For all the city’s flaws, London is an unparalleled epicentre of cultural excellence. The metropolis is brimming with artistic talent, housed in some of the finest galleries, museums and studios in the world.
From the hallowed halls of the Victoria & Albert Museum to the brick-latticed build of the Tate Modern, the capital’s visual landscape promises something for everyone. Whether medieval etchings float your boat or brutalist architecture revs your engines, you’re guaranteed to find a space that shares your enthusiasm for the subject in question.
Despite it sounding like an impossibility, the curators have outdone themselves this year. You’ve likely clocked the posters on the tube already – Tracey Emin at the Tate, Schiaparelli at the V&A and Patrick Caulfield at the Royal Academy. We’re already braced to wreak havoc in the gift shops.
© Getty ImagesMake no mistake, one does not need to be an art connoisseur to enjoy the host of displays London has to offer. While there are some to appease the historians and philosophers among you (we’d recommend sinking your teeth into Van Eyck: The Portraits at The Nation Gallery), there are ample opportunities to explore more mainstream topics – such as Wes Anderson’s charming filmography and the RA’s ever-popular Summer Exhibition.
From film to fashion and beyond, we’ve rounded up the best exhibitions to catch in the colourful capital this year.
London exhibitions to see in 2026:
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
Where: The V&A
Dates: 28 March 2026 – 8 November 2026
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art is a deep dive into the life and legacy of the masterful Elsa Schiaparelli. From the designer’s relationship with surrealist artist Salvador Dali to Daniel Roseberry’s innovative tenure at the Italian house, the display promises a visual feast for fashion lovers.
Tracey Emin: A Second Life
Where: Tate Modern
Dates: 27 February 2026 to 31 August 2026
Tracey Emin is back and better than ever. The British artist’s exhibition at the Tate Modern, hosted in partnership with Gucci, features works spanning her 40-year career, including paintings, film, textiles, neons, writing, sculpture, and engaging installations.
The Music Is Black
Where: V&A East
Dates: 18 April 2026 – 3 January 2027
Hosted at the V&A’s sister location in Stratford, The Music Is Black is a wholly immersive experience that celebrates the legacy and impact of the Black British music scene. Listen to over 120 tracks through your headset as you map the exhibition’s vibrant offerings, from music memorabilia to photography.
Skate 50
Where: Undercroft, The Queen Elizabeth Hall
Dates: 13 May 2026 – 21 June 2026
Delve into London’s vibrant skate scene through photography, audio and video courtesy of Skate 50. The Undercroft Skate Space has become a mainstay of UK skate culture since the sport took off in the city fifty years ago – transforming into subcultural hub on the river. Curated in collaboration with active members of the Southbank skate community to help bring the community’s history to life.
Summer Exhibition 2026
Where: Burlington House, Royal Academy
Dates: 16 June 2026 – 23 August 2026
A cornerstone of the British cultural calendar, the Summer Exhibition at Royal Academy of Arts returns with its signature mix of established names, emerging talent and unexpected discoveries. Spanning painting, sculpture, photography, architecture and digital art, the show captures the pulse of contemporary creativity – complete with late-night openings, a lively social atmosphere and artworks available to take home.
Renoir and Love
Where: The National Gallery
When: 3 October 2026 – 31 January 2027
A pioneer of the Impressionist movement, Pierre-Auguste Renoir was renowned for his light-hearted scenes, pastel hues and playful brushwork. Discover the artist’s penchant for love-fuelled scenes and charming portraits thanks to The National Gallery’s upcoming exhibition Renoir and Love – a 19th century spectacle that’s set to have you swooning this autumn.
Wes Anderson: The Archives
Where: Design Museum
Dates:
Film lovers, rejoice! Wes Anderson: The Archives is still going strong at the Design Museum in Kensington. With unprecedented access to Wes Anderson’s personal archive, the space unveils over 700 artefacts tracing the director’s singular cinematic universe – from handcrafted puppets and annotated notebooks to cult costumes, miniature sets and iconic props spanning three decades of filmmaking.
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