The classical style Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens was built as a tea room in 1934 and serves as gallery since 1970. By the time it firmly established itself as a pioneering institution showcasing contemporary art.
Since 2000 new temporary addition to gallery in form of pavilion was conceived by former Director Julia Peyton-Jones. Thus, every year an internationally renowned architect is commissioned and has got just 6 months to design and build Serpentine Pavilion in front of the gallery for visitors to enjoy. Due to this fascinating programme summer in London’s Kensington Gardens is enriched with unique structure. The same place is different on every occasion and every design contributes to great diversity of ideas presented. The idea, design, construction and implementation is being discussed well beyond London.
This year the pavilion was designed by Francis Kéré and his Berlin-based practice. The architect was inspired by gatherings under tree canopies in his home country, Burkina Faso.
Below are also some other pavilions designed in earlier years.
Francis Kéré 2017
Francis Kéré 2017
Francis Kéré 2017
Francis Kéré 2017
Bjarke Ingels 2016
Bjarke Ingels 2016
selgascano 2015
Sou Fujimoto 2013
Herzog & de Meuron and Ai Weiwei 2012
Peter Zumthor 2011