As we find ourselves at the start of the year, many of us are trying to hold onto our resolutions for 2025 – and I for one am on a mission to visit many more of London’s top galleries and museums. And thanks to such institutions as the Tate Britain, the Tate Modern, Somerset House, the V&A, and the National Gallery, there are tons of exhibitions to check out. So, here for your viewing pleasure, we’ve rounded up the best current and upcoming art exhibitions in London.
These art exhibitions encompass everything from classic works to cutting-edge modern pieces, all offering something unique for the curious. Keep in mind that many will require a ticket, and the prices quoted below are generally for advance adult tickets. On-the-day, walk-up tickets will sometimes be a few pounds more, while students and other concessionary fares may be slightly less. But they’re not all paid! There are also few free art exhibitions for the perennially broke among us (like me!) – winner, winner!
1. Emily Kam Kngwarray at Tate Modern (Until January 11 2026)
This landmark exhibition is the first major European showing of Indigenous Australian artist Emily Kam Kngwarray. Over 70 spiritual works with swirling dots and intricate lines inspired by ancestral ceremonies and a deep connection with the natural world are on view, offering a profound alternative to Western art history.
📍Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG.
🚇 Nearest station is Southwark.
🎟️ Entry £20. You can find more information here.
2. More Than Human at The Design Museum (Until 6 October 2025)
More Than Human challenges visitors to see the world through the eyes of non-human living beings, including pollinators and marine life. With over 140 works ranging from sculpture and architecture to interactive installations, the show explores how humans can design in collaboration with the natural world amidst ecological crisis.
📍Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG.
🚇 Nearest station is High Street Kensington.
🎟️ Entry from £14.38. You can find more information here.
3. Kiefer/Van Gogh at Royal Academy of Arts (Until 26 October 2025)
A rare double act: Anselm Kiefer’s monumental, materially complex works are placed in dialogue with the emotionally charged legacy of Vincent van Gogh. The exhibition digs deep on themes of memory, trauma, and transformation, highlighting Kiefer’s unique reinterpretations of Van Gogh’s vision.
📍Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD.
🚇 Nearest station is Green Park.
🎟️ Entry £17; concessions available. You can find more information here.
4. Yoshitomo Nara at Hayward Gallery (Until 31 August 2025)
The beloved Japanese artist’s first UK retrospective spans four decades, bringing together his iconic wide-eyed figures, rarely seen early works, and immersive installations. Nara’s blend of innocence and defiance is a throughline, with deeper themes of alienation, protest, and hope.
📍Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX.
🚇 Nearest station is Waterloo.
🎟️ Entry £20; concessions available. You can find more information here.
5. Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A Museum (Until March 22 2026)
Running from September 20, 2025, to March 22, 2026, “Marie Antoinette Style” at the V&A is the UK’s first major exhibition dedicated to the iconic queen. With 250 dazzling objects, from her personal jewellery and silk slippers to couture pieces by Dior, Chanel, and Vivienne Westwood, the show explores Marie Antoinette’s legendary fashion sense and cultural impact. Visitors can also see costumes from Sofia Coppola’s film and the queen’s poignant final letter.
📍 V&A, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL.
🚇 Nearest station is South Kensington.
🎟️ From £20. More information here.
6. Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs at Lightroom (Until November 2025)
Enormous four-storey tall dinosaurs are coming to London next summer when ‘Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs’ opens at Lightroom. Drawing from Apple TV+’s Emmy Award-nominated series ‘Prehistoric Planet’ alongside all-new visualisations, the immersive experience will also use an original score by multiple Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer, Anže Rozman, and Kara Talve for Bleeding Fingers Music. Visitors to Lightroom will be able to marvel at enormous prehistoric dinos all around the natural world to, from “dangerous deserts [to] soaring skies and the deep sea.”
📍 Lightroom, 12, Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4DY.
🚇 The nearest station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.
🎟️ More info here.
7. Rolling Stones: Unseen ’63 at the Dockside Vaults (Until September 10, 2025)
At Dockside Vaults, “Rolling Stones: Unseen ’63” presents never-before-seen photographs by Gus Coral from the band’s first UK tour, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of the Stones. Running from June 6 to September 10, the exhibition also features themed cocktails for a full rock ‘n’ roll experience.
📍 Dockside Vaults, Ivory House, St Katharine Docks, E1W 1AT.
🚇 Nearest station is Tower Hill.
🎟️ From £15. More information here.
8. Then and Now: London’s Transport in Photographs at the London Transport Museum (Until Spring 2026)
This exhibition, opening June 23, 2025, at the London Transport Museum, celebrates 25 years of Transport for London by pairing historic photos of Tube lines and stations with contemporary images by train driver Anne Maningas. Visitors can trace the dramatic evolution of London’s transport network through rarely seen archive material and striking modern photography, all included with museum admission.
📍 London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB.
🚇 Nearest station is Covent Garden.
🎟️ Included with museum entry (from £24). More information here.
