Must-see exhibitions in the Midlands
Don't want to miss the very best exhibitions open now in the Midlands? From photographs of comedy legends to intricate drawings by Dutch and Flemish Old Masters, these are the must-see shows of the moment.
Famous for being a cradle of industry, the Midlands is dotted with the landmarks of this history – from Middleport Pottery, now an award-winning visitor destination, to a rich cluster of sites in Telford, including Coalport China Museum, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and the Tar Tunnel.
A cultural day of exploration in the Midlands might also include the sculpture park at Compton Verney, stellar contemporary art spaces such as Nottingham Contemporary and Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, or the internationally important collection at Weston Park – but for knockout temporary exhibitions in the region, you'll want to take a look at the evolving selection below.
So if you're planning a day out in major cities including Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham and Wolverhampton, or you're looking to discover a hidden gem, check out our guide to the biggest exhibitions in the East and West Midlands 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 East Midlands and West Midlands with an Art Pass
I photograph comedians! Photography by Andy Hollingworth
From Ken Dodd to Victoria Wood, Joe Lycett to Rosie Jones – peek at portraits of comedy legends, candidly captured by British photographer Andy Hollingworth. Whether it's a personal studio portrait or a rare moment captured off-stage, Hollingworth's photographs capture the essense of some of the UK's best comedians. Also on display is important memorabilia, costumes and objects, including Billy Connolly's banana boots and Lenny Henry's tour jacket.
Bruegel to Rembrandt: Drawing Life, Sketching Wonder
Marvel at over 60 intricate drawings by Dutch and Flemish Old Masters. From Rembrandt to Rubens, this exhibition unveils the power of drawing as a creative tool and a storytelling device and provides a unique insight into the minds of these historic artists. Witness the complexity of everyday life in the 16th and 17th centuries, masterfully captured in charcoal, ink and chalk.
Shahana Rajani: Lines That World a River لکیروں سے دریا تھامنا
From the drawing of river-maps to the painting of sea murals, contemporary artist Shahana Rajani explores how these creative practices allow coastal communities across the Indus Delta in Pakistan. This act of drawing is a ritual to honour and protect these eco-systems that are disappearing in the face of climate catastrophe and destructive infrastructure.
Stories That Made Us - Roots, Resilience, Representation
Journey through the lived experiences of a South Asian family in Coventry in this immersive exhibition, telling their story from 1968 to 2010. Rooms from their house will be staged and decorated with personal items – such as photographs, posters, magazines and books. Hear their music, watch their television, and listen to their stories to learn about the family's connections with migration, activism, identity and culture.
Becoming Shakespeare
Immerse yourself in fascinating and emotional stories about William Shakespeare's life that begun in, and was shaped by, Stratford-upon-Avon. Across five curated spaces, you'll journey through his life, work and words that have had a lasting influence on how we understand the human condition to this day.