Funky Venues

Venue Review

Character: Neo-Classical Grade II listed pavilion meets stripped back modern gallery; unique temporary architectural structure built on the lawn every year.

Funky Features: Smack in the middle of Kensington Gardens. Unique temporary Pavilion next door. Access to ground-breaking art.

Location and History

The Serpentine Gallery is a 10 minute walk from Lancaster Gate or South Kensington tube stations. It is easily accessible by car and car parking is available.

Originally built as a tea Pavilion in 1934, the Neo-Classical building was founded as the Serpentine Gallery in 1970, became an independent charity in 1987 and is now run by a board of trustees, chaired by Lord Palumbo. In 1998, the gallery completed a £4million renovation.

The Serpentine is the only public modern art gallery in central London, with free admission which is open seven days a week. Its ground-breaking programme has an international reputation for excellence and has featured shows by modern and contemporary artists such as Andy Warhol, Man Ray and Louise Bourgeois. The Serpentine Gallery also presents younger artists from Damien Hirst to Cornelia Parker and Matthew Barney

Interior

Called ‘The most beautiful gallery in London’ by the Observer, the Serpentine Gallery boasts a picturesque chocolate box setting. Exterior lighting washes the building and trees at night creating a dramatic impact for guests arriving along illuminated paths through the grounds to the gallery. The original character of the Grade II listed building a modern interior, which offers maximum flexibility for exhibiting art. Previously the setting for parties staged by DJ Mark Ronson, DKNY and Space NK, The Evening Standard has called the venue ‘the sexy place to be’.

Every year, the Serpentine Gallery commissions international architects of worldwide acclaim who have not completed a building in the UK at the time of the Gallery’s invitation, to design a temporary Pavilion, providing a unique showcase for innovative and up and coming architecture. These unique temporary structures are constructed on the gallery’s lawn and stay up for a limited time. The 2007 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion was co-designed by artist Olafur Eliasson and Kjetil Thorsen of the Architectural practice.

The invited designer of the 2008 Pavilion is Frank Gehry, the first American to be commissioned to design the structure, which he will realize in four months for a June launch. The temporary structure will be fully accessible by the public and will house a café by day and events and receptions by night.

The bookshop at the front of the gallery offers a vast array of art and design books and magazines, plus it has a permanent discount section at the rear of the shop.

Spaces for Hire

Hire fees include the cost of Serpentine Gallery staff: Gallery Assistants, Duty Manager and Events Manager. Security must also be booked Suppliers must be chosen from their list of approved companies.

Divided into four large rooms, including a spectacular domed space in the central gallery, the interior can also be sectioned off with screens to provide the ideal space for any scale of party.

The large windows that overlook the park can be opened to further enhance beautiful views for events during the summer months and the East Terrace is available from Spring to Autumn offering an opportunity to dine alfresco beneath parasols.

The Serpentine Gallery is available for weddings. There are also Corporate Sponsorship opportunities available with one of the benefits being the opportunity to hold an event free of hire charge.

Capacity: The gallery is available for parties of 20 to 70 people for dinner and for up to 350 people for receptions.

The Pavilion will be available for private corporate hire for breakfast and evening events, from mid July through until mid October 2008

Summer 2008

The Serpentine Gallery will present the work of American artist Richard Prince: painter, photographer, sculptor and painter.