WHAT? Serpentine Pavilion 2025 - A Capsule in Time by Marina Tabassum
WHERE? Serpentine South, Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
WHEN? Now until 26th October. Free to view
WHY GO? To kickstart summer. This year marks the 25th anniversary for London’s favourite summer landmark, the Serpentine Pavilion. The inaugural Pavilion was designed by Dame Zaha Hadid and every year an architect is commissioned to design this celebrated communal space for debate, entertainment or simply to meet up with friends in the integrated café.
Even on a dull day this year’s A Capsule in Time is a glorious light-filled Pavilion that slots seamlessly into the verdant green landscape.
Devised as four wooden forms with a translucent façade, one capsule can be transformed to create a new configuration.
Designed by Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum, and inspired by her environmental research, she invites visitors to share the interplay of light, geometry and space.
Aligning with Serpentine South’s bell tower, the elongated capsule-like form is built around a natural central feature, a semi-mature Ginkgo tree.
Especially chosen for its tolerance to climate change, the tree will be replanted when the Pavilion closes in autumn.
Living up to its name, this ‘capsule in time’ offers an engaging space to sit, ponder life and watch the world go by.

IN THE KNOW Architect Marina Tabassum and her Dhaka-based firm specialise in collaborative community projects related to environmental issues. Visitors can browse her selection of books celebrating Bengali culture. Once dismantled, the Pavilion will be reimagined as a library.
As always, there will be a series of complimentary talks, tours and creative workshops.