ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Zaha Hadid’s early paintings come to life in VR at Serpentine Galleries

exhibition · 2026-05-05

The Serpentine Galleries in London are presenting 'Zaha Hadid. Early paintings and drawings', a focused exhibition on the architect’s early career, open until February 12. A collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects’ VR department and Google Arts & Culture brings four of her 1980s paintings—The Peak, The Great Utopia, The World, and Leicester Square—into virtual reality. Meanwhile, the MAXXI in Rome will open the retrospective 'Zaha Hadid e l’Italia' on June 23, marking the first anniversary of her death.

Key facts

  • Zaha Hadid (1950-2016) is being honored with exhibitions in London and Rome.
  • The Serpentine Galleries exhibition 'Zaha Hadid. Early paintings and drawings' runs until February 12.
  • Four VR experiences based on Hadid’s 1980s paintings are available: The Peak, The Great Utopia, The World, and Leicester Square.
  • The VR project is a collaboration between Serpentine Galleries, Zaha Hadid Architects’ VR department, and Google Arts & Culture.
  • The MAXXI in Rome will open the retrospective 'Zaha Hadid e l’Italia' on June 23.
  • Hadid studied in London and founded her studio there.
  • The exhibition focuses on the initial phase of Hadid’s career.
  • The VR experience provides additional insight into her architectural vision.

Entities

Artists

  • Zaha Hadid

Institutions

  • Serpentine Galleries
  • Zaha Hadid Architects
  • Google Arts & Culture
  • MAXXI

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Rome
  • Italy

Sources