Blockbuster exhibitions in the North
Planning a cultural day out in the North of England? From a celebration of Vivienne Westwood's iconic fashion designs to sculptural installations by contemporary artists, 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
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.
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.
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.
Playing with Fire: Edmund de Waal and Axel Salto
Axel Salto was a pioneering 20th-century potter from Denmark who created expressive works inspired by organic forms. Don't miss this major exhibition dedicated to Salto at the Hepworth Wakefield. Curated by ceramicist and writer Edmund de Waal, the exhibition spotlights Salto's unique approach to their shared craft, and includes a new installation by de Waal that reveals how Salto continues to inspire his practice.
Delaine Le Bas: Un-Fair-Ground
Experience the first solo exhibition in Manchester of Delaine Le Bas's groundbreaking feminist work that draws on her Romany heritage and her fascination with folklore, witchcraft and fashion design. Le Bas embraces a range of mediums, from painting and embroidery to video performance, to build immersive environments that blend the real with the imaginary.
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.