Must-see exhibitions in the East of England
Want to catch the must-see exhibitions in the East of England? From Turner's historic portrait paintings to Frank Bowling's contemporary abstract works, don't miss out on these phenomenal shows.
The East of England is rich in cultural landmarks – from the stunning Jacobean architecture of Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden, with its grounds designed by Capability Brown, to the world-renowned collections at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, home to over 500,000 works of art.
A day out here could include exploring the archaeological collections at Colchester Castle, which span 2,500 years of history, or wandering through Kettle's Yard in Cambridge, where modern art is displayed across a series of elegant rooms. And if you're looking to hone in on the very best exhibitions currently on show in the area, this is the list you've been looking for.
Read on for our guide to some of the biggest blockbuster exhibitions in the East of England 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 of England with an Art Pass
Frank Bowling: Seeking the Sublime
Bask in the bold colours of Frank Bowling's paintings. The contemporary British artist has been creating work for almost seven decades and this exhibition offers a survey into Bowling's life and work, from his earlier figurative works made in the 1960s to his recent abstract paintings. From Titian to Turner, dive into the artists that have influenced him and see some of their works in the museum's permanent galleries.
Constable: A Cast of Characters
John Constable is considered one of Britain's greatest landscape painters from the Romantic period, and 2026 marks 250 years since his birth. So, to celebrate, Christchurch Mansion are staging this major exhibition, diving into this beloved artist's enduring legacy and the people he encountered along the way.
Relative Ties: Mabel Nicholson, Nancy Nicholson, EQ Nicholson and Louisa Creed
Trace the creative lineage across three generations of working women artists from the Nicholson family. Starting with Mabel Nicholson (1871-1918) and ending with Louisa Creed (b. 1937), the exhibition spans 100 years of the family's creative output, while providing fresh insight into their working lives as artists and designers.
Sue Webster: Birth of an Icon
Experience The Crime Scene, a sprawling installation by Sue Webster that is on public display for the very first time. The wall-based installation includes an audio narration by the artist, as she charts her life and influences from her teenage years to today. Other works presented are a series of 18 hand-painted leather jackets with a bespoke soundtrack, and a series of personal self-portraits exploring her relationship with her son.
Tiaki Ora ∞ Protecting Life: Anton Forde
Marvel at 81 monumental wooden sculptures by Anton Forde. Each hand carved sculpture stands over eight feet tall, and incorporates historic Māori figures from the Sainsbury Centre's collection. The work spotlights the Māori community's peaceful resistance to a British colonial invasion in 1881 in Parihaka, New Zealand. And, it demonstrates the importance and power of non-violent collective action when safeguarding future communities.