Dulwich Picture Gallery is hosting a celebratory weekend of events on 6-7 September 2025 to mark the completion of major projects that will enhance their offering. The biggest redevelopment at Dulwich Picture Gallery in over 20 years incorporates a new permanent ArtPlay Pavilion and families’ café, as well as a new free-to-access Sculpture Garden.
Set in the Sculpture Garden is the new ArtPlay Pavilion which aims to engage young children in activities which reflect the collection and the building itself – forms of play and learning which will introduce small children to the world of art. The focus is on seeing and touching as children will be able to to play with soft toys – mostly novel organic shapes in muted colours – which echo elements in the Gallery’s paintings. They can also run over Canaletto’s bridge and swing in Poussin’s clouds – literally stepping into paintings.
Designed by landscape artist Kim Wilkie, The Lovington Sculpture Meadow features an ‘art forest’ of around 130 newly planted trees designed to enhance biodiversity in the area. The new species-rich meadow includes an undulating land art form inspired by the Gallery’s star work, Rembrandt’s Girl at a Window (1645).
This initiative also launches a new series of contemporary sculptural installations, which will continually evolve across all areas of the Sculpture Garden. Works by leading contemporary artists will explore themes of nature and play, and connect with the Gallery’s Collection, aiming to spark curiosity and fun for people of all ages.
Jennifer Scott, Director of Dulwich Picture Gallery, said: “What a huge moment this is for Dulwich Picture Gallery as we transform our outdoor spaces. I am immensely grateful to all the supporters who have helped us to make our vision a reality, staying true to the Gallery’s founding idea that great art is made for sharing.”
For further details go to www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
