10 best art exhibitions in London

The wide range of galleries in London have an exciting lineup of exhibitions allowing you to get your art fix. From the latest groundbreaking exhibits to up-and-coming artists showing in smaller spaces, make sure to catch the best London art exhibitions.

Take your pick from multisensory immersive exhibitions, thought-provoking fine art, creative photography or captivating sculpture exhibitions. With exhibits popping up all around London, there’s plenty of variety for the curious art lover.

Secure your spot at art exhibitions London online or on the day. Book ahead to guarantee your entry, or if you prefer to drop into something last minute, there’s a whole host of free art exhibitions in London. Head to the capital’s top art galleries and get ready to admire amazing artworks with these must-see art exhibitions in London.

What exhibitions are open in London now?

Immersive art exhibitions in London

1. PULSE: Beyond Delight at Borough Yards

Three people sitting on floor with colourful artwork and banners representing Seoul in background. — Delight: Media Art Exhibition, Delight Urban Pulse. Image courtesy of Delight exhibition.

Step into a striking exploration of Seoul's history, life, and identity at the immersive PULSE: Beyond Delight art exhibition. Inviting you to explore 12 bold and beautiful rooms, this multisensory exhibition at Borough Yards takes you on a vibrant journey through media art installations that bring the trendy city to life. Until 2025

Book your tickets now for PULSE: Beyond Delight.

2. David Hockney: Bigger & Closer at Lightroom

Multiple people standing in exhibition space of David Hockney Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) — David Hockney Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), image courtesy of Lightroom. Photo by Justin Sutcliffe.

Experience the world through Hockney’s eyes in David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away). Inviting you to look more closely, truly and joyously, this audio-visual exhibition at Lightroom takes you on a vibrant journey through 60 years of Hockney’s art, offering an immersive glimpse into the mind of the renowned artist. Until 6 Oct

Book your tickets now for David Hockney: Bigger & Closer.

Portrait exhibitions in London

3. Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography at The King’s Gallery

A black and white portrait of princess margaret. — Snowdon, Princess Margaret, 1967. Image courtesy of Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024. Credit: Photograph: Snowdon.

Peek behind the curtain at some of the most famous photographs taken of the Royal Family. Feel like royalty as you enjoy this glamourous exhibition at The King’s Gallery – the collection of royal portrait photography since the 1920s includes works by celebrated photographers such as Cecil Beaton, Annie Leibovitz and Rankin. You’ll also find behind-the-scenes notes and correspondence that give an insight into the delicate process of photographing the Royals. Until 6 Oct

Book your tickets now for Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography.

Fine art exhibitions in London

4. Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers at the National Gallery

Don't miss your chance to see Van Gogh’s most spectacular paintings at this major new exhibition at the National Gallery. Bringing together Van Gogh’s renowned paintings from his time in the south of France, Poets and Lovers displays iconic and rare paintings from across the globe, including Starry Night over the Rhône, Van Gogh's Chair and Sunflowers. 14 Sep-19 Jan

5. Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking at Dulwich Picture Gallery

Kumoi Cherry Trees featuring two cherry trees with blue sky by Yoshida Hiroshi. — Yoshida Hiroshi, Kumoi Cherry Trees. Image courtesy of Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Trace the evolution of Japanese printmaking across two centuries with Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking. Showcasing rich, nostalgic landscapes and the abstract work of the family’s later and current generations, the exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery features more than 75 exquisite prints by three generations of woodblock print artists. Until 3 Nov

6. Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum: It Will End in Tears at the Barbican

Unravel the intricate drama of Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum’s large-scale installation designed specifically for the Barbican's Curve gallery. Featuring a series of paintings and drawings, the exhibition takes inspiration from crime fiction and the film noir genre to tell a story of a femme fatale figure in an imagined colonial outpost – and what happens when she doesn’t follow society’s rules. 19 Sep-5 Jan

