Last look at iconic power station

Battersea Power Station was operational from 1937 until 1982.

Battersea Power Station, one of London's iconic landmarks, is reopening its doors for an exhibition just before it is redeveloped.

The plant was operational from 1937 until 1982, when it shut its doors to the public. It was given Grade II status two years before it closed.

The site, sold in 1993, is to become a shopping, conference and accommodation complex, due to open in 2009.

It is reopening to show an exhibition of contemporary Chinese art.

From Sunday it will host the Serpentine Gallery's presentation of China Power Station: Part I.

London view

The show will give people their last glimpse of the original plant before it is redeveloped.

The exhibition by two Chinese artists aims to demonstrate the potential of the building, a spokesman said.

"Battersea Power Station echoes post-industrial art venues in China and the works on show have been chosen to activate the enormous scale of its spaces," a spokesman for the gallery said.

The exhibition comprises of an art installation, sound and moving images spread over three floors, and the top floor offers panoramic views over London.