Blockbuster exhibitions in the South
Planning an art excursion in the South of England? From Martin Parr's iconic photographs of the seaside to to a closer look at the quintessentially British style of the Mods, 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
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 quinteseential Britishness with a forward-thinking attitude. Marvel at the sharp garments that epitomised their bold style and creative freedom.
Beside The Sea: Photographs by JJ Waller and Martin Parr
Step into summer in this exhibition of two photographers who capture the spirit of the seaside. JJ Waller and Martin Parr have selected images from each other to create a vibrant show that celebrates the sights of our beloved British seaside towns.
Michael Craig-Martin: Everyday Objects
Inject some colour into your life with Michael Craig-Martin's iconic prints of everyday objects. Blending pop and minimalist aesthetics, he enables us to examine these ordinary items through a different lens, while prompting us to consider their transitory nature in a consumerist society.
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.
Sussex Modernism
Meet artists from the 19th century to today who have pushed against tradition and often worked outside of metropolitan hubs to explore the many expressions of modernism, from Jacob Epstein's monumental sculptures to a contemporary installation by Becky Beasley.
Forbidden Territories: 100 Years of Surreal Landscapes
Marking 100 years since the publication of the Surrealist Manifesto, Forbidden Territories explores the ways in which surrealist artists used landscapes as a metaphor for the unconscious. Featuring major works of art from the 1920s to the 1940s, this comprehensive showcase includes pieces by Salvador Dalí, Man Ray and Eileen Agar – with interventions by contemporary artists influenced by the movement dotted throughout.
Nicolas Party: Copper & Dust
Bask in the colourful world of Nicolas Party. The Switzerland born artist has created site-specific murals and immersive installations that combine his early experience as a graffiti artist with his love for 18th-century pastels.
Vanessa Bell: A World in Form and Colour
A pioneering artist, central figure in British modernism, and founding member of the Bloomsbury group – Vanessa Bell's unbridled creativity goes on display in this major exhibition, the largest ever dedicated to her life and work. Marvel at over 100 works on display, from paintings to textiles, furniture design to book covers. And while you're at Charleston in Lewes, explore their corresponding exhibition by contemporary artist Koak, who has created a body of new paintings inspired by Bell.