Recommendations

Blockbuster exhibitions in the South

A black and white photograph of a woman sitting in a wooden chair in room decorated with floral wallpaper. To her left and in front of an open window is a table and chairs with a tea set.
Winifred Joseph, Cottage interior with Pocock, 1917.

Planning an art excursion in the South of England? From an intimate glimpse at everyday 20th-century life to a contemporary painter who blends pop culture with mythology, 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

01
Black and white photograph of a small scruffy dog with a collar sitting on a sunlit floor in a dim room; the dog is looking to the right.
Rediscovering the photographs of Winifred Joseph, 1917 to 1945 at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery 30 September - 20 December 2025

Where the Light Falls: Winifred Joseph's Rural Archive

See what everyday rural life was like during the 20th century through the eyes of Winifred Joseph. Although she wasn't a professional photographer, Joseph used a Kodak camera to capture over 1000 images. 70 of these go on display in this exhibition, lovingly documenting her friends, family and home life.

02

Sophie Barber

Discover a contemporary artist and Hastings local who mines the world around her for creative inspiration. Sophie Barber creates large-scale paintings that blend humour and pop culture with mythology and the surreal. For this exhibition of new works, Barber references some of her favourite artists, from Georgia O’Keeffe to Vincent van Gogh. While you're at the gallery, don't miss two other solo exhibitions by Isabel Rock and Michael Landy.

03

Hew Locke: Armada

From contemporary cargo ships to historic galleons, Hew Locke's installation recreates a patchwork flotilla of miniature boats to explore themes of trade, migrations and displacement. Different time periods and cultures are represented in each piece, which are crafted from found materials, such as toys, fishing nets and replica medals. Locke is a contemporary artist whose work investigates the language of colonial power, cross-cultural symbols of authority, and how these shift over time.

04
Image credit: Alone (Marianne Dashwood from Sense & Sensibility), William Cubitt Cooke, Wash Drawing, 1892, © The Holburne Museum.

Illustrating Austen

From Elizabeth Bennet to Sir Walter Elliot, Jane Austen has created some of English literature's most iconic characters. In this exhibition, celebrate 250 years since the beloved author's birth by diving into the art and illustrations that brought her treasured novels to life and into our hands.

05
Album cover of Radiohead, The Bends, 1995.

This Is What You Get: Stanley Donwood, Radiohead, Thom Yorke

Uncover the artistic vision and creative journey of Radiohead's Thom Yorke and artist Stanley Donwood, who have collaborated for 30 years. Dive into over 180 objects, including original paintings, album covers, digital works, drawings and handwritten lyrics.

06
David Bagnall, Teenage Mods Britain, 1966

The In Crowd: Mod Fashion and Style 1958-1966

Peek into the fashion, music and rebellious lifestyle of the Mods, an iconic 1960s youth subculture who represented a quintessential Britishness with a forward-thinking attitude. Marvel at the sharp garments that epitomised their bold style and creative freedom.

07
Ishbel Myerscough, Two Painters, 2025

Seeing Each Other: Portraits of Artists

Dive into 125 years of British art in this exhibition revealing how artists have represented their peers. From the Bloomsbury Group to the Young British Artists, you'll discover how different artists embraced portraiture, revealing relationships and inspirations.