's irony, humour and audience participation challenge beliefs about how race, gender and truth are constructed, in a survey at Serpentine South.

Upcoming26 May 2027 – 5 Sept 2027· Free

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA

Nearest station: Lancaster Gate and Knightsbridge

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Hours

MonClosed
Tue10:00–18:00
Wed10:00–18:00
Thu10:00–18:00
Fri10:00–18:00
SatToday10:00–18:00
Sun10:00–18:00

Admission

Free

Accessibility

Step-free access to the main gallery. The Serpentine North gallery is fully accessible. Paths through Kensington Gardens are mostly paved.

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Visitor Information

Is Serpentine Gallery free to visit?
Yes, general admission to Serpentine Gallery is free. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
What are the opening hours of Serpentine Gallery?
Serpentine Gallery is open Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00, closed Mon. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Serpentine Gallery?
Serpentine Gallery is located at Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA, in the Kensington area of London. The nearest stations are Lancaster Gate and Knightsbridge.
What can I see at Serpentine Gallery?
Cutting-edge contemporary art in the heart of Kensington Gardens, always free. Current highlights include Justin Caguiat: Change Ringing, Pierre Alechinsky and Matt Copson.
Do I need to book Serpentine Gallery in advance?
Serpentine Gallery is free to enter and most days you can walk in. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
When is the best time to visit Serpentine Gallery?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Is Serpentine Gallery accessible?
Step-free access to the main gallery. The Serpentine North gallery is fully accessible. Paths through Kensington Gardens are mostly paved.

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