Exhibitions
What the author of Les Misérables did when he wasn’t writing
Astonishing Things: the Drawings of Victor Hugo, now open at the Royal Academy, shines a light on the author’s illustrative sideline by bringing to London – for the first time in 50 years – a small, but remarkable, selection of his drawings out of over 4000 that he made in his lifetime.
Who was the artist behind The Scream?
The Scream (1893) has become so widely known and imitated, that the artist who painted it has been almost obscured by its celebrity. But who was the man behind the iconic image of dread and despair? Was he a depressed loner, rejected and ignored by society? Edvard Munch Portraits exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery shows us that he wasn’t.
Fifty years that changed art forever
The key players of 14th century Italy who turned religious imagery into contemporary art. Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300-1350 is an exhibition that brings together masterpieces that have been separated for centuries – creations of the first European celebrity artists to make painting art.
9 must-see London exhibitions in spring and summer 2025
Unmissable art shows at Britain’s major galleries opening this spring. London’s museums have dialled it up this spring in the battle for your attention. From the dawn of the Renaissance to rarely-seen Impressionist paintings and jewellery fit for the Queen, here’s my rundown of the best exhibitions to see in London during spring 2025.
A textbook guide to Brazilian modernism
Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism is a once-in-a-generation exhibition bringing ten of Brazil’s most exciting artists together under one roof.
The Royal Academy has chosen to keep things simple, selecting artists who worked in Brazil during the 1910-1970s and giving each of them a room or dedicated space. It’s a little bit like moving through a textbook, but considering how little these artists are known in the UK, that’s no bad thing.
New York City museums and galleries off the beaten track
Five must-see hidden gem art spaces in New York
Wondering where can you go in the Big Apple to see great art and historical artefacts but without the crowds? Here are some of the top lesser-known spaces that offer both amazing exhibits and space to breathe. Some of these are right bang in the centre of town, others would require a little journey, but whether you see just one or all five, you will undoubtedly discover something interesting to talk about back home.
Is the Turner Prize having a mid-life crisis?
Britain’s biggest art prize is back in London. The four nominated artists all have a lot to say, but will it be enough to lure the crowds? The Turner Prize, now celebrating its 40th year, may have a mid-life crisis on its hands.
Was Vincent van Gogh a genius or just a hard worker?
The National Gallery’s first exhibition of the artist questions the long-held stereotype.
Yinka Shonibare is making difficult subjects accessible, again
The artist’s colourful exhibition at the Serpentine poses questions that remain stubbornly relevant – from war to immigration and places of refuge.
When women weren’t allowed to make art
Tate Britain’s latest exhibition charts 400 years of women making art, despite being told they can’t.
7 unmissable art exhibitions to see in London in Summer 2024
From Michelangelo’s late-career surge to Naomi Campbell’s runway success, there’s a crop of juicy art exhibitions in London this summer to tempt you away from the parks and into the galleries.
What made the Tudors look so cool?
The latest exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, provides an immersive Tudor experience, no VR headset in sight.
9 must-see exhibitions opening in February 2024 in London
Once you’re over dry January and ready to face the world again, but the weather is still wintry, head to the nearest gallery. February is a huge month for new exhibitions, and this year I really can’t decide where to start. Fortunately, we have until summer to catch most of these.
Where can you find guaranteed snow and ice in London?
Five must-see winter landscapes at the National Gallery to immerse yourself in yule spirit and escape the holiday crowds. Snow makes everything pretty, but the real one also raises your gas bills. In London, there is one place we can relax and enjoy snow and ice year round – at the National Gallery – bill-free.
How did the Impressionists turn humble works on paper into fine art?
The exhibition exploring Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works on paper at the Royal Academy makes you look closer and allows you to see the artist’s hand.
Are you a proper feminist? Tell me after you see this show
Are you a proper feminist? Tell me after you see this show
An exhibition that covers two decades of feminist art from 1970 to 1990 opens at Tate. With works by over 100 artists, it’s a lot to take in.
From smiles to secrets – what makes Frans Hals’ portraits so special?
The 17th century Dutch artist is known for his lively technique and jolly sitters. But is there more under the surface? A new exhibition at the National Gallery reveals all.
Smiling presented two problems 400 years ago. First, in polite society it was deemed inappropriate to show teeth when smiling. Second, smiles were rather hard to paint. But neither of these stopped Frans Hals. Not only did he paint people smiling and laughing, he also became famous for it.
How comfortable are you with performance art?
Horror, fascination, distress, sadness: having spent over 50 years as a performance artist, Marina Abramović is anything but dull. Love her or hate her, hardly anyone can be left untouched. She says that she does not concern herself with the audience’s reaction to the exhibition; she does her best and then the rest is up to you, the viewer.
Six small London museums perfect for your next getaway
Six small London museums perfect for your next getaway. Want to avoid the summer crowds but also see great art? Here are the best lesser-known London museums to put on your holiday itinerary.
How one artistic family took on Victorian society
The Rossettis revolutionised art and poetry in nineteenth century England. Or did they? At Tate Britain’s vivid exhibition you can decide for yourself.