The Serpentine Gallery opened its new summer pavilion to the public on Saturday, 10 July 2010. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and engineered by Arup, this year's pavilion is the 10th in the architecture series and also coincides with the gallery's 40th anniversary year.

The striking pillar-box red structure, which is a combination of metal and light-weight materials, is Nouvel's first completed built structure in England. Its flexible auditorium space houses the Serpentine Gallery café and will host the gallery's Park Nights programme. Nouvel has created play areas, complete with table tennis tables and games including chess and drafts, around the pavilion to recreate the feel of French civic parks.

Julia Peyton-Jones, Director, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Co-director, Serpentine Gallery, said: 'We could not be more thrilled that Jean Nouvel has designed the 10th Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, the only commission of its kind worldwide that annually invites pre-eminent architects to complete their first built structure in England. It is an honour to bring Nouvel's globally acclaimed work to London for everyone to enjoy.'

This year's Serpentine Gallery Pavilion was funded by Arts Council England through our Sustain programme.

Moira Sinclair, Executive Director of Arts Council England, London said: 'Our Sustain fund was established to help support artistic excellence in the context of the economic downturn, and the Serpentine pavilion is a landmark example - uniquely special to and beloved by London, and a key 'moment' on the international visual arts and architectural calendars. I am delighted that this grant, alongside our core funding to the gallery, will help ensure a stunning pavilion for 2010 that will inspire, intrigue and entertain everyone who explores it.'

Jean Nouvel will be speaking at the Serpentine Gallery this evening, Monday 12 July, at 5pm to discuss his design for Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2010. To find out more please visit the Serpentine Gallery website.

This year's Serpentine Gallery Pavilion is open until 17 October 2010.

For further information see: www.serpentinegallery.org
Or < a href= www.jeannouvel.com> www.jeannouvel.com