The Serpentine Galleries
The Serpentine Galleries are twin art galleries that display contemporary art. They are both open to the public, serving more than one million visitors every year.
Both of the galleries offer interesting art exhibitions, educational programs, and notable architecture. They live on either side of the Serpentine Lake and are a short walk away from each other via a connecting bridge.
These galleries actually used to be one singular gallery. Founded in 1970, with the intention to present contemporary art to the public and display the works of new and emerging artists. Today, they offer educational events and other art-oriented services, especially to youth. The gallery has been home to important exhibitions. It has displayed the art of many notable and famous artists throughout the years. Much of the permanent artwork available to be viewed there comes in the form of architecture. The Serpentine Sackler Gallery itself, which was designed by Zaha Hadid.
Many outdoor installations and sculptures are also featured. For example, there is a permanent piece by Ian Hamilton Finlay located near the entrance of the establishment.
What Famous Artists Have Been Exhibited at the Gallery?
Some notable artists that have influenced the course of art history and have been featured in this gallery include Any Warhol, Henry Moore, Gustav Metzger, and Richard Prince.
One particularly interesting practice that the gallery engages in is that during its summer months, it commissions an architect to create a temporary pavilion. These buildings are intended not for traditional use, but basically as artistic installations for the visitors of the gallery to experience. Finally, they are usually removed after a period of 3 months. Some well-known architects who have contributed to this project include Toyo Ito, Zaha Hadid, Alvaro Siza, Frank Gehry, and Sou Fujimoto. This practice of commissioning talented architects to build temporary structures was conceived by Julia Peyton-Jones, the director of the gallery in 2000, as a way to allow architects to experiment with new and novel forms. It has since become a major attraction at the gallery.
Does the Gallery Offer Any Other Amenities?
In addition to the gallery and the various architectural installations, you can also find an independent bookstore on the property, a restaurant, a shop, and a playground called Kensington Gardens. For those who want to use the Internet during their visit, there is also WIFI available.
When is the Gallery Open and What is the Price of Admission?
The gallery is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on every day of the week with the exception of Monday. Like many museums whose focus is public outreach and education, the Serpentine Galleries are free of charge. But of course, they accept donations in order to keep expanding on their mission.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
In terms of what time of the year you should visit the gallery, shoot for the summer months if you are a fan of architectural experimentation, because this is when the yearly temporary pavilion will be open. Otherwise, visit the Serpentine Galleries any time for a pleasant stroll through the world of contemporary art.