As well as vast permanent collections, museums in London have new and exciting exhibitions to enjoy across the city.
1. Crown to Couture at Kensington Palace
Enjoy one of the largest exhibitions ever hosted at Kensington Palace, as more than 200 exhibits go on display across the State Apartments with Crown to Couture, an exhibition included with entry. Marvel at gowns worn by royalty from the Georgian era, compare modern-day red carpet moments through iconic dresses worn by celebrities such as Lady Gaga, and discover how fashion can be used to send subtle messages. Until 29 Oct
2. Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians at The Queen’s Gallery
Step inside the Queen's Gallery and discover how fashion influenced society from the practical dresses of laundry maids to the glittering gowns worn at court. The Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians exhibition is included with entry and explores the transformation of clothing at a time when Britain expanded its trade empire. Discover a display of more than 200 pieces from the Royal Collection, including paintings rarely shown to the public, beautiful gowns worn at court in the 1760s and other accessories. Until 8 Oct
Book your tickets now for Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians.
3. Queer Nature at Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
Step into Kew Garden’s Temperate House to uncover surprising art, horticulture and stories from diverse voices. The Queer Nature exhibition, included with entry, explores the world of plants and fungi through a queer lens, delving into the realm of nature living outside the binary. Celebrate the diversity of the natural world and discover large-scale suspended artwork, a specially designed garden and fascinating stories around queer nature. 30 Sep-29 Oct
4. Disney100: The Exhibition at ExCeL London
Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney with mesmerising installations and never-before-seen works of art at Disney100: The Exhibition at the ExCeL London. Celebrate Disney’s greatest moments in ten interactive and imaginatively themed galleries, displaying moving stories, iconic artefacts and original costumes. Get a fascinating behind-the scenes glimpse into your favourite Disney characters and take a nostalgic journey through 100 years of The Walt Disney Company. 13 Oct-22 Jan
Book your tickets now for Disney100: The Exhibition in London
5. Portraits of Dogs from Gainsborough to Hockney
Explore how dogs have become man's best friend with the exhibition Portraits of Dogs from Gainsborough to Hockney opening at the Wallace Collection. Discover artworks highlighting the special bond we have created with our dogs through the centuries, from roman sculptures to a Leonardo Da Vinci drawing of a dog's paw. Or marvel at portraits showcasing the love that the royal family have for their dogs, from Queen Victoria's spaniels to Queen Elizabeth II and her favourite corgis. Until 15 Oct
6. Digital Storytelling at the British Library
7. Spirit of Innovation at The National Archives
Be part of an exhilarating journey from past to present with Spirit of Innovation at The National Archives. Discover a world of creativity as cutting-edge technology is displayed alongside key inventions from the Victorian era. Visitors of all ages are invited to try on a Victorian ventilating top hat, make a call on an early telephone or design a brand new invention. Until 29 Oct
8. Re:Imagining Musicals at the V&A Museum
9. Brushstrokes to Brands at The Museum of Brands
The Museum of Brands’ exhibition Brushstrokes to Brands explores the memories we share about significant items from the past. Discover iconic heritage brands found in the Museum’s collection, from cafe condiments to the Coca Cola Bottle, through still-life oil paintings that capture the nostalgic objects we see every day. Until 25 Nov
10. DIVA at the V&A Museum
Museum exhibitions to book ahead
Holbein at the Tudor Court at the Queen's Gallery
Discover some of the most famous faces of the 16th-century with Holbein at the Tudor Court at the Queen’s Gallery. The exhibition, included with entry, delves into the work of Henry VIII's painter, who created defining portraits of Henry, his six wives and other figures such as Sir Thomas More. Discover more than 100 works of art from King Henry VIII's court, including paintings rarely seen to the public, drawings, book illustrations and more. 10 Nov-14 Apr
The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea at the Queen’s House
Follow the seaborne adventures of the Van de Veldes at the Greenwich, Art and the Sea exhibition at the Queen’s House. Discover royal commissions of stormscapes and nautical life as the naval depictions return to the Queen’s House 350 years on from the Van de Veldes’ first arrival. Until 14 Jan
REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion at the Design Museum
Follow the story of hundreds of fearless young designers who have transformed the fashion landscape with REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion at the Design Museum. Discover exuberant, rebellious and radical garments as nearly 100 innovative fashion looks go on display, many of which have entered pop-culture history and launched global design careers. 16 Sep-11 Feb
Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto at the V&A Museum
Admire iconic designs by Gabrielle Chanel on display at the much-anticipated exhibition Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Marvel at rarely seen pieces, including jewellery, accessories, cosmetics and perfumes as you discover how Chanel’s pioneering approach to fashion not only defined her own era, but influenced the way women dress today. 16 Sep-25 Feb
Fantasy: Realms of Imagination at the British Library
Discover more cultural highlights with the capital's top art exhibitions. And don't forget to download the Visit London app for more exhibitions and things to do in London on the go.