On Lansdowne Walk, the Grade I listed (since 2018) Cosmic House stands out among the surrounding Holland Park villas. Originally built in the 1840s, it was redesigned (mainly inside) between 1979-1985 by leading post-modernist architectural theorist and designer Charles Jencks and his wife, the landscape architect and writer Maggie Keswick, with the help of architect Sir Terry Farrell (best known for the post-modern MI6 Building in Vauxhall). It was designed to be a manifesto for post-modernism and served as their home until Jenks’ death in 2019. It is now a private museum run by the Jencks Foundation.

We have managed to arrange a special group visit for our members to the house, which is preserved as it was when the Jencks family lived there. The Jencks Foundation first opened the house to the public in 2021, after works that preserved the house as originally designed, together with the original furniture and fittings, while allowing for public exhibitions in the new basement gallery.

There are currently two such exhibitions in the house, one by the couples’ old friend Madelon Vriesendorp and the other by Turner Prize-winning artist Tai Shani.

PLEASE NOTE: As the house is in a residential area, opening hours and numbers are severely limited: to a maximum of 15 at any one time. So we have arranged for two separate tours, each lasting an hour and a half: the first tour (max 15) at 12.30 – 14.00 and the second tour (max 15) at 15.00 – 16.30. Please ensure that you select the right tickets, and please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before the start of your tour.

Important additional information for the visitors:

1. Note there are some steep steps. There are four floors and 52 steps to the top floor via a concrete spiral staircase, but no lift.
2. No bags, umbrellas or large coats are allowed in the house – there are small lockers for eg handbags which you are asked to use.
3. Because of delicate floor surfaces visitors are asked not to wear high heeled shoes.

Members £20.00, non-members £30.00

Not a Kensington Society member?

It’s only £20 for a whole year. If you want to take advantage of the lower membership price, just become a member online first via our membership page, before booking your ticket below.