the home of science, arts and inspiration

Some things to do today

Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration

opens 22nd January
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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One of the foremost British artists of the 20th century, Lucian Freud is best known for his figurative paintings, but he also made many etchings, often of the subjects and sitters featured in his painted works. A selection of these intricate and intimate prints will be on display at the V&A South Kensington in 2024.

Jameel Prize 7

Opens 30th Nov 2024
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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The seventh edition of the Jameel Prize is devoted to moving image and new media work, inspired by Islamic art, culture, history, or ideas.A group of finalists will be selected by a jury, and the winner will be announced at the V&A exhibition opening.

Naomi in Fashion

22nd June 2024 - 6th April 2025
10.00am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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An exhibition exploring the extraordinary career of fashion model Naomi Campbell. Through the work of leading global designers and photographers we celebrate her creative collaborations, activism and far-reaching cultural impact.

Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence

2nd March - 22nd Sept
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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Last chance to explore Tropical Modernism - an architectural style developed in the hot, humid conditions of West Africa in the 1940s.

Image credit: 1959 Barbie No. 1 © Mattel, Inc.

Barbie: The exhibition

5th July - 23rd Feb 2025
10am - 5pm
Design Museum
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A major exhibition exploring the design evolution of one of the world’s most famous dolls: Barbie®. Journey into the Barbie universe and discover over 250 remarkable objects, with rare, unique and innovative dolls dating from 1959 to the present day.

Design Museum Shop Christmas Gift Guide

Design Museum
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Channel your inner interior designer and transform your space into a winter wonderland with classic and contemporary decorations from all the wonderful designs that are on offer at the Design Museum Shop this Christmas!

Natural History Museum Christmas Gift Shop

Natural History Museum
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Go wild with the dinosaur decorations this year! Look out for the T. rex on skis, the Stegosaurus in a bobble hat and the Triceratops tree topper to top it all off. As for decorating yourself and the kids, there is also festive knitwear!

Image credit: Versace dress El Mirage, © Herb Ritts Foundation.

Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection

On until 5th Jan 2025
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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An unparalleled selection of the world's leading photographers, telling the story of modern and contemporary photography. Discover iconic images across subjects such as fashion, celebrity, reportage and the male body.

Image credit: Caiman Crunch © Ian Ford, Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024

11th Oct - 19th June 2025
10am - 5.50pm
Natural History Museum
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Experience the wonder of life on Earth through the world’s best wildlife photography. The exhibition is back for its sixtieth year to reveal more of nature’s stories.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

21st Nov 2024 - 5th Jan 2025
10am - 10pm
Hyde Park
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Located in London’s iconic Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is the world’s ultimate destination for festive fun. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks, and so much more...

Family Trails at the Science Museum

Science Museum
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Go on a journey of discovery and exploration around the Science Museum.

Young V&A

Opens 1st July
10am-5:30pm
V&A South Kensington
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Get ready to spark your creativity at Young V&A – the museum where children, young people and families can imagine, play and design. From 1 July 2023, be inspired by spaces, explore our collection and get creative. Right now, keep in touch on social.

Energy: Sparks from the Collection

Until 18th May 2025
10am - 6pm
V&A South Kensington
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This display shines a light on the diverse kinds of energy in photography, from the hidden processes intrinsic to creating a picture, to the subjects in front of the camera.

Engineers

Daily
10am-6pm
Science Museum
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Engineers shape the world that we live in, creating bold, ground-breaking innovations that respond to global challenges and improve billions of lives. But how much do we know about the people behind these innovations?

Power Up

10am - 5.30pm
Science Museum
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Immerse yourself in this hands-on gaming zone, featuring the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a retro games fan, a serious gamer or just want to beat your family at Mario Kart.

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

Daily
8am - 6pm (Mon-Fri); 7pm on Sat & Sun
Hyde Park
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The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen serves a wide variety of tasty hot meals and snacks, freshly prepared sandwiches and salads, a daily selection of cakes from the bakery and hot and cold drinks from the bar. Enjoy the popular terrace area with sweeping views over the Serpentine.

Footways - exploring London on foot

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Footways
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Why not plan your visit to South Ken using the Footways walking map available at railway stations and online? You can plan your route away from the busy roads and discover a quiet and alternative side to London.

Gem Strathmore Hotel

Daily
Gem Strathmore Hotel
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The hotel is the former London residence of the Earl of Strathmore, the late Queen Mother’s father, is a restored Victorian mansion located close to London’s most famous museums, galleries, and cultural attractions. The magnificent colonial-style Earl's Restaurant is an exquisite blend of Victorian grandeur and contemporary luxury.

Royal College of Music Cafe

Mon - Sat (Sat - term time only)
8.30 am - 4.30pm
Royal College of Music
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The café serves barista-style coffees, sandwiches, snacks and hot food in spectacular surroundings. Enjoy your refreshments inside or out, with access to the new 1851 Courtyard and accompanied by the sounds of music across the College.

Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery

Daily
10am - 6pm
Science Museum
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Step into the fascinating world of technicians for a peek behind the scenes in the Science Museum's brand new interactive gallery. Experience what it’s like to create visual effects on a blockbuster film set or operate a robot in a manufacturer's workshop,

V&A tours are back

Dates & times vary
V&A South Kensington
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Discover the work of the V&A's conservation studios, or join a guided tour through their unique galleries. Members can also explore hidden places and historical sites in and around London, often inaccessible to the public.

Self-Guided Tours at the Natural History Museum

Daily
10am-5:50pm
Natural History Museum
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Whether you're visiting for the first time or the fiftieth, these tours and free things to do, will take you through the best the Museum has to offer.

What you can do to help the planet: an illustrated guide

Online
Natural History Museum
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The future of humanity depends on the natural world. But we are facing a planetary emergency. We're losing green spaces, animals and plants to deforestation, exploitation, urbanisation and global warming. But hope isn't lost. If we act together, we can make a  positive difference. Here's how to do your bit to protect nature.

IMAX: The Ronson Theatre

Daily
Varies
Science Museum
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Experience this fully immersive IMAX, on one of the biggest cinema screens in the UK. With an IMAX laser 4k projector and an IMAX 70mm film projector, this experience is great for all cinema lovers. Regularly showing are scientific documentaries and the latest blockbuster releases.