London's blockbuster exhibitions open now
Planning a cultural day out in the city? From a dig into the power of gardening at the British Library to a deep-dive into swimming at the Design Museum, don't miss the biggest exhibitions in London open now.
London is home to one of the most vibrant art scenes in the world. Whether you're interested in major international artists, world history or the bright new stars of visual art, there's something on offer for every cultural appetite.
From visitor favourites such as Tate and the V&A to neighbourhood gems like Dulwich Picture Gallery, a rolling programme of must-see exhibitions runs throughout the year.
Here's our guide to some of the biggest blockbuster exhibitions in London right now.
Don't forget to pack your National Art Pass to get reduced-price entry at every venue, and check out our full listings for more upcoming exhibitions.
Discover some of the best exhibitions in London with an Art Pass
Unearthed: The Power of Gardening
Dig into gardening's transformational impact on people, communities and the natural world – from supporting our wellbeing to enriching our homes with green spaces. Highlights on display include: the oldest lawnmower in the world; a vasculum belonging to Charles Darwin to collect plant specimens; intricate botanical illustrations from across the globe; and so much more.
Cecil Beaton's Garden Party
Cecil Beaton was a renowned 20th-century fashion photographer who captured glamorous high society figures, worked for Vogue for 30 years, and designed the iconic costumes worn by Julie Andrews in My Fair Lady. And did you know? Flowers were central to his creative process. Uncover Beaton's love for everything floral – from the extravagant flower installations he built for his lavish parties to his incorporation of fresh blooms in his photographic portraits.
Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style
Peek at Pamela Anderson's iconic Baywatch swimming costume in this blockbuster exhibition, diving into our ever-lasting love of water. Charmingly split into three swimming-themed sections – the pool, the lido, and nature – you'll journey through 100 years of design history to discover the culture of swimming, the seaside and style.
Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur
Meet Shirley Smith, Grayson Perry's latest alter ego and museum heiress in crisis, in the largest contemporary exhibition ever staged at the Wallace Collection alongside masterpieces from their collection. From striking sculptures, vibrant tapestries, and story-filled ceramics, Perry's works of art add to the mythology of his newest persona, while drawing on childhood experiences and examining what it means to make and collect art today.
Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300-1350
Step into Siena's Golden Age in this blockbuster exhibition. In the 14th century and for the first time in Western art history, artists dramatically transformed painting. Duccio, Simone Martini and the Lorenzetti brothers began adding emotion, movement, colour and perspective in a way that had never been seen before, changing the course of art history forever.
Ed Atkins
Delve into a pioneering contemporary artist's fascinating career. Ed Atkins draws on digital technology and his own experiences to uncover the messiness of life, while examining how reality and fiction often overlap. Computer-generated videos and moving-image works will be displayed alongside his writing, paintings, embroideries and drawings, to reveal an artist grappling with his own life and work.
Nora Turato: pool7
Meet a contemporary artist fascinated with language and how our use of it reflects our fears, dreams and desires. Nora Turato collects words from the media, advertising, conversation and online content to create one of her signature 'text pools'. These are expressed through graphic installations, performances, video and sound works to reveal language's lessening power in contemporary society.
Leigh Bowery!
The iconic performer, club promoter and fashion designer Leigh Bowery gets the all-star treatment at Tate Modern. Be dazzled by his boundary-pushing designs – which treated clothing and makeup as painting and sculptural works and challenged preconceptions of the body, sexuality and gender.