9. Our Story With David Attenborough at the Natural History Museum (Until January 2026)
This immersive, 50-minute experience at the Natural History Museum, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, takes visitors on a cinematic journey through the story of humankind. Using 360° visuals and Attenborough’s reflections on his career and the future of the planet, it’s a powerful, family-friendly event designed to inspire and educate. The experience runs until January 2026, with tickets available for various time slots and price tiers.
📍 Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD.
🚇 Nearest station is South Kensington.
🎟️ From £20 (adults), £10 (children), with peak and off-peak pricing. More information here.
10. Kurt Cobain Unplugged at the Royal College of Music Museum (Until November 18 2025)
For the first time in London, Kurt Cobain’s iconic $6 million guitar, played during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance, is on public display. The “Kurt Cobain Unplugged” exhibition offers fans a rare chance to see this legendary instrument up close and explore Cobain’s enduring musical legacy.
📍Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BS.
🚇 Nearest station is South Kensington.
🎟️ From £15. More information here.
11. Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party at the Garden Museum (Until September 21 2025)
This exhibition at the Garden Museum is the first to focus on the role that gardens and flowers played in the creative practice of Cecil Beaton, the renowned fashion photographer, costume and set designer, and artist. The show features photography, paintings, and drawings, all exploring Beaton’s fascination with flora. Visitors can also enjoy the museum’s Garden Café after viewing the exhibition.
📍 Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7LB.
🚇 Nearest station is Lambeth North.
🎟️ From £15. More information here.
12. World Press Photo Exhibition, Here East (Until August 25 2025)
The World Press Photo Exhibition is returning to London at the MPB Gallery at Here East from May 23 to August 25, 2025. This prestigious showcase of photojournalism and documentary photography presents a visual journey through defining moments shaping our world. Featuring stunning, impactful imagery, the exhibition celebrates the power of photography to inform, inspire, and connect, highlighting global stories through the lens of talented photographers.
📍MPB Gallery at Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Hackney Wick
🚇 Nearest station is Hackney Wick.
🎟️ From £13.50. More information here.
13. Delusions of Grandeur by Grayson Perry at the Wallace Collection (Until October 26, 2025)
Sir Grayson Perry, one of Britain’s most celebrated artists, is set to host a major exhibition titled “Delusions of Grandeur” at the Wallace Collection in London. It opened on March 28, 2025, coinciding with Perry’s 65th birthday, the exhibition will feature 40 brand new and never-before-seen works by the artist.
The exhibition will showcase Perry’s pieces alongside some of the Wallace Collection’s most notable objects, exploring themes such as the creation of domestic space, gendering of decoration, and the contrast between perceived perfection and authenticity. This juxtaposition reflects Perry’s early inspiration from the Wallace Collection’s contrasting depictions of 18th century French Rococo femininity and the masculinity of arms and armour.
“Delusions of Grandeur” is anticipated to be one of the largest contemporary art exhibitions ever held at the Wallace Collection, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience Perry’s bold and thought-provoking art in a historic setting!
📍Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, W1U 3BN.
🚇 Nearest station is Bond Street.
🎟️ From £15. More information here.
14. Textiles: The Art of Mankind, Fashion Textile Museum (Until September 7 2025)
Textiles: The Art of Mankind at the Fashion and Textile Museum celebrates the deep connection between textiles, people, and our world. The exhibition explores human ingenuity in textile creation from pre-history to the digital age, showcasing objects never before exhibited in the UK. Through themes of materials, identity, collaboration, and sustainability, the exhibition demonstrates how craft and creativity connect society.
📍Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF
🚇 Nearest station is London Bridge.
🎟️ From £12.65. More information here.
15. Ed Atkins at Tate Britain (Until September 2025)
A fabulous exhibition spotlighting one of Britain’s most beloved contemporary artists is on its way to the Tate Britain. Ed Atkins is known for his hyper-realistic digital animations, which blur the lines between reality, artifice, and surrealism. This upcoming exhibit will put his ground-breaking works on display, creating an emotionally charged experience that is bound to feel intimate knowing Atkins’ work, delving into themes of identity and human connection.
📍 Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, UK
🚇 Nearest stations are Pimlico and Vauxhall.
🎟️ Prices to be confirmed. More info here.
16. Cartier at The V&A (Until November 16, 2025)
For lovers of luxury and craftsmanship, the V&A’s upcoming Cartier exhibition is set to be a showcase of pure indulgence. This dazzling exhibit celebrates the beloved jewellery brand, tracing the Maison’s history through its most iconic designs and pieces. From glittering tiaras worn by royalty to priceless pieces from their collection, each jewel tells a story of innovation and opulence.
📍 Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL.
🚇 Nearest stations are South Kensington.
🎟️ More info here.
17. Leigh Bowery! at the Tate Modern (Until September 2, 2025)
Prepare for a riot of colour, chaos, and creativity, as the Tate Modern brings this ground-breaking Leigh Bowery exhibition to London this February. This unmissable tribute to the iconic performance artist will celebrate Bowery’s larger-than-life legacy–from his dazzling fashions to provocative stage acts. Known as a muse to Lucian Freud and a trailblazer in drag and club kid culture, Bowery’s work is unapologetically bold and utterly captivating. If you love the avant-garde, this is your moment to bask in the brilliance of an artist who refused to conform.
