Herzog & de Meuron and Ai Weiwei’s 2012 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion

Summer is made for the outdoors – and outdoor art exhibits. And with the London Olympics just around the corner you can be guaranteed the city is hosting some of the best around. Namely, the latest installation at the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion.

Swiss design duo Herzog & de Meuron – the architects behind the 2008 Beijing Bird’s Nest Olympic stadium – have joined forces with Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei to create this summer’s commissioned installation. The project is part of the much-anticipated London 2012 Festival and will act as the venue for Park Nights, the Gallery’s high-profile line-up of speakers and events.

The installation inspires visitors to consider what lies below the surface of the park by exploring the inner workings of the exhibit. The interior, which is made of cork, is protected by a “floating” platform that sits 1.5 meters above the ground. The 12 supporting columns pay tribute to each of the past commissions that the Serpentine Gallery has seen and encourages guests to remember the art that has occupied the space in the past. It truly is something to behold.

Remember that the Pavilion will undoubtedly be very busy during the Olympics. However, the exhibit will remain in London until October so you’ll still have time to schedule your visit once the closing ceremonies have wrapped.

Serpentine Gallery Pavilion
Hyde Park
London
Until October 14, 2012
www.serpentinegallery.org