Serpentine Gallery

What is it?

Tucked away at the secluded western edge of central London’s biggest park, the twin Serpentine galleries (South is the older one, North is its new newish little sibling), are an oasis of contemporary art in very genteel, leafy surroundings. They both do a rolling two-monthly programme of exhibitions featuring up-to-the-minute artists, which, combined with its annual Serpentine Pavilion (a new architectural something-or-other commissioned every spring from  some renowned architect and plonked in the park between June and September), make it a primo destination for culture vultures in the city.

Why go

Its contemporary art programming is genuinely top notch, and it’s technology team is genuinely innovative, dedicating itself to cutting edge approaches to the fusion of art and tech. 

Don’t miss

Serpentine South’s bookshop is one of the best sellers of art books in the city, with a great selection of catalogues, theory tomes and high brow magazines.

When to visit

Open daily from 10am-6pm, and it’s free. 

Time Out tip

Head out of Serpentine North towards Lancaster Gate and you’ll spot Henry Moore’s enormous marble arch facing west. It’s a beautiful work of modernist sculpture.