WHAT? The 2026 Serpentine Pavilion: A Serpentine

WHERE? Serpentine South, Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA

WHEN? Now until 25th October. Free to view.

WHY GO? To bask in summer vibes. A creative collaboration between architecture and culture comes together each summer in the form of a temporary pavilion in London’s famous Kensington Gardens.

Initially conceived by the late acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid in 2000, each year an international architectural practice is tasked with creating something stunning to bring people together and celebrate summer.

Just how weird and wonderful some of them have been is testament to the ingenuity of different practices, and this year’s architects, LANZA atelier, based in Mexico City, have been inspired by the Serpentine name itself and an architectural feature called ‘serpentine’, which refers to a crinkle-crankle wall effect. Just for added creativity, the whole structure is shaped in a long, sinuous serpentine form.

The Pavilion follows the flow of the Serpentine Lake as it curves along the open space in front of the Serpentine South gallery.

Made of repetitive columns of permeable red brick, it is light and airy inside, with plenty of space to sit, reflect and enjoy a drink or one of the many events planned throughout the summer programme.

IN THE KNOW Enjoy free Family Days on select Sundays in July and August, where children are encouraged to get creative through workshops and activities inspired by the Pavilion and two current exhibitions, Cecily Brown and David Hockney, whose A Year in Normandie and Some Other Thoughts About Painting is a must-see in the Serpentine North Gallery until 23rd August.