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This summer, London’s cultural calendar is marked by the arrival of the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion, A Capsule in Time, designed by acclaimed Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Serpentine Pavilion commission, this year’s edition is more than an architectural installation; it is a meditative space that explores light, tradition, and human connection.
About the Architect: Marina Tabassum
Marina Tabassum, founder of Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA), is globally recognised for her work that bridges the past and present through a deep understanding of local heritage and environmental stewardship.
Her portfolio includes award-winning residential and cultural spaces that respond poetically to climate and community. Her selection marks the first time a South Asian architect has taken on the prestigious Serpentine commission, underscoring the programme’s expanding global reach.
Architectural Highlights of the 2025 Pavilion
Set within Kensington Gardens, the Pavilion’s elegant form is inspired by the Shamiana, a traditional South Asian ceremonial canopy. The elongated, pill-shaped structure is crafted using timber arches and semi-translucent panels that filter natural daylight, casting a gentle, dappled light into the interior.
One of the design’s most captivating features is its kinetic adaptability: certain sections of the structure can shift, allowing it to expand or contract based on the type of event or gathering. It is not only a space to inhabit, but one that lives and breathes with its visitors.
Visiting the Pavilion
- Location: Kensington Gardens, next to the Serpentine South Gallery
- Opening Dates: 6 June – 26 October 2025
- Admission: Free to the public
Easily accessible via Lancaster Gate, Knightsbridge, and South Kensington stations, the Pavilion offers a refreshing interlude within one of London’s most iconic green spaces.
Events and Cultural Programming
The Pavilion serves as both an architectural landmark and a stage for cultural dialogue. The Serpentine will host a rich series of events throughout the summer:
- Opening Conversation with the Architect: On 6 June, Marina Tabassum will join Serpentine’s Artistic Director Hans Ulrich Obrist to discuss her vision and process.
- Saturday Talks: Weekly guided tours by curators and guest speakers delve into the themes, materials, and ideas behind the Pavilion.
- Family Day: On 19 July, families can take part in hands-on design activities inspired by the Pavilion’s architectural motifs.
A Space for Reflection
Beyond its aesthetic and functional merits, A Capsule in Time aspires to become a place of reflection and storytelling. Tabassum has expressed hopes that the structure might eventually serve as a library dedicated to Bengali culture, highlighting her belief in architecture as a vessel for shared heritage and intergenerational knowledge.
What’s Nearby
The Pavilion is ideally located for a full day of cultural indulgence. Visitors can explore the neighbouring Serpentine North and South Galleries, enjoy boating on the Serpentine lake, or relax with afternoon tea at one of the elegant cafés nearby. For those seeking luxury, nearby offerings include designer boutiques in Knightsbridge and spa treatments at world-class hotels such as The Bulgari and The Berkeley.
A Moment to Experience
The Serpentine Pavilion 2025 is more than a temporary structure — it’s a cultural landmark that encapsulates the spirit of thoughtful design and global dialogue. Marina Tabassum’s A Capsule in Time invites Londoners and international visitors alike to pause, reflect, and engage with architecture that speaks to both heritage and hope.
Whether you’re an art aficionado, design enthusiast, or simply seeking an inspiring afternoon in the city, this Pavilion promises an unforgettable experience at the intersection of nature, culture, and contemporary innovation.
