DESIGNING THE FUTURE: SERPENTINE SUMMER PARTY 2025 UNITES ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND ACTIVISM
On June 24, 2025, the Serpentine Summer Party in Kensington Gardens, London, offered a dazzling blend of architecture, art, and cultural celebration. Hosted by Michael R. Bloomberg, Chairman of Serpentine’s Board of Trustees; Bettina Korek, CEO of Serpentine; Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director; and the celebrated actor, producer, and humanitarian Cate Blanchett, the event brought together a dynamic global community of creatives, philanthropists, and cultural leaders.
The centerpiece of the evening was A Capsule in Time, the 25th Anniversary Serpentine Architecture Pavilion, designed by the Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum and her Dhaka-based firm, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA). The pavilion, a striking testament to Tabassum’s vision, drew inspiration from the pressing social issues surrounding her home country, particularly the challenges faced by Rohingya refugees. This year’s Pavilion was a remarkable fusion of aesthetics and activism, providing guests with a visual and intellectual experience that embodied Serpentine’s commitment to socially driven, experimental design.
The event also showcased highlights from Serpentine’s vibrant summer program, including the Giuseppe Penone exhibition Thoughts in the Roots at Serpentine South, and the Play Pavilion, designed by Sir Peter Cook in collaboration with the LEGO Group. These exhibits represent Serpentine’s longstanding legacy of fostering groundbreaking projects that extend beyond traditional gallery spaces into the surrounding park, creating immersive cultural experiences for all.
Bettina Korek and Hans Ulrich Obrist shared their gratitude for the unwavering support of Serpentine’s global community, which has made this year’s celebrations and fundraising efforts a success. As they reflected on the ongoing spirit of experimentation that began with Zaha Hadid’s inaugural Pavilion in 2000, Korek emphasized the significance of Serpentine’s free programming, which will continue thanks to the generosity of its supporters.
Cate Blanchett, who co-chaired the event, underscored the critical importance of supporting cultural institutions and their ability to illuminate societal issues. In her speech, Blanchett praised the Serpentine Pavilion’s socially conscious design by Marina Tabassum, noting that such architecture challenges us to think critically about the world’s most pressing humanitarian concerns.
The fundraising goals of the evening were ambitious, aiming to secure the resources needed to keep Serpentine’s expansive programming accessible to all. For the first time, a distinguished Host Committee was assembled, led by businesswoman and philanthropist Isha Ambani, whose leadership in the evening’s efforts was pivotal. This committee included notable figures from the arts, entertainment, and fashion, including Joy Crookes, Jamie Dinan, Elizabeth Miller, Sonam Kapoor, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and many others, who are deeply committed to Serpentine’s mission.
As the night unfolded, guests mingled with a star-studded roster of artists, designers, and VIPs, including British designer Seán McGirr of Alexander McQueen, who dressed a number of prominent attendees, and world-renowned artists such as Yinka Shonibare CBE, Isaac Julien, and Grayson Perry. International fashion designers like Daniel Lee of Burberry, Chet Lo, and Harris Reed contributed to the night’s high-fashion ambiance, dressing celebrities such as Cate Blanchett, Lily Allen, and La Roux.
The music of Caroline Polachek and GALLiVANTER set the tone for an unforgettable evening, perfectly complementing the creative energy and cultural exchange that define the Serpentine Summer Party.
All images courtesy BFA
