Serpentine Gallery, London
Serpentine Gallery is one of the most distinguished modern and contemporary art galleries in London, located in the picturesque Kensington Gardens in the City of Westminster. Since its establishment in the 1970s, it has become a cultural landmark, offering free exhibitions that attract both locals and international visitors. The gallery showcases work by emerging and internationally renowned artists and is celebrated for its annual architecture commission known as the Serpentine Pavilion.
History and Background
The Serpentine Gallery was founded in 1970 and is housed in a classical 1934 tea pavilion near the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park. The transformation from teahouse to public art space was driven by a desire to make contemporary art accessible to a wider audience. Over the decades, the gallery has exhibited works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, and Marina Abramović.
In 2013, a second space called the Serpentine North Gallery opened across the bridge from the original building. It was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and sits in a former gunpowder store from the 1800s. Together, these two spaces now operate under the umbrella term "Serpentine."
What to See
Serpentine hosts a rotating programme of exhibitions, often featuring bold, experimental, and thought-provoking contemporary artworks. It does not have a permanent collection, which allows the curators to focus entirely on temporary exhibitions that reflect the current cultural moment.
Perhaps most famously, each summer the gallery commissions a temporary pavilion by a leading architect who has not previously built in the UK. These Serpentine Pavilions have become an internationally celebrated feature, with previous designers including Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, and Ai Weiwei.
In addition to its exhibitions, Serpentine Gallery offers talks, performances, educational programmes, and digital initiatives. Visitors can also enjoy art installations located in the surrounding Kensington Gardens.
Visitor Information
Address and Contact
Serpentine Gallery
Kensington Gardens
London W2 3XA
Phone: +44 (0)20 7402 6075
Website: www.serpentinegalleries.org
Opening Hours
The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays, except for public holidays.
Admission Fees
Admission is free to all exhibitions and events unless otherwise stated. This is part of the gallery's mission to ensure contemporary art is accessible to everyone.
How to Get There
The nearest London Underground station is Lancaster Gate on the Central Line. From the station, it’s about a 10-minute walk across Bayswater Road into Kensington Gardens. Alternatively, you can use South Kensington Station (Piccadilly, District, and Circle Lines), which connects well with bus routes that stop near the park entrances.
From Lancaster Gate, exit the station and head south toward Hyde Park. Cross Bayswater Road, then follow the path along the Serpentine Lake until you reach the gallery, which is signposted within the park.
Fun Fact
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Serpentine Pavilion programme is that architects are invited to participate only if they have never completed a building in the UK before. This rule has led to innovative and surprising designs each year, turning a temporary structure into a major architectural and cultural talking point every summer.
Quick Facts
- Name: Serpentine Gallery
- Founded: 1970
- Location: Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
- Nearest Tube: Lancaster Gate (Central Line)
- Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Temporary exhibitions, Serpentine Pavilion, talks and events
- Website: www.serpentinegalleries.org
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7402 6075
Painting of Serpentine Gallery, London