Best art exhibitions in London 2021

The work of Ghanaian-born photographer James Barnor is put under the spotlight at the Serpentine Galleries this summer. The first major retrospective of his work looks into a 30-year period of his career, during which he captured major social and political changes both in his nation of birth and his new home in London. Until 22 Oct

Understand the importance of plaster in Auguste Rodin’s art, and discover the ways in which he portrayed the human body broke all the rules. The EY Exhibition: The Making of Rodin explores the artist’s works and models during this major Tate Modern exhibition. Until 21 Nov

Banksy’s iconic street art has long been a mystery, with stencil works popping up in unexpected places. But you can now see many of the unknown artist’s works in one place, as the world’s largest collection of privately owned Banksys is brought together in The Art of Banksy at 50 Earlham Street, Seven Dials. Until 21 Nov

Step into Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in Tottenham Hale this autumn and winter. Using cutting-edge technology, frescoes from the iconic location are recreated in life-size form, allowing the great artist’s masterpiece to be seen from new perspectives by new audiences. 15 Oct-2 Jan

Visit the National Gallery for an epic exhibition of Poussin’s works and watch dance come to life with Poussin and the Dance. Showcasing some of the artist's best paintings and drawings, alongside the antique sculpture he studied, the exhibition allows you to witness the 17th-century painter’s evolution. Until 2 Jan

Taking place since 1769, the Royal Academy of Arts' famous Summer Exhibition brings together artwork in all its forms from big names and emerging stars. You can view works by incredible artists, or treat yourself to your very own artwork to take home, all based around the Summer Exhibition 2021 theme "Reclaiming Magic". Until 2 Jan

Study sculpture “as a living environment”, as the career of Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi is put into focus with Noguchi at the Barbican Art Gallery. Tackling environmental, social and spiritual themes, the 150 sculptures, designs and models highlight Noguchi as one of the 20th century’s most pioneering artists. Until 9 Jan

Discover a world of endless reflections inside Yoyoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms at Tate Modern. Combining 2012 work Infinity Mirrored Room – Filled with the Brilliance of Life, and a Chandelier of Grief, this exhibition offers a mesmerising and immersive glimpse into the mind of the Japanese artist. Until Jun 2022

Gaze at out-of-this-world imagery from space photographers, as the Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition comes back into orbit at the National Maritime Museum. This stellar display features more than 100 of the best entries to this annual competition, including Milky Way and aurorae images. Until 7 Aug

The Illuminated River spans 14 of London’s iconic bridges, which come to life at night with thousands of LED lights. See Westminster Bridge lit in green hues, marvel at pulses of light on the Millennium Bridge or spot saturated colours inspired by impressionist paintings on Southwark Bridge. Ongoing

Celebrate one of the world’s best-loved comics, as original illustrations meet newly imagined works and immerse experiences at Beano: The Art of Breaking The Rules at Somerset House. See Dennis the Menace as a 70-year-old, take aim at famous artworks in an interactive catapult game, and much more. 21 Oct-6 Mar

Discover a change in direction for one of Britain’s most famous artists at the Royal Academy of Arts’ latest exhibition, Late Constable. Learn how, in his later years, John Constable used a more expressive style and a greater use of light and shade that’s evident in drawings, sketches and paintings from 1825 until his death in 1837. 30 Oct-13 Feb

Step into the 18th century, as you compare more than 60 William Hogarth artworks with European painters of the day in Hogarth and Europe at Tate Britain. Study the iconic Gin Lane painting alongside works by the likes of Jean-Siméon Chardin, Pietro Longhi and Cornelis Troost, who each depicted everyday life in their cities. 3 Nov-20 Mar

Go on a journey across Europe through Albrecht Dürer’s works at the National Gallery this winter. The German Renaissance artist travelled widely, from the Alps to Italy, the Netherlands and beyond – learn how his work and style was influenced by these travels in works such as Madonna and Child, which is displayed for the first time in the UK. 20 Nov-27 Feb

Discover theatre-inspired works by Turner-Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid in an immersive exhibition at Tate Modern. Drawing on her background in theatre design, Himid creates different scenes for her figurative painting, which highlight often overlooked aspects of society and history. 25 Nov-3 Jul