South Kensington is home to some of London’s most exciting exhibitions, bringing together world‑class art, design, science and fashion. From major international shows to thought‑provoking displays exploring creativity, culture and our changing planet, this curated selection highlights the best exhibitions to see across the area’s leading museums and galleries.
A free exhibition examining how science can help us find more sustainable ways to grow and produce, purchase and cook, eat and enjoy food to help protect the planet.
Until 1 September 2026
10 am - 6 pm
Science Museum
Visit Website for Future of Food at Science Museum
This year's Serpentine Pavilion has been designed by the Mexican architecture studio LANZA atelier, founded by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo. The crinkle-crankle wall derives its stability from its curving form, requiring fewer bricks than a straight wall.
Until 25th Oct 2026
Serpentine
Visit Website for Serpentine Pavilion 2026 by LANZA atelier at Serpentine
Encounter two of Japan’s most exciting photographers – Kawada Kikuji and Iwane Ai – in a rare opportunity to see their thought-provoking works in the UK.
3rd June - 18th Oct 2026
Mon - Sat: 10 am - 8 pm; Sun: 12 pm - 6 pm
Japan House London
Visit Website for Kyotographie: Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai at Japan House London
The UK’s first Elsa Schiaparelli exhibition spans the 1920s to today, celebrating the designer’s legacy and the fashion house’s evolution under creative director Daniel Roseberry.
28th Mar – 1st Nov 2026
Mon to Sun: 10 am - 5.45 pm; Fri: 10 am – 10 pm
V&A South Kensington
Visit Website for Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at V&A South Kensington
The Jewel Room displays commissioned gems for Queen Victoria by her beloved husband, Prince Albert.
Wed - Sun
Mar to Oct: 10 am - 6 pm; Nov to Feb: 10 am - 4 pm
Kensington Palace
Visit Website for The Jewel Room at Kensington Palace
Explore these intimate rooms created for Queen Mary II. The Queen's apartments were where Mary, and later royal consorts, lived. This is where they had their bedroom, took their meals, entertained their friends and distinguished guests, and relaxed.
Wed - Sun
10 am - 6 pm from Mar to Oct; 10 am - 4 pm from Nov to Feb
Kensington Palace
Visit Website for The Queen's State Apartments at Kensington Palace
Rising Voices offers an unparalleled view of the Asia Pacific region’s dynamic creative landscape. Foregrounding First Nations perspectives and diverse artistic approaches, the exhibition features rare works by over 40 pioneering creatives.
Until 10th Jan 2027
Mon to Sun: 10 am - 5.45 pm; Fri: 10 am – 10 pm
V&A South Kensington
Our Story with David Attenborough delves into the saga of our species from our earliest beginnings. Sir David draws on a nearly century-long career as he shares his hopes for people and planet.
Until 30th Aug 2026
10 am - 5.50 pm
Natural History Museum
Visit Website for Our Story with David Attenborough at Natural History Museum
This free display explores some of today’s most pressing issues through diverse approaches to contemporary image-making.
Until 12th Sept 2026
10 am - 5.30 pm
V&A South Kensington
Visit Website for Photography Now at V&A South Kensington
Explore the vision and legacy of Japanese designer and creative director NIGO – from street style to music and beyond, in the first UK exhibition showcasing his multifaceted creative work, alongside vintage objects and traditional crafts from his personal collection.
1st May – 4th Oct 2026
Mon to Thur: 10 am – 5 pm; Fri to Sun: 10 am – 6 pm
the Design Museum
Visit Website for NIGO: From Japan with Love at the Design Museum
Presented at Serpentine North, the exhibition will showcase seminal works, shown in the UK for the first time. This event is free!
12th Mar - 23rd Aug 2026
10 am - 6 pm
Serpentine
PLATFORM is an annual display dedicated to showcasing contemporary design practice. Opening in February 2026, the second edition in the series will present the fascinating work of designer Simone Brewster.
