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Discover Music, Culture & Creativity in South Ken
After last week's heatwave, the cooler weather makes it the perfect time to get back out and explore what's happening across South Kensington.
From 17th July, the BBC Proms return to the Royal Albert Hall for another spectacular season of world-class music. Tickets are now on sale, while the much-loved tradition of 'Promming' means you can also snap up on-the-day tickets from just £8 if you're feeling spontaneous.
That same weekend, Summit Photo 2026 arrives at the Royal Geographical Society with three days of inspiring talks, workshops and exhibitions exploring how photography and filmmaking can help tackle today's global challenges. On 19th July, Serpentine's free Family Day brings hands-on creative workshops, performances and activities for all ages, inspired by this year's Pavilion and exhibitions.
As we step into July, we're delighted to bring you another fantastic competition. Enter for the chance to win a memorable day out at the Royal Albert Hall, including the new Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea for two and a behind-the-scenes tour — a perfect way to start the month!
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Image credit: Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea
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| Win Afternoon Tea for Two & a Royal Albert Hall Tour |
Enter for your chance to enjoy the elegant Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea for two at the Royal Albert Hall, inspired by historic French celebrations. Savour refined bites, exquisite pâtisserie and fine teas, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of this iconic venue. Vegetarian and vegan options available. |
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Image credit: My Pet Tiger © Aaron Gekoski
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| Summit Photo 2026 |
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Royal Geographical Society 17th - 19th July 2026 Times vary |
This July, Summit Photo returns to explore how photography and filmmaking can drive positive change and address today’s global challenges. Enjoy three fascinating days of talks, workshops and exhibitions — plus free pizza, and £10 off tickets with the code Summit26Offer. |
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| Constantinople to Istanbul: One City, Two Empires |
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V&A South Kensington 7th Nov 2026 - 9th May 2027 Mon-Sun: 10 am - 5.45 pm; Fri: 10 am - 10 pm |
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| A major UK-first exhibition exploring 1,600 years of extraordinary art and design, offering a compelling new perspective on a city defined by artistic excellence across more than a millennium. |
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| Workshop: Natural Dyes |
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the Design Museum 4th July 2026 10 am - 12.30pm & 2 pm - 4.30 pm |
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| Join this insightful workshop to explore the fundamentals of natural dyes derived from plants and waste materials, and create your own unique piece of fabric. |
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| Day Promming at the BBC Proms |
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Royal Albert Hall 17th Jul - 12th Sept 2026 Times vary |
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| Experience the unique tradition of 'Promming' with Day Promming tickets from just £8. Tickets are released at 9.30 am on the day of most concerts via the relevant Prom event page, where the red 'Day Promming' button will appear when they're available. If you miss out online, a limited number of tickets may also be available in person at Door 12, subject to availability. |
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| Boating on the Serpentine |
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Hyde Park Daily except Nov - March (Wed - Sun) From 10 am (closing times vary) |
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| Recognised as one of the most famous boating spots in London, Hyde Park is the perfect place to take in the scenery, enjoy an ice cream and float down the Serpentine in the middle of the park. |
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| Serpentine Family Days |
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Serpentine 19th July & 23rd Aug 2026 11 am - 3 pm |
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| Join Serpentine throughout the summer for a vibrant series of Family Days. Enjoy hands-on workshops, creative activities and performances for all ages inspired by the Serpentine Pavilion, and exhibitions by David Hockney and Cecily Brown. |
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| Museum Guided Tour |
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Royal College of Music Every Wed 12.30 pm - 1.15 pm |
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| Enjoy a guided tour of the RCM Museum, featuring highlights such as the world’s oldest guitar and the earliest stringed keyboard instrument, alongside 56 other treasures from its 14,000-piece collection. |
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| Drink and Draw: Abundance and Form |
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Leighton House 15th July 2026 7 pm - 9 pm |
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| Join a fun evening of life drawing with 2B Or Not 2B Collective at the beautiful, historic Leighton House where you can approach drawing and appreciate the human figure in an informal and relaxed setting. |
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| Summer Film Night: Conservation in Action |
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Royal Geographical Society 8th July 2026 7 pm - 9 pm |
