The exhibitions you must see this February
Wallace & Gromit, Lucian Freud, John Vanbrugh. February is filled with some major exhibitions that you won't want to miss.
And breathe... you made it through January. Congratulations.
Whether you loved or hated that first month, it's time to move on and celebrate the start of a new one and what better way than with a decent dose of culture? Luckily for you, February is filled with some incredible exhibitions.
From fashion to film, drawing to installation – these are the seven exhibitions you will not want to miss this month. Want to hear something even better? A National Art Pass will make you savings at every venue listed.
The seven exhibitions you must see this February
The Biba Story: 1964–1975
In 1963, Barbara Hulanicki launched Biba, a groundbreaking mail-order company offering affordable fashion for a new generation of young women. The Biba Story delves into how Biba evolved into the world’s inaugural lifestyle label, revolutionising shopping and symbolising 1960s and 1970s fashion. The exhibition spans 1964, the year of the first Biba boutique, to 1975, when the iconic Big Biba closed. Drawing from Hulanicki's personal archives, it showcases archival clothing, original photos, film, and materials, providing a glimpse into Biba's cultural impact. As Hulanicki stated in 1970, Biba was more than dresses: it embodied a 'whole way of life'.
Gwen John: Strange Beauties
2026 marks 150 years since the birth of Gwen John, a trailblazer for 20th-century women artists. In this major retrospective, marvel at at the quiet intensity and muted palette of her paintings and drawings and uncover how she captured extraordinary depth in the everyday, from her calm landscapes to her sensitive portraits. And did you know? This exhibition was supported by Art Fund, which would not be possible without everyone who purchases a National Art Pass. Pretty cool, right?
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends
From Wallace & Gromit to Chicken Run, Morph to Shaun the Sheep – step into the joyful world of Aardman. Discover how this iconic animation studio have mastered the craft of storytelling through sculpting plasticine to create some of our favourite characters. This family-friendly exhibition is bound to entertain kids and adults alike with interactive activities to guide you through the magic of stop motion filmmaking.
Lucian Freud: Drawing into Painting
Lucian Freud (1922-2011) is arguably one of Britain's most famous painters, particularly renowned for his raw and intense portraits of friends, family and lovers. This comprehensive exhibition spotlights a lesser known (but crucial) aspect of Freud's artistic practice – his lifelong commitment to drawing. Whether working with pencil, ink or charcoal, drawing enabled him to master portraiture on both canvas and paper.
Journeys with Mai
Dive into the complex histories and cultural exchanges between Europe the South Pacific. At the heart of this exhibition is a striking portrait by Joshua Reynolds of the first Polynesian person to visit Britain – a major work of art that an Art Fund campaign helped the National Portrait Gallery and Getty save for the public. Alongside historic paintings and objects are contemporary works of art that bring this fascinating story to life.
Blueprints of Power
Join the year-long celebration of architect John Vanbrugh. 2026 marks 300 years since the 'rockstar of English Baroque' passed away and this immersive exhibition at one of his iconic designs, Blenheim Palace, will take visitors on a spectacular journey through his life, unveiling his creative mind and bold vision.
Chiharu Shiota: Threads of Life
Explore monumental installations by Japanese contemporary artist Chiharu Shiota. These works often include everyday objects, like shoes and furniture, that are engulfed by web-like structures created with wool to draw connections between universal and personal experiences, including life, death and relationships.