Until Jan 2027
Mon to Thur: 10 am – 5 pm; Fri to Sun: 10 am – 6 pm
the Design Museum
Visit Website for PLATFORM: Simone Brewster at the Design Museum
Enter the extraordinary world of Es Devlin in the first UK exhibition dedicated to the artist and designer’s 30-year practice in sculpture, performance, language and light.
2 Oct 2026 – 4 Apr 2027
Mon to Thur: 10 am – 5 pm; Fri to Sun: 10 am – 6 pm
the Design Museum
Visit Website for Es Devlin at the Design Museum
This major exhibition celebrates contemporary Black designers who are reshaping the British design landscape. Discover works spanning furniture, architecture, fashion, and installation, exploring identity, culture, community, and more.
6 Nov 2026 – 8th Aug 2027
Mon to Thur: 10 am – 5 pm; Fri to Sun: 10 am – 6 pm
the Design Museum
Visit Website for The Nue Black Aesthetic at the Design Museum
This landmark retrospective is the first major museum exhibition devoted to Wes Anderson’s extensive and distinctive cinematic output.
Until 16th Aug 2026
Mon to Thur: 10 am – 5 pm; Fri & Sun: 10 am – 6 pm; Sat: 10 am - 7 pm
the Design Museum
Visit Website for Wes Anderson: The Archives at the Design Museum
Discover the story of Punjabi princess and suffragette icon, Sophia Duleep Singh and five women who shaped her extraordinary life, in a new exhibition at Kensington Palace for 2026.
Until 8th Nov 2026
10 am - 6 pm from Mar to Oct 2026; 10 am - 4 pm from Nov to Feb 2026-7
Kensington Palace
Visit Website for The Last Princesses of Punjab at Kensington Palace
Earth Photo addresses prescient issues affecting our planet, aiming to stimulate conversations about our environment and the impact of climate change.
26th June - 24th July 2026
10 am - 5 pm
Royal Geographical Society
Visit Website for Earth Photo Exhibition 2026 at Royal Geographical Society
The Royal College of Music Museum’s special exhibition explores the world of contemporary folk traditions, celebrating how and why folk musics continue to evolve, live and thrive.
Until 25th Oct 2026
Tue - Fri: 10.15 am - 5.45 pm; Sat - Sun: 11 am - 6 pm
Royal College of Music
Visit Website for Shared Airs: Our Thriving Folk Musics at Royal College of Music
Meet the legends of Earth’s prehistoric oceans and and decide who really was the most ferocious of them all. Dare to touch a mosasaur tooth, feel a shark’s skin and come face-to-face with fearsome marine crocodiles.
Until 3rd Jan 2027
10 am - 4.30 pm
Natural History Museum
Visit Website for Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep at Natural History Museum
Celebrate the innovative printmaking techniques and bold visions of 25 women printmakers from 1900 – Now. From Käthe Kollwitz to Faith Ringgold, explore the work of artists who have used print to make their own lasting impression. This event is free!
Closes 27th Sept 2026
Mon to Sun: 10 am - 5.45 pm; Fri: 10 am – 10 pm
V&A South Kensington
Visit Website for Lasting Impressions: Women Printmakers 1900 – Now at V&A South Kensington
In this free display, discover four research projects from across the UK that are driving change in housing, healthcare, local planning and resource management.
Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
the Design Museum
Visit Website for Future Observatory: Tools for Transition at the Design Museum
Don’t miss your final chance to pause and reconnect with nature through powerful images that celebrate its beauty and inspire protection. Now in its sixth decade, this exhibition showcases extraordinary moments captured by photographers from around the world.
Until 12th July 2026
10 am - 6 pm
Natural History Museum
Visit Website for Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Natural History Museum
Visit the Design Museum garden and explore a vibrant collection of birdhouses by some of London’s most innovative designers.
Discover the story of Princess Victoria, the young girl destined to be queen, in the rooms where she was born and raised at Kensington Palace. Explore how an indulged young princess blossomed into the independent and iconic monarch we remember.