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May Bank Holiday Special

We’re open this Bank Holiday Monday 10am-5pm and Walk of the Dandelion will be here, for one day only. Suitable for all ages, come to meet and follow Daniel, an 8.5ft puppet, spreading messages of peace and kindness as he walks around the grounds.

This artwork is on loan the Kunsthistoriches Museum in Vienna as part of their exhibition called Canaletto & Bellotto – Venice, London, Vienna.

The exhibition runs from 24 March until 6 September 2026.

Find out more: Kunsthistorisches Museum: Canaletto & Bellotto – Venice, London, Vienna – SIMsKultur

In 1746, Venetian painter, etcher and draughtsman Canaletto moved to Britain, hoping to secure patronage from many of those who had been on the Grand Tour and for whom he had worked in Italy. Vauxhall Gardens was one of the most fashionable venues for public entertainment in London.

Located in Kennington on the south bank of the River Thames and known as New Spring Gardens until 1785, Vauxhall Gardens became a venue for musical performances, including George Frederick Handel’s ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’ in 1749, which attracted an audience of over 12,000.