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Hidden Treasures

Whether you're visiting South Kensington for the first time, or you've visited a hundred times, here's a list of some of the best, but least well-known, exhibits, galleries, and places.

V&A Photography Centre: drop-in tours

Until 25th Nov
2:30pm-3pm
V&A South Kensington
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The V&A Photography Centre is the largest space in the UK dedicated to a permanent photography collection. Join a member of the Photography Team to explore the Centre’s current displays.

Inspiration Africa: Stories Beyond the Artefacts

Until 14 Dec
3:30pm-4:30pm
V&A South Kensington
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Explore the V&A galleries through the lens of African Heritage. First and second Saturday of the month.

Pop-up Performance: Mindful Movements

30th Oct- 1st Nov
11am-3:40pm
V&A South Kensington
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Come along to this drawing and movement session inspired by the collection, mindfulness, and our new families mindful activity.

Design Camp: Digital Character Design for 11 to 14 year olds

31st Oct
10:15am –4:15pm
V&A South Kensington
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Participants will design their own characters with plasticine and then learn how to redesign them using 3D modelling software.

Nature Study: Ecology and the Contemporary Photobook

Until 18th May 2025
10am-6pm
V&A South Kensington
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Landscape, flora and fauna have inspired photographers since the camera’s earliest days. Contemporary artists continue to experiment with the format of the book to adapt to the pressing challenges of our environment today.

Africa Rising North Kensington Creative Take Over

3rd Nov
11am-5:30pm
V&A South Kensington
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The V&A South Kensington welcomes the North Kensington community to join them for a day of immersive and creative activities, talks, tours, design workshops with a Global African flavour,

Metal Embossing

29th Oct
Various times
The Royal Society of Sculptors
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Join this workshop led by designer Tiz Creel to explore and learn the art of metal embossing using tin to create beautiful, textured designs.

Enchanted Bodies

6th Nov- 12th Dec
10am- 5pm
Imperial College London
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A group drawing, painting, photography and sculpture exhibition at Imperial's South Kensington Campus. Open to all and free to visit.

Museum Half Term Family Fun

26 Oct - 03 Nov
Various times
Royal College of Music
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Enjoy a variety of family friendly activites in the Royal College of Music Museum this half term.

Introduction to Flowers on Tulle Embroidery at Dora House

21st Nov
6.30 - 8.30pm
The Royal Society of Sculptors
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Learn the basics of flowers-on-tulle embroidery in this two-hour workshop and make your own “moon hoop". It makes a wonderful present as a wall hanging, or even a wedding ring holder.

Dr Esther Mahlangu: Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu

4 Oct 2024 - 28 Sept 2025
Serpentine
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Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu presents a new public art mural in the garden at Serpentine North. The work emphasises the importance of communities and unity among humans and other living species.

Explore festival 2024

28th Oct - 4th Nov 2024
Various times
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Get ready for the return of the Explore festival!This year's festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, packed with exhilarating events and activities designed to ignite your sense of exploration!

A life among elephants

21st Nov
7.15pm-9.30pm
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Enjoy the UK's theatrical premiere of A Life Among Elephants - an inspiring film about Save the Elephants’ founder, Dr Iain Douglas-Hamilton CBE, and his nearly 60-year mission to protect wild African elephants.

For the Love of Sharks 2024

29th Nov
7pm-10pm
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Steve Backshall, Simon Rogerson, Kirsty Andrews and Ali Hood* will be speaking at this years’ For Love of Sharks. The evening will be filled with stories of discovery and connection, sharing their love for this fascinating family of marine animals.

Christmas Quiz

17th Dec
7.30pm-10.00pm
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Unleash your inner cartographer and embark on a journey of trivia that spans the continents. Teams of up to six are welcomed. Bring along your friends, family, or join forces with fellow quiz enthusiasts when you arrive.

Victoria's Childhood Christmas

4th Dec-5th Jan 2025
10am-6pm
Kensington Palace
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Step into the home of Princess Victoria and experience the magical atmosphere of a Regency Christmas, brought back to life at Kensington Palace.

Assembly: Abraham Cruzvillegas and Celeste

5th Oct - 30th Nov
11am to 5pm
The Royal Society of Sculptors
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Assembly, a joint exhibition of Abraham Cruzvillegas and the artist duo Celeste (María Fernanda Camarena and Gabriel Rosas Alemán) is now open at Dora House, the home of the Royal Society of Sculptors.

Visions of Nature: A Mixed Reality Experience

From 24th Oct
10am-5pm
Natural History Museum
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Equipped with a mixed reality headset, be transported a century into the future to explore what could lie ahead for the planet.

Versailles: Science and Splendour

12th Dec- 21st April 2025
10am-6pm
Science Museum
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Discover how the Palace of Versailles used science as a tool of power in this illuminating new exhibition.

Japan House London Family Workshops

27th Oct – 3rd Nov 2024
Various Times
Japan House London
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Explore the cultures of Japan this half term with a series of free family workshops. During each drop-in workshop, participants can enjoy learning about Japan and unleashing their creativity.

Culinary Landscapes: Talk and Tasting

21st Nov
7pm - 9pm
Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum
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Taste delightful and little known historic dishes from South West Asia and North Africa, based on recipes researched by culinary historian Professor Daniel Newman.

Looks Delicious! Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture

2nd Oct- 16th Feb 2025
10am- 8pm
Japan House London
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Take a mouth-watering journey through the uniquely Japanese phenomenon of shokuhin sanpuru – the unexpectedly realistic food replicas displayed in front of restaurants across Japan.

Image credit: Surrounded, 1996 © Tim Burton

The World of Tim Burton

25th Oct- 21st April 2025
10am - 6:00pm
Design Museum
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Delve into the fantastical world of Tim Burton in this major exhibition exploring his remarkable creations and key collaborations with designers.

Halloween Lates

31st Oct
6:30pm - 10pm
Science Museum
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This Halloween, prepare to embrace your worst fears as you investigate spooky science and terrifying tech.