Blockbuster exhibitions in the North
Planning a cultural day out in the North of England? From contemporary Indigenous art to Cecil Beaton's photographs of icons, don't miss the biggest exhibitions open now.
Beyond its stunning scenery, the North of England has a vibrant creative landscape. Whether you're interested in contemporary art or history, learning about the most famous artists or discovering emerging stars, there's an exhibition on offer for every cultural appetite.
From visitor favourites such as Wakefield's Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Liverpool's Walker Art Gallery to historic places like Kendal's Abbot Hall and York's Castle Howard, a rolling programme of must-see exhibitions runs throughout the year.
Here's our guide to some of the biggest blockbuster exhibitions in the North 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 North of England with an Art Pass
Cecil Beaton: Staging Icons
From Marilyn Monroe to Fred Astaire, Cecil Beaton photographed some of the most idolised faces of the 20th century. In this major exhibition spotlighting over 60 images from the National Portrait Gallery's collection, get up close to Beaton's era-defining portraits that carved the public's perception of his famous subjects. Dive into his distinct approach, which embraced stage design, costumes, props and dramatic lighting to create photographs that spotlighted his love of the theatre.
Hold to This Earth: Works by Contemporary Indigenous North American Artists from Tia Collection
Marvel at 67 works by 38 contemporary Indigenous North American artists spanning sculpture, film, photography, paintings and more. This landmark exhibitions brings together both established and emerging artists who acknowledge their ancestral roots, while challenging stories that position Indigenous culture as something that has been erased, keeping it tied to the past. Instead, the exhibition demonstrates the artists' embrace of digital culture, creating an insightful depiction of Indigenous life today.
Mrinalini Mukherjee
Discover the women artists from India and Bangladesh who transformed 20th-century sculpture. While Mrinalini Mukherjee is the central thread, the exhibition traces South Asian sculpture’s matrilineal heritage and how a constellation of women artists helped to shape global modernism.
Useful/Beautiful
Explore the beauty of craft in its many forms and what it can reveal about materials, creativity and our daily lives. Since 2001, Blackwell have been collecting contemporary craft and this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience the breadth of their impressive collection, including stunning works by artists such as Magdalene Odundo and Edmund de Waal. Don't miss the dedicated space spotlighting their most recent acquisitions, supported by Art Fund's Sir Nicholas Goodison Award.
Nicola Turner: Time's Scythe
Marvel at a monumental installation by contemporary British artist Nicola Turner. Created inside Yorkshire Sculpture Park's chapel, the tentacle-like work pours out from the building's bell tower and infiltrates the building's interior, spilling over the balcony and across the gallery space. Made out of recycled natural materials like wool and horsehair, the sculpture emits an earthy smell, creating a multi-sensory experience.
Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print
Dive into the art of Japanese woodblock printmaking, a technique that was popularised during the Edo period (1603-1868). See some of the most iconic works from York Art Gallery's own collection and The Great Wave by Hokusai, on loan from Maidstone Museum. And don't miss the transformation of the York Museum Gardens into a Japanese-inspired green haven – perfect for exploring as spring arrives.
Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary
Vivienne Westwood remains one of Britain's most beloved fashion designers, most recognised for her rebellious blend of punk subculture, historical garments and haute couture. From her tartan dresses to her deconstructured corserts, her designs challenged the traditions of the fashion world. In this major exhibition that celebrates her fashion legacy, gain a closer insight into her unique vision and creative process.
Beneath the Great Wave: Hokusai, Hiroshige, and ukiyo-e print
Another one for fans of Japanese woodblock prints. At the Whitworth in Manchester, two of Japan's most recognised artists and trailblazers of the printmaking technique – Hokusai and Hiroshige – are under the spotlight. Discover how they created striking images of the world around them that still influence art, design and popular culture across the globe.