South Kensington is a cultural hub overflowing with art and design attractions. Take a day to see the best of the area's creative offerings, or spread the itinerary over a couple of days if you want to spend more time enjoying the sights.
The Design Museum has opened at a brand new site on High Street Kensington and this stunning new building is the perfect place to start your day. The museum hosts a vast and varying range of exhibitions in contemporary design, including fashion, graphics, architecture and much more. The museum's permanent exhibition Designer Maker User explores the process of design and features all kinds of design forms - from typeface to tennis balls. The best tube stations to start from are High Street Kensington, or Holland Park. (Find out more)
The next stop is the Serpentine Galleries. Head west on High Street Kensington towards Kensington Gardens. The two galleries are within the park itself, on either side of the Serpentine Lake. The galleries feature seasonal exhibitions of both emerging and established artists, and in summer host additional events in the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion. (Find out more)
If you’re interested in seeing smaller, hidden exhibitions, make your next stop at the Blythe Gallery, nestled within Imperial College London. This small artist-run space hosts student art and exhibitions from visiting staff. (Find out more)
The V&A is an art lover’s paradise. Leave Imperial College and head down exhibition road until you reach the grand V&A building on your left. From architecture to fine art and covering centuries of creativity, the museum has something for everyone’s taste. Be sure to grab a map on your way in if you have specific exhibits you want to see. Otherwise, enjoy getting lost in the halls of artistic and historic treasures. (Find out more)
The Science Museum's Media Space is a photography and art gallery located on the second floor of the museum. The space regularly features artistic projects and events which merge science, the arts and other creative pursuits. (Find out more)
Across from the V&A, on the corner of Exhibition and Cromwell Roads is the towering cathedral-like structure of the Natural History Museum. Beyond it's impressive collections of flora and fauna specimens, the Natural History Museum is also home to some impressive works of art. The museum's Images of Nature exhibition features historic prints, watercolours and paintings created by scientists and artists capturing the intricacies of the natural world. The museum is also home to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. See some of the world's best wildlife photography up close in this stunning gallery. (Find out more)
Founded in 1766, Christie's auction house has built its reputation as one of the world's top auction houses for fine art, jewellery, collectibles and more. The Kensington location holds lectures, exhibitions and Late events throughout the year. (Find out more)
Ready to head home? Once you' have reached the museums on Exhibition Road, your best tube station is South Kensington. For more information about travelling to and around South Kensington, visit www.tfl.gov.uk .
The Rotunda Chandelier at the V&A
