A First Look At The 2025 Serpentine Pavilion

M@
By M@

Last Updated 29 January 2025

A First Look At The 2025 Serpentine Pavilion
Serpentine-pavilion-from-above-2025
Image: Marina Tabassum Architects

Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum will build a curving, lozenge-like structure for Kensington Gardens.

Every year, Serpentine Galleries unveil a summer pavilion designed by an international architect. The pavilion serves as an architectural statement, but also a fun place to hang out over the warmer months.

This year's champ is Bangladeshi architect and educator Marina Tabassum. Her firm's design has just been unveiled. It's a pleasing, pill-shaped structure that, despite a beige/brown palette, manages to look modern and innovative, rather than a bit 1970s. As you can see, it's designed to align neatly with the main gallery's bell tower.

Serpentine Pavilion 2025 from side
Image: Marina Tabassum Architects

Called A Capsule of Time, the pavilion "aims to prompt a dialogue between the permanent and the ephemeral nature of the commission," which probably means something to someone somewhere.

Serpentine Pavilion interior 2025
Image: Marina Tabassum Architects

One fun element is the translucent skin, which "diffuses and dapples light", should we get any sunshine this summer. Also, one of the four sections can move about, to transform the space.

The pavilion will be unveiled on 6 June 2025 and will doubtless support a programme of events throughout the summer.