📍Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG.
🚇 Nearest stations are Blackfriars and Southwark.
🎟️Price from £18. More info here.
18. The Genesis Exhibition: Walk The House by Do Ho Suh at Tate Modern (Until October 19, 2025)
Famed for his emotionally fuelled installations, Do Ho Suh has completely transformed the Tate Modern with his brand-new exhibition entitled The Genesis. Exploring themes of home and memory, this fantastic exhibit life-sized replicas of the homes he’s lived in, made from textiles and translucent fabric. For more information, click here to read our article.
📍Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG.
🚇 Nearest stations are Blackfriars and Southwark.
🎟️Price from £20. More info here.
19. Flowers: Flora In Contemporary Art & Culture at Saatchi Gallery (Until August 2025)
Reopening due to popular demand, the Saatchi Gallery is bringing back Flowers: Flora In Contemporary Art & Culture, an exhibition exploring the enduring influence of flowers on creativity and human expression. Occupying two floors, the exhibition features large-scale installations, aert, photography, and fashion, delving into the beauty and symbolism of flowers.
Highlights include Rebecca Louise Law’s “La Fleur Morte,” an installation of over 100,000 dried flowers, and a virtual garden by Miguel Chevalie that interacts with visitors through movement. The exhibition also traces the history of floral representation in art, from Renaissance paintings to contemporary pieces.
📍Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, London SW3 4RY
🚇 The nearest stations is Sloane Square.
🎟️ £2o. More info here.
20. Mantegna: The Triumphs of Caesar at The National Gallery (Until 2026)
Considered to be among the finest achievements in Italian Renaissance art, a total of nine exquisite canvases were painted by legendary artist Andrea Mantegna in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. For the first time, six of them have left their Royal palace abode, the UNESCO-listed Hampton Court, while the Mantegna Gallery is under renovations. This means you can now see them in zone one, in none other than the National Gallery we might add, for free! Win, win.
📍 The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN.
🚇 Nearest station is Charing Cross.
🎟️ Free! More info here.
21. Blondie In Camera 1978 at Barbican Music Library (Opens 14 August 2025)
A rare exhibition for music and photography fans, “Blondie In Camera 1978” showcases behind-the-scenes shots of Blondie at their creative peak in late-1970s New York. Taken by Martyn Goddard – the acclaimed photographer behind the iconic ‘Parallel Lines’ album cover, the display captures Debbie Harry and the band on stage, backstage, and in the studio just as Blondie shot to international fame.
Alongside 50 of Goddard’s electrifying photos, visitors will find vintage posters, album covers, and concert memorabilia. The show coincides with the release of Goddard’s book of the same name, with the photographer making select signing appearances during the exhibition run. The display also pays tribute to Blondie’s drummer, Clem Burke, who passed away in April 2025.
📍Barbican Music Library, Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS.
🚇 Nearest station is Barbican.
🎟️ Free entry.
22. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace (Opens Spring 2026)
In a landmark tribute marking the Queen’s centenary, “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style” is the most comprehensive exhibition of her wardrobe ever staged. The show traces the monarch’s sartorial journey from childhood to her reign, featuring approximately 200 outfits and accessories – half of which have never been displayed before.
Highlights include the silver lamé bridesmaid dress from 1934, her 1947 wedding gown, and her 1953 coronation dress by Sir Norman Hartnell. The exhibition reveals never-before-seen design sketches, fabric samples, and even the Queen’s handwritten notes, offering intimate insight into the making of royal style. Evening wear, everyday staples, and the diplomatic symbolism embedded in her wardrobe such as a 1961 banquet gown that pays homage to Pakistan showcase Elizabeth II’s legacy as both style icon and stateswoman. The historic collection reflects the Queen’s personal influence on British fashion and her cultural impact worldwide.
📍The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA.
🚇 Nearest station is Green Park.
🎟️ Tickets go on sale November 2025.
23. Millet: Life on the Land at The National Gallery (Opens 7 August 2025)
A rare UK focus on 19th-century French Realist Jean-François Millet, with paintings like “L’Angélus” on loan from the Musée d’Orsay. The show celebrates Millet’s elevating of rural life into poetic, humane imagery that inspired generations of later artists.
📍The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN.
🚇 Nearest station is Charing Cross.
🎟️ Free entry.
24. Frida: The Making of an Icon, Tate Modern (Opens June 2026)
Frida: The Making of an Icon, an unmissable exhibition dedicated to Frida Kahlo, will be unveiled at the Tate Modern from June 25, 2026, until early January 2027. The exhibition will deep-dive into Kahlo’s life, legacy, and works, showcasing over 130 items, including famous paintings, rarely seen treasures, photographs, and memorabilia. Visitors will discover how Kahlo became one of the most influential artists and a cultural phenomenon, exploring her “many selves” and her impact on future generations.
📍Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG.
🚇 Nearest stations are Blackfriars and Southwark.
🎟️Price TBC. More info here.
So there you have it – a rundown of some of the best art exhibitions in London for 2025. What are you waiting for, culture vultures? Get out there and explore!