Photography exhibitions in London

7. Launching A Landmark: The Unseen Opening Weeks at Tower Bridge

Dive into a hidden treasure trove of unseen photographs at Tower Bridge’s photo exhibition, Launching A Landmark: The Unseen Opening Weeks. See the bridge come alive through the eyes of the workers who built it and discover what Tower Bridge looked like in its very first weeks with a unique collection of photographs – displayed for the first time at the magnificent landmark. Until 1 Oct

8. Zanele Muholi at Tate Modern

Discover the career of visual activist Zanele Muholi – one of the most acclaimed photographers working today – with this in-depth exhibition at Tate Modern. See a striking and powerful collection of photographs, which documents and celebrates the lives of Black lesbian, gay, trans, queer and intersex communities in South Africa since the early 2000s. Until 16 Jan 2025

Outdoor art exhibitions in London

9. Sculpture in the City at London’s Square Mile

Orange marble sculpture of a house on stilts surrounded by grey buildings. — Sculpture in the City, The Granary. Jesse Pollock. Image credit: Nick Turpin.

Transforming the city’s public spaces into an exciting open-air gallery, Sculpture in the City returns to London’s Square Mile for its 13th edition. Follow an eclectic trail of sculptures scattered across the city’s business district and discover 17 vibrant artworks from established and emerging artists. Until spring 2025

10. London Mural Festival, across the city

Colourful street art mural featuring a portrait of a black woman with bright dots of colour around her face, including blue, orange and pink splashes of colour, on brick London wall. — See incredible street art during the London Mural Festival. Credit: Bonzai, Otto Schade, Jimmy C. Image courtesy of Global Street Art.

The capital’s biggest street art event, London Mural Festival, returns to the city this September, showcasing renowned street artists from around the world. Discover more than 100 murals around the city, plus an exciting programme of live events, talks and tours – many of which are free. Until 29 Sep

Art exhibitions in London to book ahead for 2024

Monet and London. Views of the Thames at The Courtauld Gallery

Blue and purple painting of Waterloo Bridge by Monet. — Claude Monet (1840-1926), Waterloo Bridge, 1903, oil on canvas, Private collection. Photo ©rulandphotodesign. Image courtesy of The Courtauld Gallery.

Discover London through Monet’s unique lens with this major new exhibition. Returning to The Courtauld Gallery for the first time in 120 years, Monet and London. Views of the Thames captures Monet’s time in London between 1899 and 1901. Fulfilling his ambitions to display these cityscapes in the capital, the series of iconic landmarks will include paintings of Charing Cross Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. 27 Sep-19 Jan

Francis Bacon: Human Presence at the National Portrait Gallery

Explore Francis Bacon’s deep connection to portraiture in Francis Bacon: Human Presence at the National Portrait Gallery. Bringing together rarely-seen works from private collections around the world, delve into Bacon’s captivating self-portraits and images of key sitters. As the first exhibition in nearly 20 years to focus on the artist’s portraits, discover how Bacon challenged traditional definitions of the genre. 10 Oct-19 Jan

Electric Dreams: Art and technology before the internet at Tate Modern

Step back in time with Tate Modern’s ambitious new exhibition Electric Dreams: Art and technology before the internet. Exploring mesmerising and mind-bending art made from the 1950s to 1990s, the exhibition celebrates the early innovators of digital art. Book now for a rare chance to experience immersive sensory installations from a time before the internet. 28 Nov-1 Jun

What famous paintings can you see in London?

London is home to some of the world’s greatest masterpieces, such as The Water-Lily Pond by Claude Monet and Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh, which can both be found at The National Gallery. Tate Britain also displays many much-loved favourites such as A Bigger Splash by David Hockney, while London’s immersive art galleries, including Frameless and Lightroom showcase some of the art world’s most famous pieces in a multi-sensory experience.

What free exhibitions are on in London?

Find more of the latest exhibitions in London with our pick of the best museum exhibitions, or download the Visit London app for more inspiration on the go.

10 best art exhibitions in London in September 2024