In a bold fusion of architecture, art, and imagination, the Serpentine Gallery has unveiled its latest public installation: the Play Pavilion, designed by renowned British architect Sir Peter Cook in collaboration with the LEGO Group. Situated in the heart of Kensington Gardens, the vibrant structure was unveiled on 11 June 2025, coinciding with World Play Day. This interactive space invites visitors of all ages to engage with creativity, wonder, and the joy of play in a new and dynamic way.
Play is more than a pastime—it is fundamental to our wellbeing. It fuels creativity, strengthens social bonds, and offers a vital release from the pressures of everyday life. For children, play is a cornerstone of learning and development. For adults, it rekindles a sense of wonder, encouraging joy, connection, and mental rejuvenation. The Play Pavilion celebrates this essential human impulse, transforming a public space into a canvas for movement, laughter, and imagination. By embracing play in such a vivid and tangible way, the installation reminds us that joy, curiosity, and exploration are not luxuries but necessities for a fulfilled life.
This interactive space invites visitors of all ages to engage with creativity, wonder, and the joy of play in a new and dynamic way.
The Concept of the Play Pavilion
The Play Pavilion is not just a building, but an experience. Its dynamic orange panels and sculptural forms rise like playful totems from the landscape, with curious openings that hint at hidden activities inside. One of its standout features is a yellow slide that emerges from the structure, adding a burst of motion and delight to the installation. Designed to encourage interaction, the Pavilion dissolves boundaries between architecture and audience, inviting children and adults alike to crawl, peek, slide, and explore.
The Role of Play in Public Art
By partnering with the LEGO Group, the Serpentine Gallery expands its mission of public engagement and inclusivity. The Play Pavilion champions the idea that play is not merely a pastime, but a creative and connective force. This installation extends the gallery’s reach beyond its walls, embedding cultural participation into the very fabric of the park. It also builds on Serpentine’s growing programme for younger audiences.
A Theatre of Curiosity: Design Philosophy
For Sir Peter Cook, the Pavilion is more than a structure—it is a form of theatre. He describes it as a “territory between the wayward and speculative,” a space designed for unashamed amusement. From afar, visitors are drawn in by its intriguing silhouette. Up close, they discover pierced walls, scooped forms, and unconventional routes of entry and exit. The design encourages a sense of performance and curiosity, transforming every visit into a playful journey of discovery.
Sir Peter Cook: A Radical Legacy
A foundational figure in post-war architecture, Sir Peter Cook rose to prominence in the 1960s as a founding member of Archigram, the avant-garde group that reimagined the future of cities. Archigram’s conceptual works, such as the Plug-In City, proposed radical solutions that fused technology with utopian visions. While many of these early projects were unbuilt, they laid the groundwork for Cook’s later architectural achievements, including Kunsthaus Graz in Austria and the Drawing Studio at Arts University Bournemouth. His work challenges conventional boundaries and has inspired generations of architects, earning him the Royal Gold Medal from RIBA in 2002.
A Collaborative Vision
The Play Pavilion is a testament to the power of creative collaboration. Serpentine’s leadership, including Chief Executive Bettina Korek and Artistic Director Hans Ulrich Obrist, highlight how the project realises a long-held dream of a partnership with Cook—a dream once shared by the late Zaha Hadid. With the support of the LEGO Group, The Royal Parks, and community partner CONSUL, the Pavilion exemplifies how institutions and artists can collaborate to create meaningful and accessible cultural experiences.
Public Engagement and Accessibility
Open from 11 June to 10 August 2025, the Play Pavilion is a free, family-friendly destination in one of London’s most visited parks. It is designed for everyone: children, teenagers, and adults can all find joy and connection within its imaginative spaces. Its presence in Kensington Gardens not only enlivens the area but underscores the role of architecture in shaping shared public life.
Conclusion
The Play Pavilion stands as a joyful ode to creativity, collaboration, and community. It celebrates Sir Peter Cook’s enduring influence while opening new doors for interactive public art. In a world often dominated by functionality and speed, the Pavilion offers a rare invitation: to pause, play, and imagine.
Photographs
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