The London Festival of Architecture comes to Kensington

The London Festival of Architecture comes to Kensington

The London Festival of Architecture returns in June 2026 for a month-long celebration of architecture and city-making with the theme of Belonging. In Kensington, we will celebrate the richness of our diverse communities and the biodiversity of our green spaces.
Rooted in Kensington
Rooted in Kensington brings together art, biodiversity and architecture to showcase Kensington as an ecosystem of Belonging thriving on the connections between human and non-human, nature and culture, the visible and the invisible.
Tree Island
Tree Island by Toy Studio and artist MAMIMU in partnership with Opportunity Kensington reimagines Kensington’s “missing tree” through seating, planting and sculptural signage, drawing inspiration from underground ecological networks and the colours of Kensington landmarks, from the cobalt blue of Leighton House and the psychedelic hues of Biba to the pink cherry blossoms of Kyoto Garden.
Audio Tour: Rooted in Kensington
Explore Kensington’s parks, botanical spaces and architecture through a self-guided audio tour. Discover how history, biodiversity and community projects are shaping one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Listen on Podbean
View the accompanying Google Map
Kensington Pollinator Pathmaker
Our Pollinator Pathmaker DIY edition is an artwork by Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg for pollinators, planted and cared for by humans. Rooted in Kensington combines seating, planting and ecological storytelling to encourage reflection on pollinators, biodiversity and inter-species coexistence in urban life.
Featured Events
The Big Kensington Flea Market 27 June World Cup Special
June 27, 2026
Phillimore Walk, Kensington, W8 7RG

Join us on Saturday 27 June for our World Cup Street Fest taking place alongside our popular vintage flea market, celebrating our diverse population drawn from all corners of the globe – with global street food and football fun.

Think statement fashion, rare finds, retro homeware & handpicked gems.
No mass production. No repeats. Just pure vintage vibes.
If you live for the thrill of the find, this one’s for you.

Bring your tote. Bring your crew. Dig through decades.

Rooted in Kensington, The Serendipitous Street
June 30, 2026
Kensington Central Library, 12 Phillimore Walk, W8 7RX

As part of the London Festival of Architecture, join us for an evening exploring how public spaces can foster connection, creativity and community. Chaired by Peter Murray, Rooted in Kensington: The Serendipitous Street brings together academics, designers, artists, architects, local leaders and placemaking experts to discuss how thoughtful design can create more vibrant and engaging urban environments.

The event will feature a keynote from Dr Orit Gal, who is developing tools to "measure the vibe" in public spaces and will share early findings from her Urban Serendipity pilot. Contributions from artist MAMIMU, Toby Plunkett (Toy Studio), Kit Bullas (McAslan), Mandy Lee (Opportunity Kensington) and Councillor Catherine Faulks (Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea) will provide perspectives on art, architecture, placemaking and the future of Kensington's public realm.

The evening will include discussion, debate, networking and opportunities to interact with the Rooted in Kensington installation.

Starts at 6pm - meet by the Rooted in Kensington installation on Phillimore Walk.

PLATFORM at the Design Museum: Simone Brewster
February 13, 2026
the Design Museum, High Street Kensington
Find out more

PLATFORM is an annual display dedicated to showcasing contemporary design practice. Free to visit, the display presents the fascinating work of designer Simone Brewster
Photo: Charles Emerson

With thanks to Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for their support, MAMIMU for the artwork, Toy Studio for the reclaimed wood installation, Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg for the Pollinator Pathmaker, our volunteers for the planting and London Festival of Architecture. With curatorial and production support from Vestalia Chilton.

Tree Island is also a key feature of the annual Kensington + Chelsea Art Week (KCAW) as part of the Boroughwide KCAW Public Art Trail.