Blockbuster exhibitions in the South
Planning an art excursion in the South of England? From organic, ephemeral sculptures at Turner Contemporary to vibrant textiles at Tate St Ives, don't miss out on the biggest exhibitions.
The South of England is brimming with cultural hotspots, from visitor favourites such as Tate St Ives and the Holburne Museum to historic houses like artists' haven Charleston and literary retreat Chawton House.
And there's plenty to see and do with a rolling programme of must-see exhibitions running throughout the year. Whether you're a history buff or fascinated by the new, you're bound to find an exhibition you'll love.
Here's our guide to some of the biggest blockbuster exhibitions in the South open now.
Don't forget to pack your National Art Pass to get great benefits at every venue, and check out our full listings for more upcoming exhibitions.
Discover some of the best exhibitions in the South of England with an Art Pass
Małgorzata Mirga-Tas
Immerse yourself in the textile worlds created by pioneering Romani artist Małgorzata Mirga-Tas. Using visual storytelling through a feminist lens, she creates vivid portraits and scenes from everyday life to challenge stereotypical representations of Roma people, in turn creating vibrant works imbued with strength and dignity.
Anya Gallaccio: preserve
Melting candles, rotting apples, decaying flowers – Anya Gallaccio's shapeshifting sculptural installations build a bridge between art and the environment to reveal the fragility of the natural world. This exhibition is the largest survey of the British artist, whose use of organic and ephemeral materials has reshaped understandings of contemporary sculpture.
Vanessa Bell: A World of Form and Colour
Marvel at over 120 works by a pioneer of British abstraction, Vanessa Bell. A central figure of the Bloomsbury Group and sister of Virginia Woolf, discover how Bell left an enduring mark on modern art in Britain in this major retrospective, organised in collaboration with Charleston.
Chila Kumari Singh Burman: Neon Dreams
Bask in the glow of neon lights at the Holburne Museum, where works by contemporary artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman adorn the building's façade and take centre stage in the museum's Ballroom, where a neon tiger sculpture nods to Burman's cultural heritage and experiences growing up in a Punjabi Hindu family on Merseyside.
Immortal Apples, Eternal Eggs
Have your preconceptions of still life challenged in this major group exhibition, bringing together over 50 artists from the past 100 years to re-examine the familiar genre. Expect to see works by artists including Phyllida Barlow, Patrick Caulfield, Michael Craig-Martin, Sarah Lucas and Henry Moore.
Collecting Modernism: Pablo Picasso to Winifred Nicholson
Through a story of love and friendship, experience one of the biggest modern art collections in the country which moved between three homes of queer collectors. Don't miss this rare opportunity to get up close to leading 20th-century artists, including Vanessa Bell, Pablo Picasso and Amadeo Modigliani.
Mary Robinson: Actress. Mistress. Writer. Radical
Literary genius, royal mistress, acting icon, or radical visionary? Whether she was gracing the London stage or the papers' gossip columns, Mary Robinson gave everyone something to talk about. Discover this overlooked 18th-century figure and her fascinating story, from beloved celebrity to social outcast, who is now considered one of the most influential writers of her time.
Money Talks: Art, Society & Power
Money, money, money – we often hate to talk about it, but what does it say about us? Explore how money intersects with art and culture in this major exhibition at the Ashmolean, through both the images that decorate it and the artists who investigate it to understand power dynamics and its role in society.
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.