London Design Biennale: final week highlights

Since opening on Thursday 5 June, London Design Biennale has been showcasing the very best in international design and innovation as over 30 pavilions respond to this edition’s theme, ‘Surface Reflections’. Set by Artistic Director Dr Samuel Ross MBE, the 2025 Biennale explores the dynamic interplay between internal experience and external influence - inviting designers and audiences alike to consider what lies beneath the surface of the objects, systems, and spaces that shape our lives. In a time of global complexity and transformation, the Biennale boldly engages with themes of identity, memory, innovation, technology and craftsmanship through immersive installations, musical performances, soundscapes and hypnotic sculptural works. 

Participating pavilions include:

ABU DHABI / ARGENTINA / AZERBAIJAN / CHILE / DESIGN COUNCIL / ECO-VISION PLAN / EU DELEGATION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM / GLOBAL SOUTH / HONG KONG / INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL PROSPERITY, UCL  / JAPAN / KING'S COLLEGE LONDON / MALTA / MELEK ZEYNEP BULUT / NETHERLANDS / NIGERIA / NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY & UCL / OMAN / OPARANZE CONGRESS / PERU / POLAND / RACHEL BOTSMAN / ROMANIA / SAN DIEGO - TIJUANA / SAUDI ARABIA / SILK ROAD TEPLO POP-UP STORE / TURKEY / UK CIVIL SERVICE / UZBEK DESIGN / VCUARTS QATAR / WORLD MONUMENTS FUND & ENGLISH HERITAGE

Film: I AM JACK

“The fifth edition of London Design Biennale invites the world to pause, reflect and look beneath the surface. At a time of global uncertainty, our designers and artists are not only responding to the challenges we face, they are imagining bold, hopeful alternatives. This year’s theme, “Surface Reflections”, captures a collective desire to reimagine the role of design in shaping a more thoughtful, equitable and connected world. From radical material innovation to deeply personal narratives, the 2025 Biennale is a proud celebration of design’s power to bring us together and help us imagine the future we want to build.” - Victoria Broackes, Director of London Design Biennale

Now in it's final week, there is still a wealth of events and programming to experience - illuminating the work of more than 30 pavilions exhibiting in 2025, from international delegations to individual designers. 

Friday Late - 27 June

On the last Friday, the Biennale will stay open until 9pm for an evening of awards, live music, food and drinks and performances! The programme starts at 4.45pm with THE HERDS' arrival and public performance in Somerset House's Courtyard, followed by sound healing sessions at Nigeria Pavilion (5.50pm & 7.30pm) and a textile workshop with artist Zulfiya Spowart and The Silk Road Pop-Up Teplo Store at LDB Lounge at 5.30pm.

The Biennale's Public Medal Ceremony will start at 7pm in the Courtyard, and will be awarded to the pavilion most voted for by the public. At 7.30pm, Hampton University Choir will perform, featuring a sophisticated blend of classical European traditions and African American gospel music. The Biennale will stay open late until 9pm (last entry 8pm).

Alongside the main exhibition, the London Design Biennale’s pavilions are also hosting Sessions - a vibrant programme of workshops, film screenings, performances and talks throughout June at Somerset House.

These events offer visitors a deeper, more participatory exploration of the themes underpinning each pavilion. Highlights include powerful documentary screenings, including ‘Ajuju’ by Nigerian designer Myles Igwebuike and ‘Some Hairs Never Fall’, linked to the Peruvian pavilion, both followed by Q&As with their creators. Visitors can engage with a dynamic Pecha Kucha presentation from VCUArts Qatar, experience an interactive policy game titled ‘A Serious Game’ from the UK Civil Service, and reflect on the digital age at the Life Calling pavilion’s ‘Note to Humanity’. The programme also includes an in-conversation event on coastal heritage, featuring Magnus von Wistinghausen of the World Monuments Fund and Rob Woodside of English Heritage.