London's Newest Free Attraction Has Just Opened Inside the 2026 Serpentine Pavilion
Every summer, something unusual appears in Kensington Gardens.
It's not a permanent building.
It's not a traditional exhibition.
And yet it has become one of the most anticipated events in London's cultural calendar.
The Serpentine Pavilion is back for 2026, and this year's edition may be one of the most striking yet.
Designed by Mexico City-based LANZA atelier, the Pavilion celebrates the 25th anniversary of the world-famous architectural commission. Located beside the Serpentine South Gallery in Kensington Gardens, the new structure features a dramatic curving brick wall, a glowing translucent roof and a design that encourages visitors to slow down, explore and interact with the surrounding landscape.
Best of all?
It's completely free to visit.
If you're looking for a unique London experience this summer, here's everything you need to know.
What Is the Serpentine Pavilion?
Since 2000, the Serpentine Galleries have commissioned a different architect each year to design a temporary pavilion in Kensington Gardens.
The project has become one of the most prestigious architectural commissions in the world.
Past pavilions have been created by internationally renowned architects including Zaha Hadid, Francis Kéré, Bjarke Ingels, Frida Escobedo and Lina Ghotmeh.
Each pavilion is only temporary, remaining in place for a single summer season before being dismantled.
That means every year's design is completely unique.
Meet the Architects Behind the 2026 Pavilion
The 2026 Pavilion was designed by LANZA atelier, a Mexico City-based architecture studio founded by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo.
The commission is particularly significant because it marks the Pavilion's 25th anniversary and continues Serpentine's recent focus on showcasing emerging architectural talent.
The studio named its design simply:
"a serpentine"
A title inspired by the building's defining feature.
The Stunning Curving Brick Wall Everyone Is Talking About
The most eye-catching element of the pavilion is a winding brick wall that curves through the structure.
This design is inspired by a traditional English architectural feature known as a crinkle-crankle wall, sometimes called a serpentine wall. These walls use curves rather than straight lines, allowing them to remain stable while using fewer bricks than conventional walls.
LANZA atelier reinterpreted this historic idea in a contemporary way.
Instead of creating a barrier, the wall acts as a guide, drawing visitors through the pavilion and encouraging exploration. The architects describe it as a space for gathering, conversation and connection rather than separation.
The design also references the nearby Serpentine Lake and the surrounding landscape of Kensington Gardens.
A Pavilion Built From Brick A First for Serpentine
One reason architects have been particularly excited about this year's pavilion is the material itself.
For the first time in the history of the Serpentine Pavilion programme, brick has become the primary construction material.
The brickwork creates a dialogue with the neighbouring Serpentine South Gallery, which was originally built as a tea pavilion and features its own distinctive brick façade.
The result feels surprisingly natural within Kensington Gardens despite being unmistakably contemporary.
What Does It Look Like Inside?
Step inside and the experience changes completely.
A translucent roof floats above the space, allowing daylight to filter through while providing shelter from the elements. Brick columns create shifting levels of openness and transparency, allowing visitors to look out into the surrounding park from multiple angles.
The structure feels neither fully indoors nor outdoors.
Instead, it sits somewhere in between.
Light, air and views move freely through the pavilion, creating a calm and inviting environment that changes throughout the day.
More Than Just Architecture
The pavilion isn't simply something to look at.
Throughout the summer it becomes a venue for:
Talks
Workshops
Family events
Performances
Screenings
Park Nights events
The space acts as a cultural hub within Kensington Gardens, bringing together architecture, art, music and public programming.
This is one reason the pavilion has become such an important part of London's summer cultural calendar.
Planning Your Visit
Dates
The Serpentine Pavilion 2026 is open from:
6 June 2026 until 25 October 2026.
Opening Hours
Monday–Friday: 10am–6pm
Saturday–Sunday: 10am–7pm
Cost
Admission is completely free.
Location
Serpentine South Gallery
Kensington Gardens
West Carriage Drive
London W2 2AR
Nearest stations include:
South Kensington
Knightsbridge
Lancaster Gate
Don't Miss These Exhibitions While You're There
A visit to the pavilion can easily become a full cultural day out.
Current exhibitions include:
David Hockney: A Year in Normandie
Showing at the Serpentine North Gallery until 23 August 2026.
One of Britain's most celebrated artists, Hockney's exhibition continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Cecily Brown: Picture Making
Showing at the Serpentine South Gallery until 6 September 2026.
The exhibition explores the work of one of the most influential contemporary painters working today.
Together with the Pavilion, these exhibitions make Kensington Gardens one of London's most exciting cultural destinations this summer.
Why You Should Visit
London is filled with famous attractions.
The Serpentine Pavilion offers something different.
It's temporary.
It's free.
And it's only here for a few months.
Whether you're interested in architecture, photography, design, art or simply discovering something new in the city, the Pavilion offers a unique experience that changes every year.
Once October arrives, this structure will disappear.
And next summer, something completely different will take its place.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Serpentine Pavilion proves why this annual commission remains one of London's most anticipated cultural events.
LANZA atelier's flowing brick structure feels both modern and timeless, drawing inspiration from centuries-old English building traditions while creating a fresh space for gathering, conversation and creativity.
For Londoners, it's one of the city's best free attractions this summer.
For visitors, it's a chance to see a piece of architecture that exists for only a few months before becoming part of London history.
And for anyone spending time in Kensington Gardens this year, it's well worth a visit.