Serpentine Galleries

Serpentine Galleries is a renowned contemporary art institution located in Kensington Gardens within Hyde Park, London. The organization operates from two sites: the original Serpentine Gallery and the nearby Serpentine Sackler Gallery, which opened in 2013. It is celebrated for its pioneering exhibitions, innovative architectural commissions, and extensive public programmes that engage with pressing global issues through the lens of contemporary art.

History

The gallery was founded in 1970, initially occupying a former 1934 tea pavilion situated near The Long Water. Its early programming was supported by the Arts Council of Great Britain and quickly established a reputation for showcasing significant international artists. Under the directorship of figures like Julia Peyton-Jones, who led the institution from 1991 to 2016, the gallery expanded its ambitions. A major development occurred with the opening of the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, made possible by a donation from The Dr. Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation, which repurposed The Magazine, a former gunpowder store from 1805. This expansion solidified the Galleries' presence as a dual-site destination within the Royal Parks.

Architecture

The original gallery building is a classic example of early 20th-century park architecture, while The Magazine, housing the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, is a historic Grade II listed building. The latter's renovation and extension were designed by the acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid, marking her first permanent structure in Central London. Hadid's distinctive design added a sweeping, fluid roof canopy that creates a new social space and restaurant. The contrasting architectures—the historic brick building and the modern, organic addition—exemplify the institution's dialogue between heritage and avant-garde innovation, situated within the landscape designed by Capability Brown.

Exhibitions and programmes

The Galleries present a dynamic roster of exhibitions featuring leading and emerging artists from around the world. It has mounted early or significant solo shows in the United Kingdom for figures such as Man Ray, Andy Warhol, Bridget Riley, Jeff Koons, and Yayoi Kusama. Its programme extends beyond exhibitions to include the influential "Park Nights" series of live events, the "Serpentine Podcast", and research initiatives like the "General Ecology" project. Collaborations with institutions like The Royal Society and thinkers from fields beyond art underscore its interdisciplinary approach to addressing themes of technology, climate, and social justice.

Serpentine Pavilion

Initiated in 2000 by then-director Julia Peyton-Jones and curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, the annual Serpentine Pavilion commission is a globally anticipated architectural event. Each year, an internationally renowned architect who has not yet completed a building in England is invited to design a temporary structure for the Kensington Gardens lawn. Notable architects who have accepted the challenge include Oscar Niemeyer, Rem Koolhaas and Cecil Balmond of OMA, Sou Fujimoto, and Bjarke Ingels of BIG. The pavilion serves as a hub for the Galleries' summer events and is later sold to fund future artistic programmes, with past pavilions relocated to places like Mount Street and Vancouver.

Governance and funding

The Galleries operate as an independent charity, governed by a Board of Trustees that has included prominent figures from the arts and business, such as Lord (John) Browne and Michele Obama's former Chief of Staff. Leadership is shared between CEO Bettina Korek and Artistic Director Hans Ulrich Obrist. Funding is derived from a mix of private philanthropy, corporate partnerships with entities like Netflix and Audemars Piguet, grants from Arts Council England, and commercial activities. Its retail arm, Serpentine Shop, and the restaurants also contribute to its financial model, supporting its non-commercial artistic mission.

Category:Art museums and galleries in London Category:Buildings and structures in the City of Westminster Category:Museums established in 1970 Category:Hyde Park, London