Step into a world of imaginative play at our brand new ArtPlay Pavilion.
Nestled within the Gallery’s beautiful Sculpture Garden, our an immersive play experience invites little ones to explore sensory-rich activities inspired by the elements—sunlight, water, wind, and earth.
Created by HoLD Art Collective, the space reimagines classic paintings from the Gallery’s Collection as interactive adventures: slide through sunbeams, swing among the clouds and rest on soft, sculptural forms designed for comfort and calm.
Perfect for babies, toddlers, and children under 8, the ArtPlay Pavilion offers a joyful blend of movement, imagination and relaxation—making it a must-visit for families.
ArtPlay Relaxed (SEN/D) sessions are available the first Monday of the month for children of any age with additional sensory needs.
'A place absolutely dedicated to life, infancy and pleasure'
'Sustainable, striking and seriously fun'
Key information
- The ArtPlay Pavilion is open daily, with some sessions reserved for schools and private bookings.
- Activities are designed for children aged from 6 months - 8 years.
- Children must be supervised by an accompanying adult throughout the session.
- Session times begin at 9am and run hourly, until 4pm.
- Specific sessions are available for 0-2 year olds on Saturdays and SEN/D sessions are available the first Monday of the month.
- Check this page to see when the latest sessions become available.
- Tickets cost £9 per child (concessions available)
Learn more about ArtPlay sessions in our FAQs.
Start your art journey here
The brand new ArtPlay Pavilion has been designed by leading architects Carmody Groarke, as part of the Gallery's major transformation project.
Inside the ArtPlay Pavilion, activities have been created by play specialists Sarah Marsh and Stephanie Jefferies of HoLD Art Collective, who create magical, sensory-led spaces designed especially for children and families. With a focus on calm, tactile play and creative exploration—shaped by Sarah’s work with SEND audiences and Stephanie’s Montessori expertise—their installations invite little ones to discover, touch, and imagine.
Events in the ArtPlay Pavilion
Mini Masterpieces
3 October 2025
Creative Tales
4 Jul 2025 — 31 Oct 2025Inspired by the Collection
Four immersive zones—Earth, Sunlight, Water and Wind—transform paintings from our Collection into interactive adventures. Created by HoLD Art Collective, each space invites children to play, explore and experience art in a whole new way.
Schools and Community Groups
Schools
The ArtPlay Pavilion is available for schools to book on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Inspire your students imaginations with interactive play experiences. School ArtPlay sessions can be booked standalone or combined with visits to the Gallery.
Community Groups (free-to-access)
Free-to-access community groups and organisations working with families based in Southwark, Lambeth and Lewisham are able to access the ArtPlay Pavilion for free on Tuesdays.
FAQs
Activities are designed for ages 6 months to 8 years with various ways in which babies and children can engage with ArtPlay. Sessions are kept to max 20 to allow all little ones to have the space to let their imaginations run wild!
We offer sessions for 0-2 year olds at 11am on Saturdays and 3pm on Wednesdays. Children aged 3 and over should join the mixed ages sessions.
ArtPlay Relaxed (SEN/D) sessions are open to children of any age with additional sensory needs.
Children must be supervised by an accompanying adult throughout the session.
ArtPlay is designed for little ones aged 6 months to 8 years, and each child ticket includes entry for up to two accompanying adults.
- Babies under 6 months can join for free if they’re coming along with another child over 6 months with a ticket.
- If your under 6-month-old is the only child in your booking, our usual child ticket price applies — this is because we have a limited number of spaces per session and every child, no matter their age, has their own spot in our activities.
We can’t wait to welcome you and your family!
Sessions are 45 minutes.
Each children's ticket includes up to two carers. A maximum of four children’s tickets are available per customer, per session.
Please email enquiries@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk if you require an extra adult due to specialised support needs.
Children must be supervised by an accompanying adult throughout the session.
Sessions are self-led. This means it is up to you how you play in the space to make sure you keep yourself and your family safe while playing. There are members of staff in the space at all times to answer any questions, but they are not solely responsible for your safety.
Children and carers must remove shoes and socks (except grip socks).
We want you, and everyone using the space, to have the most fun they can. It’s important to be aware of those around you as you’re playing.
There is a covered buggy park outside the Pavilion. Buggies are left at owners risk.
There is step-free access throughout the Gallery, gardens and Pavilion.
Accessible toilets with changing facilities are located in the Pavilion and the main gallery cloister. Food and drink can be purchased from the Pavilion’s on site canteen and the Gallery’s café. No food and drink is allowed inside the ArtPlay play area.
Under 18s go free to our Collection and Exhibitions. You can book tickets here.
Why not wander through our Sculpture Garden with our new family trail, and see what you can find?
Host a children's party
Make your child's birthday truly special with a celebration in the ArtPlay Pavilion! We have a range of packages available to help you build the perfect day.
More things to do
Sculpture Garden
Explore our free Sculpture Garden, and journey along our family sculpture trail through The Lovington Sculpture Meadow. Can you find all of the artworks outside?
Canteen
Our brand new family cafe serves grab and go options for when you're on the move. Serving children's lunch boxes, sandwiches, and a selection of drinks. Perfect for a bite after your ArtPlay session.
Family visits
Learn more about our resources and facilities for families.
