Being Human Festival 2026

Statues at the Crossroads: Art and Science in Stone

Join art historians Dr Michael Paraskos of Imperial College London, for a free guided walk through South Kensington, exploring how art and science come together in the statues, memorials and public artworks that surround Imperial College and the nearby museums.

South Kensington developed as a place where art, science and education could exist side by side, and its public sculpture reflects that ambition. Along the way, we will discover the stories behind these works and consider how artists have represented scientists, inventors, explorers and ideas about progress.

At each stop, you will be invited to look closely, share your thoughts and consider what these sculptures tell us about the relationship between artistic imagination and scientific achievement.

No previous knowledge of art, history or science is needed, just curiosity about London and the stories hidden in its streets.

Book now for Thursday 5 November 2026, 13:30 to 15:00

Places are limited and are allocated on first-come-first-served basis.

As this is a walking tour, and we will be travlling on foot between the Victoria and Albert Museum (Cromwell Road) and the Albert Memorial (Hyde Park), please wear appropriate footwear and other clothing for the weather and conditions, and also bring an umbrella.

This event is part of Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 5-14 November 2026. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. For further information please see beinghumanfestival.org