Blockbuster exhibitions in the South
Planning an art excursion in the South of England? From protest photography at Turner Contemporary to Roman gladiatorial artefacts at Dorset Museum, don't miss out on the biggest exhibitions.
The South of England is brimming with cultural hotspots, from visitor favourites such as Tate St Ives and the Holburne Museum to historic houses like artists' haven Charleston and literary retreat Chawton House.
And there's plenty to see and do with a rolling programme of must-see exhibitions running throughout the year. Whether you're a history buff or fascinated by the new, you're bound to find an exhibition you'll love.
Here's our guide to some of the biggest blockbuster exhibitions in the South 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 South of England with an Art Pass
Barbara Walker: Being Here
Explore Barbara Walker's works from the 1990s to today in the first major exhibition dedicated to the British artist. Her paintings and drawings, including the Turner Prize nominated series Burden of Proof, create space for Black presence, power and belonging.
Resistance
Artist and blockbuster filmmaker Steve McQueen has organised this major exhibition of protest photography in Britain from 1903 to 2003. See photographs from celebrated and forgotten moments of resistance in British history by renowned photographers alongside unknown documentarians.
Ithell Colquhoun: Between Worlds
Surrealist painter, innovative writer, practicing occultist. Ithell Colquhoun was a versatile artist who worked across different disciplines, connected by her lifelong spiritual pursuit of a divine feminine power as a means of self-discovery. Don't miss the exhibition's highlight: a room devoted to the Tarot deck she designed, blending her creative and magical practice.
Gladiators of Britain
Marvel at the spectacle of gladiatorial competitions in Roman Britain's amphitheatres. Historic artefacts reveal the violent spectacles and fascinating stories behind these combatants and entertainers.
Anselm Kiefer: Early Works
Immerse yourself in the rarely-seen early works of Anselm Kiefer, a post-war artist most recognised for his colossal paintings and installations exploring Germany's dark history and cultural legacy.
Tadek Beutlich: On and Off the Loom
Weave your way through the life, work and legacy of Polish textile artist Tadek Beutlich, whose revolutionary tapestries pushed boundaries by blending fine art with craft. Don't miss the display of Dream Revealed, a monumental weaving that hasn't been displayed in 50 years.
Dora Carrington: Beyond Bloomsbury
A bohemian who defied societal norms – meet Dora Carrington, a Bloomsbury Group figure once deemed 'the most neglected serious painter of her time'. This exhibition is the first major showcase of Carrington's work since 1995 and demonstrates her significant contribution to modern British art through paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and film.
Mary Robinson: Actress. Mistress. Writer. Radical
Literary genius, royal mistress, acting icon, or radical visionary? Whether she was gracing the London stage or the papers' gossip columns, Mary Robinson gave everyone something to talk about. Discover the fascinating story of this overlooked 18th-century figure, from beloved celebrity to social outcast, who is now considered one of the most influential writers of her time.
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.