Blockbuster exhibitions in the South
Planning an art excursion in the South of England? From a celebration of a beloved football team to a dinosaur takeover at a historic house, don't miss out on the biggest exhibitions open now.
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
Brighton & Hove Albion: Stand or Fall
Immerse yourself in the story of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club in this new gallery dedicated to the beloved local team on its 125th anniversary. From the glorious highs to the challenging lows, trace the club's dramatic journeys in this immersive experience spotlighting key moments in its history and the community who fought to keep it running.
Dinosaurs Are Forever
Walk among the dinosaurs in this major exhibition by Jay Jay Burridge at Blenheim Palace created with the Museum of Natural History, University of Oxford. Marvel at five monumental sculptures, including the mighty Megalosaurus. Did you know? The discovery of this dinosaur in 1824 completely transformed how we understood the natural world, and led to the birth of modern palaeontology. And, it's perfect for families to visit during the summer holidays.
Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour
Dive into the life and legacy of Gillian Ayres, a modern painter who created vibrant, experimental works bursting with colour and emotion. Undeterred by the male dominance of a post-war British art world, or by the changing of artistic trends, Ayres remained committed to her painting practice throughout her life. She was also a pioneering figure in arts education and became the first woman head of painting at Winchester College of Art.
And, did you hear the news? The Box just won Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026. So, there's even more reason to visit this month.
Aleksandra Kasuba: Shelters for the Senses
Discover the bold visions of Aleksandra Kasuba, a Lithuanian-American artist who incorporated patterns found in the natural world to build a closer relationship with the environment. Across seven decades as a working artist, she initially worked created paintings and mosaics, before exploring sculpture and architectural installation. Don't miss the opportunity to explore her multisensory spatial environment, 'Spectrum, An Afterthought', and be guided by an accompanying sound work and a selection of bespoke scents.
British Landscapes: A Sense of Place
Throughout history, artists have found inspiration in landscapes and it's not because they make a pretty picture. In this major exhibition, journey through the landscape tradition, spanning 18th-century Romanticism to postwar abstraction, and discover what they can reveal about the world around us, from our national identity to our industrial heritage.
The Saxons
Journey through history and into the world of the Saxons. Spotlighting three Saxon burial sites, the exhibition unveils Buckinghamshire's early medieval past and who the Saxons really were. Marvel at glittering treasures, explore how a warlord ruled and discover secrets of the past.