Amidst London’s vibrant cultural scene, free exhibitions are most definitely a standout attraction not to be missed. With a diverse array of captivating shows available, one can experience the history of a Victorian masterpiece at the Royal Academy or explore Rong Bao’s first solo exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery, or see the likes of icons like David Bowie and Andy Warhol on display. The choices are endless. And all without any admission fees. Here’s our carefully curated guide to the top free exhibitions in London.
Current free exhibitions on display in London:
1. Flaming June, Royal Academy of Arts
Flaming June is one of the most important works by Frederic, Lord Leighton PRA (1830–1896) and it was first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1895. Yep, 1895. And so after almost 128 years later, the masterpiece has returned to Piccadilly on loan from the Museo de Arte de Ponce in Puerto Rico. The captivating painting will be shown alongside other pieces by Leighton and his contemporaries – keep an eye out for Michelangelo’s Taddei Tondo.
📍Location: Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD.
🚇 Nearest station: Green Park.
📅 Open till: January 12, 2025.
2. Chris Ofili: Requiem, Tate Britain
Chris Ofili: Requiem is a stunning mural honouring the tragic lives lost during the Grenfell Tower fire. Tate Britain commissioned Christ Ofili to completely transform their north staircase last year, and its magnificent beauty has been captivating visitors ever since. Ofili had a connection to the tower, being friends with fellow artist Khadija Saye, who sadly lost her life in the fire. The poetic symbolism and its breathtaking vibrancy make it an absolute must-visit as we near the seventh anniversary of the London tragedy.
📍Location: Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG
🚇 Nearest station: Pimlico.
📅 Open till: Ongoing.
3. The Conservatory x Ranjani Shettar, Barbican
Barbican’s gorgeous conservatory now features five large-scale works from Indian sculptor Ranjani Shettar. Inspired by nature, the gorgeous sculptures have been crafted by hand using materials – including wood, stainless steel, and muslin. For more information on these immersive installations taking over the Barbican’s iconic indoor garden, click here.
📍 Location: Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS.
🚇 Nearest station: Barbican.
📅 Open till: May 5, 2024.
4. An Idea of Life, Women’s Museum
Earlier this year, London got its first-ever museum dedicated to the stories of women and girls. To celebrate this fantastic addition to our forever-growing museum scene, the Women’s Museum launched with their inaugural exhibition called ‘An Idea of Life’. Featuring several artefacts and commissioned artworks, this insightful space joins the long list of incredible free things to do in the capital.
📍 Location: 4-5 Barking Wharf Square
🚇 Nearest station: Barking.
📅 Open till: Ongoing, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11 – 5pm.
5. Bob and Roberta Smith: Thamesmead Codex, Tate Modern
Artists Bob and Roberta Smith created this inspiring work that’s presently on display at the Tate Modern. The work documents stories taken from interviews the artists did with people who live in Thamesmead, southeast London. Thamesmead was built in the sixties to help out with the London housing crisis post-WWII. The vivid and bright artwork combines sign writing, activism and discarded materials.
📍 Location: Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
🚇 Nearest stations: Blackfriars and London Bridge.
📅 Open till: 8 December 2024
6. Art Now: Zeinab Saleh, Tate Britain
London-based, Kenyan-born artist Zeinab Saleh’s evocative series of paintings and drawings are on display at the Tate and were created specifically for this exhibition, using acrylic paint, charcoal and soft pastels. Saleh’s pieces are inspired by everyday experiences, personal encounters and memories, and evoke a dreamlike quality through the use of a soft colour palette of pale blues, pinks and white instilling a sense of calmness and contemplation.
📍 Location: Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG.
🚇 Nearest station: Pimlico.
📅 Open till: June 23, 2024.
7. Mantegna: The Triumphs of Caesar, National Gallery
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 ever, six of them are leaving their Royal palace abode, the UNESCO-listed Hampton Court, while the Mantegna Gallery is under renovations. This means dear reader that you can get to see them with zone one – in none other than the National Gallery we might add – plus, it’s free to enter! Win, win.
📍 Location: Trafalgar Square,WC2N 5DN.
🚇 Nearest station: Charing Cross.
📅 Open till: 2026.
8. Making More Mischief: Folk Costume in Britain, London College of Fashion
Celebrating several London communities and their distinctive costuming, the University of the Arts (or London College of Fashion) have put on an unmissable exhibition exploring folk costumes across the capital. From Carnival culture and the city’s club kid scene to the world-famous London Pearlies, witness full outfits and immersive displays delving into the history behind some of the capital’s most sacred communities and their larger-than-life fashions.
📍 Location: 105 Carpenters Road, E20 2AR.
🚇 Nearest station: Stratford.
📅 Open till: June 22, 2024.
9. Jason and the Adventure of 254, Wellcome Collection
This emotional exhibition explores the joys of being human, tackling serious topics in a whimsical and enchanting way. Reimagining the Wellcome Collection as a hospital ward, there are installations, sculptures, and artwork challenging societal perceptions around disability, medicine and the human body. It’s the first major solo exhibition of artist Jason Wilsher-Mills, combining an unmatched vibrancy and artistry with his famed tongue-in-cheek humour.
📍 Location: 183 Euston Road.
🚇 Nearest station: Euston.
📅 Open till: January 12, 2025.
Upcoming free exhibitions in London:
10. Metamorphosis, Saatchi Gallery
This fabulous exhibit showcases some of the best photographers and filmmakers, highlighting the innovation within their respecting artforms. The exhibiting artists are Almudena Romero, Edd Carr, Hannah Fletcher, and Scott Hunter, although strikingly different, their use of unconventional methods and unique materials unifies them at this unmissable exhibition.
📍 Location: Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4RY.
🚇 Nearest station:Sloane Square.
📅 Open: May 26 to July 28, 2024.
11. Launching A Landmark: The Unseen Opening Weeks, Tower Bridge
This public exhibition is going to completely take over the pavements of Tower Bridge, delving into its foundational history. Launching A Landmark: The Unseen Opening Weeks will exhibit an awesome selection of photographs showcasing the bridge during its first few years as an all-new London icon. The photography exhibition celebrates Tower Bridge 130 years in fruition. Click here for more information.
📍 Location: Tower Bridge Rd, SE1 2UP.
🚇 Nearest station: Tower Hill
📅 Open: From June 22
12. The Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award, National Portrait Gallery
One of London’s most beloved art galleries is bringing back the celebrated painting and portraiture competition, showcasing their best entries at this upcoming exhibit. It’s truly a momentous occassion, being a renowned platform worldwide for portrait painters that attracts over 40,000 entries from over 100 countries. Don’t miss out on this year’s iteration, becomone one of the six million people who’ve played witness to this pristegous competition and exhibit.
📍 Location: St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE.
🚇 Nearest station: Charing Cross.
📅 Open: July 11 to October 27, 2024.
So, what are you waiting for? Explore London’s finest artists and their works in a gallery near to you.