Join us for an exclusive out-of-hours curator-led tour of Charles Jencks’ post-modern creation, The Cosmic House.

Originally titled Thematic House, the Cosmic House was the home of Charles and Maggie Jencks and their children John and Lily. Charles and Maggie bought the Victorian terrace house in 1978. The house was rebuilt over a period of six years in collaboration with architect Terry Farrell and many other collaborators such as Michael Graves, Eduardo Paolozzi, Celia Scott and Allen Jones. Charles was already known for his writings on post-modernism, which he viewed as creating a richly symbolic architecture full of meanings as a response to the modern era. The house can be seen as a built manifesto of his ideas in its use of a complex symbolic programme which centres on the creation of the universe and a comprehensive knowledge of the history of architecture.

This event is part of the public programme complementing Architects’ Houses which runs from 7 June – 3 September, 2023.

This tour is now sold out. 

About the Tour:

  • The tour will take place at The Cosmic House, 19 Lansdowne Walk, London, W11 3AH
  • The nearest underground station is Holland Park (Central Line)
  • Please arrive at The Cosmic House five minutes before the start time of 2pm. You will be able to sit on the exterior amphitheatre steps in front of the entrance.
  • The tour will be led by Rachel Denniston, Curatorial Coordinator, the Jencks Foundation
  • The tour will last around an hour.
  • Please note that no under 12s are permitted in the house and that there is a steep spiral staircase.
  • Photography is permitted in the house, but without flash. Tripods, selfie sticks and large cameras are not permitted.
  • There is very limited space for storing coats and baggage, so please only bring a minimum of belongings. Large backpacks or bags are not permitted inside the house.
  • Due to delicate flooring, high heeled shoes are not allowed. Please wear appropriate footwear for your visit.

Image: The rear elevation of The Cosmic House by Charles Jencks in Holland Park, London. Photograph by Gareth Gardner.