African Summer Season
The Horniman’s African Summer season celebrates Africa’s rich cultural influence on London, showcasing London-based artists, whose work will reveal the diversity of people, art forms, ideas and traditions inspired by this vast continent and its diaspora. Throughout July and August, the Horniman will play host to live music, photography, museum displays, film and dance, including carnival parades and Afro-jazz picnics, as well as African-inspired family favourites such as arts and crafts, object-handling and storytelling. Full details can be found at www.horniman.ac.uk
Jazz Picnics – Every Thursday, 6.30pm to 8pm
Chill out to special concerts on the Bandstand set against a backdrop of incredible views over London. This year, our jazz picnic series explores the mesmerising sounds of African jazz, from Afro blues to Afro beat. Free
Africa Short Films – Sunday 19 July, 12-5pm
Join us for an afternoon of contemporary short films and documentaries from Africa and the Diaspora, curated by Suzy Gillet, producer and director. Free. Everyone Welcome
Explore Africa for Families: African Animals – Tuesday 21 July, 2-2.45pm
Explore Africa for Adults: African Animals – Tuesday 21 July, 3.30-4.15pm
Join Jo Hatton, our Keeper of Natural History to find out more about the animals of Africa. Free
Explore Africa for Families: Hear it Live ! – Tuesday 28 July, 2-2.45pm
Explore Africa for Adults: Hear it Live ! – Tuesday 28 July, 3.30-4.15pm
See Kadialy Kouyate perform on a 21-string West African kora harp and learn more about the music and storytelling traditions in Senegal. Free
Big Wednesdays: African Summer
Wednesday 29 July, 11am – 3.30pm
Join us for a day of activities inspired by Africaâ•˙s many different countries and its Diaspora. Experience different dance, drumming, singing and music performances inspired by traditions from all around Africa. Discover Dance Hall to Beatbox and Afro Beat to Lindy Hop. Watch a selection of short African children’s films and animations and more. See our website for full details.
These events are organised in partnership with The Association of Dance of the African Diaspora (ADAD) as part of the ADAD Bloom Festival. Free
Exhibitions and Displays
Plantastic – Until Sunday 1 November
Explore the wonderful world of plants on a massive scale. From giant seeds and to sun-seeking flowers and a huge crawl-through root system, Plantastic’s interactive exhibits and games will bring visitors up close to all kinds of fantastic plant life revealing how plants are essential for life on Earth. Tickets: £3.85 Child, £7.15 Adult, £18.15 Family (prices include 10% voluntary Gift Aid donation). Free for Horniman Members.
Plantastic Gardens Displays – Until Sunday 1 November
Our family-friendly Plantastic exhibition is complemented by three specially designed and themed displays in the Horniman’s spectacular Gardens. The displays include a mass planting of sunflowers, a floral picture of the anatomy of a flower created from more than 3,000 bedding plants, and a beautiful border themed around plants that attract pollinating insects. Free
South London Landscapes – From 23 May
A collection of atmospheric photographs of some of south Londonâ•˙s parks, open spaces and natural areas â•„ including the Horniman Gardens – taken by London based photographer Max A Rush. The pictures, taken in the most unusual and beautiful weather, capture the local landscape through its changing seasons. Free
Bloom – Saturday 11 July – Sunday 6 December
A series of plant silhouettes, painted by artist Edward Chell, inspired by the Hornimanâ•˙s own collection of rare Cyanotype folios by 19th century naturalist and early photographer Anna Atkins, and plants in the Hornimanâ•˙s Gardens and historic collections. Free
Summer Family Events
Nature Explorers: Pond Dipping – Every Thursday, 23 July to 27 August from 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm
Try your hand at pond dipping in our Nature Trail Pond and discover a spring environment bursting with life on the Nature Trail. All equipment is provided. This activity is not suitable for prams or pushchairs. Please dress for the weather. An alternative indoor event will be run in the event of very bad weather. Suitable for families with children aged 5+.Tickets: Child £2. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Nature Notebooks – Every Thursday, 23 July to 27 August
11am – 2pm
Make your very own Nature Notebook and use it to explore our Gardens and record the things you find with our staff. Suitable for families with children aged 3+. Free
Big Wednesday: Big Butterfly Count – Wednesday 22 July, 11am to 3.30pm
Join us for a day celebrating beautiful butterflies! Take part in the Big Butterfly Count with entomologist (bug expert!) Richard Jones, make butterfly art and craft and see some of Mr Hornimanâ•˙s butterfly collection. See the website for the full programme. Free
Please visit www.horniman.ac.uk for full information on all regular family and weekend events including the Horniman Farmers Market, Art Makers and Hands On Family Workshops and summer family events.