Family Exhibitions in London
- Young V&A
Launching this summer, the Young V&A, a new offshoot of the Victoria and Albert Museum, opens its doors in Bethnal Green. Created in collaboration with children and young people, this brand new space offers immersive experiences across three galleries. In the Play gallery, gamers can tuck into interactive Minecraft installations.
In the Imagine gallery, creatives can let their dreams run riot in the 'Imagination Playground'. In the Design gallery, the powerful murals of street artist Mark Malarko take centre stage, alongside key pieces from the V&A’s collections such as suits of armour and dresses worn by Hollywood actresses. Go along for playful learning, fostering a lifelong love for creativity in your young designers.
- Zero to Infinity at Tate Modern
Tate Modern’s innovative Uniqlo Tate Play series, focusing on hands-on installations that blur the line between art and play, invites families to join an art revolution this summer with Rasheed Araeen's "Zero to Infinity". A hands-on piece comprising 400 cubes, which visitors are encouraged to re-assemble and manipulate, this installation is an evolving celebration of creativity.
Nearby is "Shamiyaana IV", a colourful assembly of gazebos that serve as a communal dining space. A chat with a friendly stranger over some free food by the river Thames – not a bad afternoon for kids and parents alike.
- Shakespeare's Globe
On the family tour of Shakespeare’s Globe, which runs every day this summer at 10.30am and 11.30am, discover who the penny groundlings were, imagine the pungent aromas that filled the Globe, and unravel the blend of blood, poetry and creative heckling that characterised each performance.
Afterwards, enjoy hilarious family show “The Midsummer Mechanicals”. This riot of a performance is an imagined sequel to the famous play-within-a-play in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Here, the hapless band of amateur actors, known as the Mechanicals, attempt another ambitious play. However, with just half an hour until curtain-up, their well-intentioned plans rapidly descend into absolute chaos. This Olivier Award-nominated production is a perfect introduction to Shakespeare's world.
- The Serpentine Galleries
While walking through Hyde Park, dodging swans, horses and errant rollerbladers, stop off to admire the Serpentine Galleries’ trio of summer exhibitions. Delve into the intricate world of spider webs in a quirky sculpture tour of Kensington Gardens in Tomás Saraceno's "Web(s) of Life", an exhibition which the artist hopes will attract curious local wildlife.
In the North Pavilion, “Third World: The Bottom Dimension” is an experience that’s one part video-game and one part exploration of Black Brazilian history. Finally, cool off with some tranquil Arabian soundscapes in the shade of Lina Ghotmeh’s 2023 Serpentine Pavilion, “À table”. All that culture will energise you for a dip in the lido, a ride on the pedalos, or a clamber on the Princess Diana Memorial Playground.
- The Wander Project at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens, that sprawling oasis of tranquillity and conservation, is a perennial family favourite. The Wander Project creates five themed trails around the gardens, featuring unique perspectives and audio commentary by artists, presenters, mountaineers, and conservationists.
Meander around Kew’s lake on the Wanderer trail, scale the Treetop Walkway with Adventurers, or delve into the importance of conservation along the Protector trail. With the Wander Project, Kew Gardens invites families to not just see, but truly experience the vital role of plant life in our world.
The concierges at Brown’s Hotel are always on hand to make your family holiday an unforgettable one. Give us a call at +44 20 7493 6020 or email reservations.browns@roccofortehotels.com.
