Serpentine Sackler Gallery

Serpentine Sackler Gallery. Opened in September 2013, this contemporary art space is a major expansion of the Serpentine Galleries in London. The gallery is housed in a Grade II listed former gunpowder store from the early 19th century, known as The Magazine, which has been sympathetically extended with a striking modern addition. It forms a key part of the cultural landscape within Kensington Gardens and is dedicated to presenting innovative exhibitions, architecture, and public programs.

History and background

The original structure, The Magazine, was built in 1805 under the reign of King George III to store munitions for the Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens area. For over two centuries, the building served various storage purposes before falling into disuse. The Serpentine Gallery, founded in 1970, had long sought to expand its footprint to accommodate its growing artistic ambitions and audience. A transformative gift from The Dr. Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation enabled the ambitious restoration and extension project. The redevelopment was overseen by the Serpentine Galleries' then-CEO and Artistic Director, Julia Peyton-Jones, and co-Director Hans Ulrich Obrist, with the aim of creating a new cultural destination. The project involved meticulous conservation work on the historic fabric, led by Julian Harrap Architects, alongside the commission for a new structure.

Architecture and design

The architectural intervention is a celebrated work by the late Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid. Her design comprises a soaring, tensile roof structure made of fiberglass and polycarbonate, which appears to float above the new gallery spaces. This luminous, canopy-like addition, known as the Wing, contrasts dramatically with the robust, brick-built historic Magazine. The interior of the old building was sensitively converted to house gallery spaces, while the new extension contains a restaurant, social space, and additional exhibition area. The design elegantly negotiates the constraints of building within a Royal Park and adjacent to a listed building. The project received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its dialogue between old and new, and it stands as one of Hadid's most accessible public works in the United Kingdom.

Exhibitions and programming

The program features a dynamic roster of international contemporary artists, often presenting first solo exhibitions in the United Kingdom. Notable past exhibitions have included major shows by John Latham, Judy Chicago, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, and Trevor Paglen. The gallery also hosts the annual Serpentine Pavilion commission, with past architects including Smiljan Radić, Barkow Leibinger, and Frida Escobedo. Its programming extends beyond visual art to include live performances, talks, and educational initiatives, often in collaboration with institutions like The Royal Parks and various London-based universities. The restaurant space, designed by Hadid, frequently becomes a venue for experimental performance art and late-night events, fostering a vibrant social hub.

Serpentine Galleries partnership

It operates as an integral part of the Serpentine Galleries, alongside the original Serpentine Gallery located approximately five minutes' walk away across the Serpentine bridge. The two galleries share artistic leadership, curatorial vision, and administrative resources under the direction of Bettina Korek and Hans Ulrich Obrist. This partnership allows for a complementary and expanded program, where exhibitions and projects can span both sites. The Sackler wing provides essential additional space for larger installations, audience amenities, and fundraising events that support the charitable aims of the entire organization. The galleries' joint program is a cornerstone of the London art calendar, contributing significantly to the city's status as a global center for contemporary art.

Location and access

Situated on the west side of the The Long Water in the northern reaches of Kensington Gardens, the gallery enjoys a picturesque setting within one of London's eight Royal Parks. Its nearest London Underground station is Lancaster Gate on the Central line, with Queensway and South Kensington also within walking distance. Several London Buses routes serve the perimeter of Hyde Park. The gallery is fully accessible and admission to the exhibition spaces is free, in line with the policy of the Serpentine Galleries. Its location encourages a unique visitor experience that combines engagement with cutting-edge art with the pastoral tranquility of an historic London park.

Category:Art museums and galleries in London Category:Grade II listed buildings in the City of Westminster Category:Buildings and structures completed in 2013