Where To Find Art In London's Parks

Tabish Khan
By Tabish Khan Last edited 101 months ago

Last Updated 11 June 2016

Where To Find Art In London's Parks

The sun is shining and it's time to take advantage of some of London’s great parks. But what if we want a slice of culture to go along with our time in the sun?

We’ve got four art galleries and a few art fairs located within parks to provide the perfect combo of art and parks, and best of all the galleries are all free to visit:

The Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens. Photograph © 2007 John Offenbach

Serpentine Galleries, Kensington Gardens

This is the obvious one. Now with the launch of the Serpentine Sackler, there are two spaces to double the odds of finding an exhibition to our liking. The spaces have hosted world class names such as Jeff Koons and the Chapman brothers.

If that’s not enough, every summer is the launch of the always-popular pavilion. Designed by a different architect each time, it’s always a talking point. This year's also has the addition of four summer houses so there's much more to explore.

CGP, Southwark Park

With a programme of emerging artists across two spaces across the park, this one is a bit of a hidden gem. We’ve had death metal screaming, virtual reality beatings and the wonderful machines of James Capper.

It's been going for 32 years and in that time the likes of Grayson Perry and Patrick Caulfield have shown here.

Furtherfield Gallery, Finsbury Park

If internet art is your thing then this is one not to miss. Works have required visitors use their smart phones to access them and we still have fond memories of a work where creatures emerged from the deep when we shone a light on them.

It's the perfect melting pot for art and technology.

Pump House gallery, Battersea Park

This one is worth visiting for the building alone. A grade II listed tower converted into a gallery across four floors. As an added bonus they have exhibitions featuring emerging artists most of the year.

Art fairs in Battersea Park, Hampstead Heath and Regent’s Park

They may be temporary but that doesn’t make them any less significant. The daddy of them all Frieze pops up in Regent’s Park every October, accompanied by its sister Frieze Masters and the free to visit Sculpture Park.

The Affordable Art Fair is on three times a year, twice in Battersea Park and once in Hampstead Heath. Always popular, full of bargains and very accessible, even to those new to art.