Bayswater

The Rolling Bridge

Paddington · 0.6 miles

A kinetic sculpture completed in 2004, the Rolling Bridge forms part of the Grand Union Canal office and retail development at Paddington Basin in London. Conceived by designer Thomas Heatherwick, the structure consists of eight triangular sections linked by two-part hinges and driven by vertical hydraulic cylinders. When fully extended it functions as a conventional footbridge of about 12 metres in length; when the pistons engage, the sections curl together into an octagonal shape that occupies roughly half the width of the waterway. The bridge’s movement, which requires two to three minutes, is powered by fourteen hydraulic rams, precision bearings and an underground machinery chamber that supplies oil pressure. The bridge opens to the public on a set timetable: every Wednesday and Friday at 12:00, and each Saturday at 14:00. It received the British Constructional Steelwork Association’s British Structural Steel Design Award, recognising its engineering approach. Although the design could theoretically permit boat traffic, the basin beyond the bridge is currently filled by a fountain and blocked by a surface-level steel barrier, meaning navigation is not possible. The lengthy cycle time and the short detour when the bridge is closed have led commentators to view the work more as public art than a functional crossing. Access is step-free, providing wheelchair users with a level route across the bridge. The nearest town is Paddington, and opening times are listed on the official site. No admission fee is mentioned, and the bridge forms part of the surrounding public space without additional facilities noted.

The Fan Bridge

Paddington · 0.6 miles

The Merchant Square Footbridge is a moveable pedestrian bridge spanning a canal in Paddington, London. It is composed of five side-by side sections of varying lengths, with offset pivots to accommodate the varying lengths. When opened, the segments are brought to varying angles of elevation. The visual effect when opened has been likened to that of a Japanese fan.

Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum

Kensington Gore · 0.6 miles

A specialist museum and archive devoted to Poland’s experience during the Second World War occupies the Grade II-listed terrace at 20 Prince’s Gate, West London. The building fronts Kensington Road opposite Hyde Park and lies just inside the City of Westminster, close to the commercial heart of Kensington. Established on 2 May 1945, the institute was founded to safeguard the memory of the Polish Underground State, the government-in-exile and the Polish armed forces that fought alongside the Allies. It operates as a non-governmental organisation run by scholars from the Polish community and forms part of the same Victorian development by Charles James Freake that includes the nearby Polish Hearth Club. The collection comprises witness testimonies from the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, official documents, regimental colours, military medals, uniforms, insignia, artworks and a library of personal effects belonging to Polish statesmen, diplomats and ordinary citizens. A substantial film and photographic archive, digitised in 2005–06, holds more than 5 000 images and is accessible for exhibitions and educational projects. In 2006, a cache of 2 000 photographs taken by Jan Markiewicz of the 1950s Polish community in South London was added to the holdings. The institute merged in 1988 with the Polish Underground Movement Study Trust, which retains internal autonomy for research and publishing. Governance is provided by a council and executive committee, overseeing departments such as Archives, Museum, Reference Library, Publications and the Regimental Colours Fund. Membership categories include honorary, full, life and annual members.

Lisson Gallery

Marylebone · 0.6 miles

Located in the Marylebone district of central London, the gallery occupies premises originally opened on Bell Street in Lisson Grove in 1967. The current London space spans roughly 15,000 sq ft and was remodelled by architect Tony Fretton in two phases, first in 1986 and later in 1992. The building provides a series of exhibition rooms that host rotating shows of contemporary art. Since its inception, the venue has presented work by a broad roster of artists, currently numbering close to 80, among them Marina Abramović, Ai Weiwei, Anish Kapoor, Julian Opie and Laure Prouvost. Fourteen of the represented artists have received Turner Prize nominations, with five—Richard Deacon, Anish Kapoor, Tony Cragg, Grenville Davey and Douglas Gordon—having secured the award. Early programmes featured a group exhibition in April 1967 that included Derek Jarman and Keith Milow, and the gallery quickly became known for showing artists linked to Minimalism and Conceptual Art, such as Carl Andre, Sol LeWitt, Donald Judd and Yoko Ono. In the 1980s it displayed many of the sculptors later identified as the New British Sculptors. The gallery’s programme continues to evolve, drawing on its historical emphasis on innovative practice while maintaining a presence in several international cities. Visitors can view contemporary works within the spacious London rooms, which are situated near Marylebone’s transport links and local amenities.

Queen's Tower

Queen's Gate · 1.2 miles

Remnant of Imperial Institute buildings, demolished in 1957

Lisson Gallery

Marylebone · 1.2 miles

Contemporary art enthusiasts can explore a globally recognised programme within the Marylebone district of London, where the gallery occupies a purpose-built space of roughly 15,000 sq ft. The venue showcases work by an extensive roster of living artists, including Marina Abramović, Ai Weiwei, Anish Kapoor, Julian Opie and Ai Weiwei, alongside a number of estates and collectives such as Art & Language and the Carolee Schneemann Foundation. Exhibitions frequently feature installations, sculptures and conceptual pieces that reflect the gallery’s long-standing commitment to Minimalism and Conceptual Art, and the space regularly presents works by artists who have been nominated for, or have won, the Turner Prize. Founded in 1967 on Bell Street in Lisson Grove by Nicholas Logsdail, the institution quickly became a pioneer of avant-garde practice, mounting early shows that included Derek Jarman and Keith Milow. Within its first half-decade the programme featured figures such as Carl Andre, Sol LeWitt and Yoko Ono, and in the 1980s it supported the emergence of the New British Sculptors, notably Anish Kapoor and Richard Deacon. The London premises were remodelled by architect Tony Fretton in the late 1980s and early 1990s, providing a flexible environment for large-scale works. Access is via the Marylebone area, with standard London public-transport options serving the vicinity. No admission fee or visitor facilities are detailed in the source material.