With so many incredible exhibitions and cultural activities popping up, staying on top of them can feel like an impossible task. If only there was someone who could save you the hassle of finding them…
In answer to all of your culture vulture prayers, we’ve partnered with South Western Railway to recommend some of London’s greatest goings-on. Keep reading for inspo on all there is to see, do, learn and discover in the capital right now…
1. We are Queer Britain, Queer Britain
Starting as it means to go on, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ museum won the 2022 ‘Museums Change Lives’ award for its inaugural exhibition. ‘We Are Queer Britain’ is a multimedia, immersive experience including its own virtual reality area. Here you can discover the stories of iconic queer figures from over 100 years of history, spanning from Oscar Wilde to Olly Alexander. Find out more here. 2 Granary Square N1C 4BH
Until: Spring 2023
Price: Free
2. Be inspired by a fascinating individual
Do you spend your days dreaming of becoming a best-selling author? Or perhaps you’d love to know how the TV personalities of today found their success. You can discover more about the lives and experiences of some seriously interesting characters at Fane’s spoken word events. With upcoming guests ranging from Elizabeth Day and Fran Lebowitz to Stanley Tuccy and Richard E. Grant, there are countless nuggets of wisdom to collect.
3. Portraits of Dogs: From Gainsborough to Hockney at The Wallace Collection
Wagging tails, wet noses and wistful looks – that’s right, there’s a whole exhibition dedicated to the world’s favourite furry friend. (Sorry, not sorry to the cat people!). Celebrating the special bond between humans and their dogs, the collection comprises over 50 works from some of the most revered artists. So head to The Wallace Collection from March 29 and coo over paintings, sculptures, drawings and more of doggos through the ages. Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN
Until: October 15, 2023
Price: £14
4. Wes and Sandy’s pick of the week: The Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum
South Western Railway’s winged friends, Sandy and Wes are always on hand to provide their top London recommendations. Sandy is a culture vulture with a love for the arts, theatre and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to gigs with his mates. But one thing they can both agree on is their love of learning about the lives of fellow creatures around the globe. And they were both utterly captivated by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum. Telling the story of our struggling planet, this exhibition is nothing if not impactful. From other-wordly frames of Chilean flamingos on the salt flats to Russian polar bears inhabiting derelict settlements, each image is totally arresting in its own way. Book your ticket here. Cromwell Rd, South Kensington SW7 5BD
Until: July 2, 2023
Price: Adult ticket £17
5. Ukraine: Photographs from the Frontline, Imperial War Museum
This free exhibition tells the tale of an ongoing period of conflict in Ukraine, dating back to violent protests in Kyiv in 2014. Comprising a series of highly powerful photos and quotes from Ukrainian citizens, visitors of this exhibition will gain unprecedented insight to the impact of the unrest that continues today. Find out more here. Lambeth Rd SE1 6HZ
Until: May 8, 2023
Price: Free
6. Andy Warhol: The Textiles, Fashion and Textile Museum
He might be known first and foremost for his pop-art paintings, but Warhol’s artistic efforts actually started with textiles. Throughout this appropriately colourful collection, visitors can discover a taste of where this artist’s legendary career first began. So head down and feast your eyes on ice cream sundaes, toffee apples, jumping clowns and so much more! 83 Bermondsey St, SE1 3XF
Until: September 10, 2023
Price: £12.65
7. Sebastião Salgado: Magnus Opus, Flowers Gallery
Sebastião Salgado’s captivating black and white photos have been revered within the nature photojournalism sphere for years. And this March, his Magnus Opus collection will enlighten viewers to almost five decades of photographic expeditions around the world. Exploring some of the planet’s most remote corners, Salgado’s work skilfully draws attention to the need for preservation of the natural world. 21 Cork St, W1S 3LZ
Until: April 15, 2023
Price: Free
8. The Now Building, Outernet London
Arguably one of the most exciting additions to the city’s cultural offerings, The Now Building is the largest capacity entertainment venue built in London since the 1940’s. This highly immersive exhibition space boasts state of the art 8k screens to provide an unparalleled audio-visual experience. Their current interactive ‘Spaces Inbetween’ exhibition allows you to sync your body movements with interactive, large-scale digital light art-work on the world’s largest digital canvas. And it’s free to enter, so you can just wander in and see what magic they’ve got in store. Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 8LH
9. Executions, Museum of London Docklands
It might be a tad on the grim side, but we promise you won’t regret letting morbid curiosity get the better of you. This exhibition examines 700 years of public executions in what was once the country’s hub for capital punishment. Immerse yourself in fascinating and often tragic stories through final letters, artefacts and more. Find out more here. No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, E14 4AL
Until: April 16, 2023
Price: From £12
10. Beyond the streets, Saatchi Gallery
Street art as a creative expression is utterly intrinsic to London’s urban landscape. And this month, the Saatchi Gallery is dedicating its entire space to showcase works from over 150 iconic street artists. Discover more about how this world-wide underground movement has evolved over decades, and the lasting messages that have been carried with it. Find out more here. Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd SW3 4RY
Until: May 9, 2023
Price: From £15