London is a hub of culture and education, with something interesting to see around every corner. There are hundreds of art galleries, historic sites and places of natural beauty to take in around the capital, but the treasures held in its many museums are unbeatable. There are so many it’s difficult to get all of them into one trip, so we’ve selected the cream of the crop to give you the best place to start.
The Natural History Museum
Those staying at our Park Grand Kensington accommodation are lucky enough to be located just a stone’s throw from the world famous Exhibition Row. One of the most celebrated and prestigious residents of this street is the Natural History Museum. Established in 1881, the building itself is a sight to behold, with an ornate terracotta facade that was built to contrast the dark, soot-laden structures of Victorian London.
Exhibitions to take in during the summer holiday include ‘Life in the Dark’, an illuminating display showcasing the creatures who come alive at night, and ‘Sensational Butterflies’ an exploration of the world’s most glorious butterflies. Firm, year-round favourites are also a must-visit treat, including the museum’s extensive collection of dinosaur fossils.
The Design Museum
The design museum is fantastic for anyone wanting to discover the practicality and utility of exquisite artwork. At just a 13-minute walk from your room at the Park Grand London Kensington, it’s a museum not to be missed. Founded in 1989, the Design Museum exhibits the most fascinating items from the worlds of product, fashion and architectural design among many others.
There’s just about time to see the celebrated work in an enthralling entitled ‘Hope to Nope: Graphics and Politics 2008-18’, which looks at how design has contributed to the public’s engagement with politics. Other collections including ‘Home Futures’ and ‘Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier’ explore inspiring fashion and homeware designs.
The V&A
As the world’s largest museum celebrating the world of decorative art and design, the Victoria and Albert Museum, which was founded in 1852, boasts an ever-changing portfolio of the most enthralling works of art. An 18-minute jaunt from our Park Grand Kensington accommodation will take you past some of London’s most exquisite homes and gardens, perfect for a lovely late-summer’s day.
The current jewel in the V&A’s crown of exhibitions, ‘The Future Starts Here’ runs until November and explores the work that is going into creating the technology and sciences of the future. This vibrant and captivating presentation will look at artificial intelligence and smart technology and discuss how it is predicted to change our lives over the coming years.
Leighton House Museum
The Leighton House Museum was the Kensington home of the painter Lord Leighton and was opened to the public in 1929. Though much smaller than our other selections, Leighton House Museum is a veritable Aladdin’s cave of sumptuous artwork and fascinating architecture and has been described as a ‘private palace of art’. At just under a mile from the Park Grand London Kensington, this delightful building is an essential addition to your London getaway.