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| The Royal Geographical Society's summer film night returns with three important short films, including a world premiere, illuminating the work of conservationists today and the diverse stories behind their efforts. |
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| BST Hyde Park 2026 |
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Hyde Park 27th June - 11th July 2 pm - 10.30 pm |
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| BST Hyde Park returns with a huge line-up of stars, including Garth Brooks, Maroon 5, Mumford & Sons, Pitbull & Lewis Capaldi. |
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| Sound Bath |
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Imperial 29th July 2026 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm |
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| Join Imperial for this deeply immersive, free meditative experience where participants are 'bathed' in sound waves produced by therapeutic instruments. |
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Image credit: © Smithsonian Institution & Fever
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| Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience |
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Science Museum Dates & times vary |
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| Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a first-of-its-kind virtual reality adventure that doesn't just show you the universe — it places you inside it. |
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| Bon-Uta: A Song from Home |
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Japan House London 21st July & 6th Aug 2026 6 pm - 8.30 pm |
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| In conjunction with the exhibition Kyotographie: Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai, Japan House London presents special screenings of the documentary Bon-Uta: A Song from Home. Iwane Ai, one of the exhibition’s featured photographers, served as associate producer for the film. |
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| Yoga at the Natural History Museum |
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Natural History Museum Dates vary 8 am - 9.15 am |
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| Find your zen at the Natural History Museum with a unique yoga class hosted in collaboration with East of Eden. This class is suitable for all experience levels. Remember to bring your own yoga mat. |
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| The Last Princesses of Punjab |
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Kensington Palace Until 8th Nov 2026 10 am - 6 pm from Mar to Oct 2026; 10 am - 4 pm from Nov to Feb 2026-7 |
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| 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. |
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Image credit: RCA2025 MArch Design Practice exhibition, Photo: Polo Farrera
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| RCA2026: School of Architecture Show |
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Royal College of Art 3rd - 5th July 2026 Times vary |
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| An exhibition showcasing the work of graduating RCA students in the School of Architecture. |
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| Bienvenue au Centre Molière |
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| Institut français |
The newly revamped Language Centre of the French Institute in London becomes the Centre Molière after a large-scale renovation campaign. This upgrade allows the French Institute to keep welcoming people in the best way possible, improve its accessibility and match the top quality of its teaching. Enjoy these new settings and start your French learning journey at the Centre Molière! |
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| Hammersmith Summer Festival 2026 |
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| 29th June - 12th July & 16th July until 13th Aug 2026 |
Catch Wimbledon at Hammersmith Summer Festival, with live matches on a big outdoor screen, free deckchairs and a lively Finals weekend (11-12 July). Plus, enjoy a free outdoor film series starting with Wicked: For Good on 16 July. |
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| London Premier Padel P1 at Olympia |
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6th - 9th Aug 2026 |
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| Experience world-class padel alongside exceptional hospitality at Lillie's, Olympia's newly opened dining space. This stunning rooftop wine bar and restaurant is a haven above the bustle of the city, offering stunning views across London. To discuss options or book, email [email protected] and the team will get in touch. |
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South Ken Culture Quarter is an initiative of the Exhibition Road Cultural Group, a partnership of the cultural and educational organisations in and around Exhibition Road, South Kensington.
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Our partners include:
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the Design Museum
Goethe-Institut
Imperial College London
Institut franҫais
The Ismaili Centre
Kensington Palace
Natural History Museum
Royal Albert Hall
South Kensington Estates
Royal College of Art
Westminster City Council
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Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Royal Brompton Hospital
Royal College of Music
Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
The Royal Parks
Serpentine Galleries
Science Museum
V&A South Kensington
Royal Society of Sculptors
Japan House London
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| Copyright © 2026 South Ken Culture Quarter. All rights reserved. |
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