The exhibitions you must see this September

Cancan dancers, sunny landscapes, the rise of industrialism. The Neo-Impressionists documented late 19th-century life and society in Europe through their distinctive painting style. They pioneered pointillism, a technique where small dots of colour are applied to a canvas and, from a distance, blend together to create tone and light effects. See masterpieces by artists including Georges Seurat, Vincent van Gogh and Camille Pissarro.

It might look like three ballerinas pirouetting, but dig a little deeper into Picasso's iconic painting and you'll discover a tale of passion, betrayal and tragedy. Many believe that the figures represent a love triangle between Picasso's friends and former lover Germaine Gargallo, her husband Ramon Pichot, and Carlos Casagemas. Marking 100 years since the creation of this work, this exhibition re-examines the life and work of Picasso through a contemporary lens and unpacks how his story still shapes how we understand artists today.

Step into the Blitz, a cutting-edge nightclub and stomping ground for late 70s British subculture the New Romantics, who blended glam rock with Romantic period fashion. In just two years, this vibrant space transformed pop culture and nurtured a generation of creatives into global superstars.

Immerse yourself in digital installations by contemporary artists. Artist collective Squidsoup will present a mesmerising installation that combines light, sound and space to examine our relationship with technology. Alongside this, Liz West will present a vibrant installation that plays with light and colour, creating a joyful, communal space.

From slasher movies to Shakespeare's tragedies, have you ever wondered why we're so fascinated by dramatised violence? This exhibition examines the spectacle of killing on stage and screen through historical and contemporary works by artists from across the globe. And, it probes the implications of our exposure to it in our daily lives.

Marvel at the decadent fashion of Rococo queen Marie Antoinette. Her pastel silks, satin shoes, towering hair and frilly skirts were more than just a style – they were a tool of power. Discover how this ill-fated monarch left an enduring mark on fashion, art and film, and why her story still captivates and inspires us to this day.

Discover Renee So's subversive sculptures that challenge our understanding of Chinese culture and history. From popular perfumes reimagined with imperialist brand names to a magical bronze mirror that casts glowing apparitions, So's works offer new ways to engage with Compton Verney's collection of Chinese bronzes and ceramic ritual objects.