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Image credit: Photo credit Daniel Devlin @susakpress |
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What's New in South Ken This October?
October brings a new season of exhibitions and events to South Kensington. At the Design Museum, ‘Es Devlin: Other Worlds’ explores the work of one of the UK’s most celebrated designers, while at Serpentine South, ‘Justin Caguiat: Change Ringing’ brings together painting, sculpture, sound and film.
There’s plenty to explore beyond the galleries, too. Follow the free Pokémon Space Trail at the Science Museum, discover the world of robotics at Imperial Lates: Robots, or simply take a stroll through Kensington Gardens. You can also join a guided tour or get creative at one of the many workshops taking place throughout the month.
And if you’re new to the area, welcome to South Kensington! Our handy ‘Things to Do in South Kensington’ for Students guide rounds up some of the best places to explore, from cultural highlights to local favourites. |
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| A Student's Guide to South Kensington |
If you’re a student on a budget, South Kensington has plenty of affordable ways to explore and enjoy the area. From free museums and green spaces to Friday Lates and cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone. We’ve put together our top tips for making the most of South Ken without breaking the bank. |
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| October Half Term in South Ken |
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South Ken Culture Quarter
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| Step into the spirit of the season with a spine-tingling line-up of activities this October Half Term. Discover strange science, curious creatures, and hauntingly good exhibitions across South Kensington. |
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| Kyotographie: Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai |
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Japan House London
Until 18th Oct 2026 Mon - Sat: 10 am - 8 pm; Sun: 12 pm - 6 pm |
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| Last chance to see the captivating works of renowned Japanese photographers Kawada Kikuji and Iwane Ai, brought together in a rare UK presentation. |
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| V&A Photography Centre: drop-in tours |
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V&A South Kensington
12th Oct & 9th Nov 2026 2:30 pm - 3 pm |
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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. |
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Image credit: Courtesy the artist and Greene Naftali, New York.
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| Saturday Talks: Alexa Chow on Justin Caguiat: Change Ringing |
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Serpentine
10th Oct 2026 11 am |
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| Alexa Chow, Assistant Exhibitions Curator, leads a tour of Justin Caguiat: Change Ringing. |
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Image credit: © ESA/NASA – S. Adenot
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| Pokémon Space Trail |
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Science Museum
Until 3rd Jan 2027 10 am - 6 pm |
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| Welcome Trainer! Discover an exciting free trail with multiple stops around the museum celebrating the world of Pokémon and our ever-expanding knowledge of space. |
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| Hidden Stories of Kensington Gardens Walking Tour |
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Kensington Gardens
23rd Oct 2026 11 am - 12:30 pm |
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| Join the Royal Parks team for an introduction to beautiful Kensington Gardens, including exclusive access to the Albert Memorial. |
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| Tasara Quartet by Gary Power MRSS |
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The Royal Society of Sculptors
Until 28th Nov 2026 24/7 Outdoor Installation |
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| These sculptures are made of traditional Indian cooking pots that are still commonly used in Indian homes today. The work was made while attending an artist residency in Kerala, India. |
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| Es Devlin |
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the Design Museum
Until 4th Apr 2027 Mon - Thur: 10 am – 5 pm; Fri - Sun: 10 am – 6 pm |
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| 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. |
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| Kensington and Chelsea Music Society 2026 - 27 at Leighton House |
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Leighton House
Dates vary 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm |
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| Enjoy a season of chamber music, piano recitals and opera at Leighton House, presented by Kensington and Chelsea Music Society. Across seven evening concerts, acclaimed artists perform a varied programme of classical masterpieces in the museum’s unique and intimate setting. |
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| V&A x LDF: Awakenings |
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V&A South Kensington
Until 18th Oct 2026 Times vary |
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| A series of free installations and interventions across the museum for London Design Festival 2026 navigating how design, craft, and technology can inspire new perspectives, spark curiosity, and bring to light invisible yet interconnected forces. |
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| Design Camp for ages 11 to 14: Create in Clay |
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the Design Museum
29th Oct 2026 10:15 am - 4:15 pm |
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| This workshop will introduce young people to the tactile material of clay and its many properties through a day of hands-on exploration, creating pinch pots, exploring wheel throwing and turning, and making their own crafting tools. |
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| Imperial Lates: Robots |
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Imperial
29th Oct 2026 6 pm - 9 pm |
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| Step into the world of tomorrow and meet the robots of the future at this free evening event for adults. Explore the future of robotics, hear from leading researchers, meet real robots, and take part in hands-on activities, talks, and challenges. |
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Image credit: © Pierrot Men
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| Book Launch: In the Other Direction Now. Dispatches from East Africa by Navid Kermani |
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Goethe-Institut
14th Oct 2026 7 pm |
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| Hear directly from Navid Kermani – one of Germany’s most celebrated writers and foremost public intellectuals – at the launch of the English translation of his book In The Other Direction Now: Dispatches from East Africa. |
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| Library and Archives Open Day |
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Natural History Museum
16th Oct 2026 11 am - 3 pm |
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| This is a rare occasion to see treasures from one of the greatest collections of books, manuscripts and artworks about the natural world. You’ll have the chance to chat to NHM's staff and learn about our work as shown through the library collections we care for. |
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Image credit: © Marvel Studios 2018
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| Black Panther in Concert (12A) |
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Royal Albert Hall
9th Oct 2026 7:30 pm |
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| Black Panther in Concert returns to the Royal Albert Hall after its 2023 European premiere, featuring the Chineke! Orchestra conducted by Damon Gupton and acclaimed talking drum soloist Massamba Diop. |
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| The Last Princesses of Punjab |
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Kensington Palace
Until 8th Nov 2026 Times vary |
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| Last chance to discover the story of Punjabi princess and suffragette icon, Sophia Duleep Singh and five women who shaped her extraordinary life. |
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| Baby Comptines |
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Institut français
7th & 14th Oct 2026 11 am |
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| Put some sparkles in your toddler’s ears and take part in our interactive French nursery rhymes session with its instruments! Expect songs, dance and great fun for little ones. |
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| Drink and Draw: Neon Naked Life Drawing |
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Leighton House
14th Oct 2026 7 pm - 9 pm |
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| Step into a glowing world of creativity with 'Neon Naked Life Drawing', where UV lighting and fluorescent body paint transform traditional life drawing into an immersive art experience. |
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| RCM Museum Weekend Guided Tour |
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Royal College of Music
10th Oct 2026 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm |
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| Enjoy a free tour of the RCM Museum led by their knowledgeable team. Learn about the earliest stringed keyboard instrument, the most recognised portraits of Joseph Haydn and Farinelli and 56 other fascinating instruments specially chosen from the RCM’s designated collection of 14,000 items. |
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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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