Step into Hockney’s world again: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) returns to Lightroom

It’s been two years since Lightroom opened its doors in London, and what better way to mark the occasion than by rerunning its celebrated opening show? David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) returns to the King’s Cross venue for a limited two-month run. The striking four-storey space, which adopts a prime position next to Coal Drops Yard, uses large-scale projection and immersive sound to present 60 years of the acclaimed British artist’s career through a new lens. 

Descending the stairs and walking through a narrow corridor with walls bathed in soft colour projections, I hear the distant echo of Hockney’s voice gently calling, like a warm invitation to step inside. It’s here that I realise that the immersive experience has already started.

A vivid celebration of Hockney’s masterpieces

The 50-minute show takes you through over 60 years of Hockney’s impressive career, seamlessly split into six themed chapters – such as perspectives, roads and paths, and pools – while spotlighting both iconic pieces and rarely seen works. Smartly, the show plays on a continuous loop, so there’s no set beginning or end, just a natural rhythm of people coming and going – kids, couples, solo visitors, each interacting at their own pace. 

Seating is a relaxed mix of benches, podiums and floor cushions, encouraging visitors to engage with the show however they feel comfortable. I visited on a balmy spring morning and settled in just as Hockney’s voice filled the space: “You can’t be bored of nature, can you?” he asked, while green landscapes bloomed across the towering walls and leaves drifted across the floor in sync with New York-based composer Nico Muhly’s rich, textured score. From here, it’s a joyful, vivid explosion of colour, sound and movement, as Hockney’s art is beautifully magnified in this wraparound space.

Why is this Hockney exhibition unique?

Lightroom can be both intimate and epic,” says David Sabel, executive producer at Lightroom. “Our spatial audio system allows us to offer audiences transformative experiences, whether it’s the heart-pounding rumble of the Apollo 11 launch in The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks, or stepping inside David Hockney's world, where you feel as though he’s whispering in your ear, sharing his view on the world around him.” Lightroom combines theatre, exhibition and documentary in a dynamic blend, which in this instance, offers a multi-layered exploration of Hockney’s work. 

The beauty of the show is that unlike many other major immersive exhibitions in London, the artist himself played a significant role in its creation. The experience unfolds as a cohesive journey through Hockney’s life, with narration that moves from clips of a younger, vibrant Hockney to more recent audio where his voice is slower and calmer. From watching a sketch spring to life on Hockney’s iPad to examining perspective in his photo collages, the experience flows in a way that would feel sterile in a traditional gallery setting.

The defining moments of Hockney’s immersive world

Highlights from the exhibition include an eye-popping exploration into Hockney’s connection to nature, where he emphasises the art of looking and the idea that beauty can be found in every blade of grass and every type of tree. This section features stunning green projections alongside vibrant bursts of pinks, purples and reds, capturing the colour of the seasons while Hockney remarks, “There is no such thing as bad weather”.

Another standout moment showcases Hockney’s opera set designs, a remarkable tribute to his love of music. He reflects on the inspiration he drew from attending operas and his desire for something visually captivating to accompany the performance. The projections on the walls shift like dramatic curtain changes while moving figures glide between the walls in perfect harmony with the music.

Hockney appears most at peace when reflecting on his time in Los Angeles, where the winding roads reminded him of a map, which he encapsulates in bright, bold paintings. Other notable works reveal his fascination with perspective as he manipulates multiple photographs of the same space or subject to create new, intriguing compositions. 

Things to know before you go to David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) 

Lightroom is just a 10-minute walk from King’s Cross St Pancras Underground Station (Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines). There’s a free cloakroom and a shop featuring books, CDs, tote bags and sweatshirts from the exhibitions. You’ll find a cafe and bar in the foyer serving light bites and drinks, with various food and drink hotspots like Dishoom, Parillian and The Lighterman right on Lightroom’s doorstep. 

How can I book tickets to David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) at Lightroom?  

Tickets for David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) start at £25. Student and child tickets are priced at £15. Lightroom is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. 

Select your preferred date and time, and book tickets directly with Visit London. The exhibition runs until 29 June 2025.

Please check with the venue for accessibility information. The British Sign Language (BSL) performance is on 23 May at 10am, and the relaxing showing is on 15 May at 10am. 

How long is David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)? 

While the full show lasts approximately 50 minutes, visitors are welcome to stay and explore the exhibition for longer. The experience is purposefully designed as a continuous loop, so you can enjoy it from any point.

Discover more immersive exhibitions in London 

Check out more immersive exhibitions at Lightroom including Vogue: Inventing the Runway and The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks. FRAMELESS is another must-see immersive art experience in London, showcasing works by Monet, Van Gogh and Signac.