Kensington Gardens is on our doorstep at the Lancaster Hall Hotel and we love the constant seasonal changes with the beautiful blossom in spring, the myriad of colours as the leaves change in autumn and the majesty of the trees and flowers in full bloom in summer. The arrival of the Serpentine summer pavilion has become part of that annual calendar and there has been great anticipation as the new structure has taken shape over the past few weeks.
The Serpentine Pavilion has become an important part of the Kensington Gardens summer season and forms a distinct contrast to the traditional formality of these elegant gardens with cutting edge architecture.
Kensington Gardens has played host to the summer pavilion project since 2000 and with the exception of 2020 due to the Covid era is open to Architects who have not completed a building in England at the time of the installation
The Serpentine Gallery which was once Victorian tea rooms became a cutting edge art gallery playing host the World’s most celebrated modern artists including Jeff Koons, Anish Kapoor and Damien Hurst. The summer pavilion has become an institution drawing significant interest from tourists and Londoners alike.
The Summer Pavilion project is funded mainly by corporate sponsors along with the sale of the structure at the end of the season.
This year plays host to a creation by Theaster Gates who is a Chicago based artist with the support of Adjaye Associates who are notable for spectacular projects such as the National Cathedral of Ghana, 130 William in New York along with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture.
The theme of the design is around redeeming spaces that have been left behind and draws inspiration from a wide variety of structures found around the world from bottle kilns in Stoke-on-Trent to Musgum mud huts in Cameroon. There is also a spiritual angle with a gap in the roof to allow in shafts of light and create a spectacular concentration of light within a chapel like space.
Hand in hand with the summer pavilion there is a programme of events including live performances and gatherings. We suggest you add it as a stop off whilst embarking on our walking tour of Kensington Gardens. If you are visiting with young children why not combine it with a visit to the Diana Statue and Diana Playground, both in Kensington Gardens.
The new pavilion will be open to the public on Friday 10th June and runs to 16th October and is free to enter.
How to get there.
The nearest tube stations are Lancaster Gate on the Central Line or Knightsbridge on the Piccadily Line.
Summer Pavilion Frequently Asked Questions
When does Summer Pavilion take place?
The Serpentine Summer Pavilion takes place between 10th June and 16th October 2022 between the hours of 10:00 and 18:00 every day.
Where is the Serpentine Gallery?
The Serpentine Gallery is just off the West Carriage Drive which is a road that separates Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park after you have crossed the Serpentine Bridge. If you are taking the Lancaster Hall Hotel walking tour of Kensington Gardens you will find it on the route just passed the Parakeets.
Where is the nearest tube?
The nearest tube station is Lancaster Gate. On exiting the tube, enter Kensington Gardens just opposite and follow the path directly to the right of the Italian Fountains. Keep to the path passing the Peter Pan statue and the parakeets. Take the right-hand path with Queen Anne's temple on your right, you will the Serpentine Gallery straight ahead.
How much is the entrance fee and do I need to book in advance?
The Pavilion is free to enter although during busy times it may be necessary to queue before you can enter.