Science Gallery London opens its doors in the heart of London city
Science Gallery London, a distinctive new cultural landmark at the heart of the capital, has opened its doors to the public on King’s College London’s Guy’s campus in London Bridge, just moments from Borough Market and the Shard.
The first of its kind in the UK, the innovative new gallery in the Global Science Gallery Network examines the great challenges of our time and brings to life new research from King’s through the lens of science and art.
Science Gallery London embodies King’s new vision for the role of the university in the 21st century. Professor Ed Byrne, President & Principal of King’s College London, says: “Science Gallery London will open new ways into King’s, inviting our local communities and visitors from around the world to come into the university to connect with, explore and contribute to the generation of new knowledge”.
Professor Ed Byrne, President & Principal of King’s College London
Science Gallery London does not have a permanent collection. Instead it hosts three themed seasons each year focussing on issues of global significance that are of particular concern to young people.
The launch season HOOKED: WHEN WANT BECOMES NEED explores the complex world of addiction and recovery. From gambling to gaming and smartphones to social media, HOOKED will question what makes us vulnerable to addiction and examine underlying factors and routes to recovery. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the latest research and thinking on the subject as well as question their own ideas about the scientific and cultural aspects of this much-debated topic.
A Science Gallery London mediator chats with a visitor to HOOKED
Young people - particularly young people from the gallery’s neighbouring boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark – are a key audience for Science Gallery London. The gallery’s Young Leaders – 15-25 year olds drawn from these boroughs and King’s College London’s student body – play a crucial role in the gallery’s direction.
Young Leader and King’s medical student, Mandeep Singh, says: “Science Gallery London is a space where we can embrace our creativity while exploring the latest scientific thinking and how it connects to society’s most pressing global issues”.
Alongside exhibition spaces, Science Gallery London features a state-of-the-art auditorium, a shop and a modern British cafe. As part of the transformation of the site, a renovated historic Georgian courtyard has also been reconceived as a public square. The site was developed by leading architectural practice LTS Architects.
A visitor to HOOKED engages with Short Periods of Structured Nothingness by Blast Theory
Bringing science, art, technology and design together, Science Gallery delivers unique, transdisciplinary exhibitions, events and educational programmes that engage millions of curious and inquiring minds every year in connective, participative, and surprising ways. It offers a social space to develop ideas, imagine the future, realise dreams, and engage in conversations that deepen understanding.
These experiences enable young people to develop the skills they need for the 21st century, equipping them to thrive in the knowledge economy through the skills of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths) and the essential skills of creativity, problem solving, adaptability, resilience and communication.
Ed Byrne, President & Principal of King’s College London and Andrea Bandelli, Executive
Director of Science Gallery International
The rapid growth of the Science Gallery Network across four continents is testament to its success. 2018 sees the launch of Science Gallery London at King’s College London, while Science Gallery Melbourne at The University of Melbourne, Science Gallery Bengaluru at the Indian Institute of Science, Science Gallery Venice at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and Science Gallery Detroit at Michigan State University are all delivering programming to local audiences and developing bespoke facilities to house their own Science Gallery. Just over a decade ago, the pioneering Science Gallery Dublin launched at Trinity College Dublin. The reach and influence of the Science Gallery Network is extended to millions of additional people through touring exhibitions and participation in global platforms.
Science Gallery International is the non-profit, charitable organisation catalysing the growth of the Network, providing services, tools and resources required to power and expand this unique global collaboration.