For those wondering, this is not Slytherin’s hangout spot.
It’s an innovative pair of gallery spaces located in the idyllic Kensington Gardens, perched on the other side of the Serpentine Lake from Hyde Park.
The Serpentine has presented pioneering exhibitions, live events, architecture and more for half a century, showcasing both emerging and internationally recognised contemporary artists for free, all-year round. The galleries are situated a convenient five minutes walk from each other, on either side of The Serpentine Bridge, and have full disability access and facilities. The original South Gallery, established in 1970, exhibits from within a Grade II listed former tea pavilion; and The North Gallery, only going since 2013, is housed in a Grade II listed former gunpowder store. But despite their historic settings, what’s inside – and out – is cutting edge stuff.
© Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture. Photo: Iwan Baan, Courtesy: Serpentine.
See, each year, The Serpentine also commissions a different artist or architect to design an outdoor pavilion. It’s become the highlight of the architectural calendar since Zaha Hadid’s first Pavilion back in 2000, and if you’re visiting between June and October, it’s not to be missed.
Image: Esther Mahlangu, Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, 2024. Serpentine North Garden, 4 October 2024 – 28 September 2025. Courtesy Serpentine and The Melrose Gallery. Photo: George Darrell
Currently running until 28th September is Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, the first public mural in the UK by South African artist Dr Esther Mahlangu, whose large-scale, vividly coloured paintings are rooted in Ndebele culture.
Back indoors, the Serpentine Galleries have heaps of cool free events and exhibitions throughout the year, with a distinct taste for the futuristic.
Between gallery hopping, take a break at the Serpentine Galleries cafe, housed in a striking Zaha Hadid-designed extension. It’s currently hosting a long-term pop-up from East London brunch outfit Friends of Ours, whose menus laden with Turkish poached eggs and baked French toast offer casual dining…
…at its finesssst.
NOTE: The Serpentine Galleries are free to visit and are open Tuesday – Sunday (and bank holiday Mondays). You can find out more right HERE.
Serpentine South Gallery, Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA | Serpentine North Gallery, West Carriage Drive, London W2 2AR
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