Must-see exhibitions in the Midlands
Don't want to miss the very best exhibitions open now in the Midlands? From a celebration of arboreal art to a contemporary artist grappling with big questions, 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
FOREST
From fairy tales to the pages of Shakespeare, forests have long been imagined as spaces where magic and danger can flourish. In this exhibition, artists meditate on their relationship to woodland and unveil the power of arboreal art. Plus, delve into new scientific research about Nottingham's monumental Major Oak tree.
Emma Talbot: How We Learn to Love
Immerse yourself in powerful installations and vibrant works of art by contemporary artist Emma Talbot who tackles the universal experiences of life, from its beginning to its end. On display is a new installation inspired by the story of Medea from Ancient Greek mythology, who killed her children in revenge.
The Gorgeous Nothings: Flowers at Chatsworth
Celebrate the blooming of summer flowers in this exhibition inspired by Chatsworth's estate, and the people who have transformed it into a botanical treasure trove over the last 600 years. Both historical and contemporary works of art from the Devonshire Collections and on loan from major museums reveal the power and endurance of nature.
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.
The Space Vault Exhibition
Travel to space in this out-of-this-world, immersive exhibition. Get up close to unique historic artefacts that have been brought back from space expeditions, from spacesuits to lunar dust to important documents.
Commodities: Sculpture and Ceramics by Renee So
Dive into Chinese history and identity with Renee So, a contemporary arts who makes playful ceramics and sculptural works that explore how our understanding of imperialist histories and non-Western cultures have been distorted.