Top Exhibitions in London 2024
Spring is a perfect time to explore the vibrant art scene in London. Here are some must-see exhibitions happening around the city in 2024.
When Forms Come Alive
Southbank Centre, Hayward Gallery
This exhibition features contemporary sculptures that span over 60 years, exploring the transformation of forms and shapes. It includes works from 21 international artists like Nairy Baghramian, Phyllida Barlow, Paloma Bosque, and Matthew Ronay.
- Dates: February 7 – May 6
- Location: Southbank Centre, Hayward Gallery
- Nearest Stations: Waterloo, Embankment
- Details: Discover artworks that bring forms to life through various mediums in London’s cultural hub.
Frank Auerbach: The Charcoal Heads
Courtauld Gallery
View a collection of charcoal portraits by Frank Auerbach, known for his expressive and dynamic style. This exhibition marks the first time his post-war drawings from the 1950s and 60s have been brought together as a comprehensive group.
- Dates: February 9 – May 27
- Location: Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, The Strand
- Nearest Stations: Temple, Charing Cross
- Details: Explore the works of Auerbach in one of the world’s greatest art collections.
Soulscapes
Dulwich Picture Gallery
This exhibition offers a contemporary retelling of landscapes by artists from the African Diaspora. It features large-scale pieces and site-specific installations exploring themes of belonging, memory, joy, and transformation.
- Dates: February 14 – June 24
- Location: Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21
- Nearest Stations: North Dulwich, West Dulwich
- Details: Experience mixed media works including photography, film, textiles, and collage by artists such as Huvin Anderson, Phoebe Boswell, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and more.
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind
Tate Modern
The UK’s largest exhibition celebrating Yoko Ono’s groundbreaking and multidisciplinary career. The exhibit traces her practice from the mid-1950s to the present, featuring 200 works including instruction pieces, films, music, and photography.
- Dates: February 15 – September 1
- Location: Tate Modern
- Nearest Stations: Blackfriars, Southwark
- Details: Explore the influential works and performances of Yoko Ono at one of London’s most famous museums.
Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence
V&A Museum, South Kensington
This architectural exhibition explores the development of Tropical Modernism in the 1940s and its adoption by India and Ghana post-independence as symbols of modernity and progressiveness.
- Dates: March 2 – September 22
- Location: V&A Museum, South Kensington
- Nearest Stations: South Kensington, Gloucester Road
- Details: Discover the architectural styles of tropical regions and the influence of British architects Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry during the period of independence movements.
The Biba Story: 1964-1975
Fashion & Textile Museum
Delve into the history of the iconic fashion brand Biba, known for its innovative designs that influenced 1960s and 70s fashion. The exhibit includes archival clothing, original photographs, film, and material selected by founder Barbara Hulanicki.
- Dates: March 22 – September 8
- Location: Fashion & Textile Museum, Bermondsey
- Nearest Stations: London Bridge, Bermondsey
- Details: Explore the legacy of Biba in the UK’s only museum dedicated to contemporary fashion and textile design.
Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music
British Library
This exhibition documents 500 years of Black music in Britain, featuring multimedia displays and archival materials celebrating the impact of bassline music on British culture and society.
- Dates: April 26 – August 26
- Location: British Library, King’s Cross
- Nearest Stations: King’s Cross St Pancras, Euston
- Details: Discover the rich history and influence of Black British music through instruments, sound recordings, costumes, and photographs.
Michelangelo: The Last Decades
British Museum
Focusing on the last 30 years of Michelangelo’s life, this exhibition includes one of only two surviving cartoons by the artist, along with preparatory drawings for the Last Judgment and studies for his architectural projects.
- Dates: May 2 – July 28
- Location: British Museum, Bloomsbury
- Nearest Stations: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn
- Details: Explore Michelangelo’s late works and personal passions through drawings, poems, and letters.
Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920
Tate Britain
This exhibition highlights the contributions of women artists to British art history from the 16th to the 20th century, featuring over 150 works that challenge stereotypes and celebrate their achievements.
- Dates: May 16 – October 13
- Location: Tate Britain, Millbank
- Nearest Stations: Pimlico, Vauxhall
- Details: Discover the diverse range of artworks by women artists who shaped British art history.
Naomi in Fashion
V&A Museum, South Kensington
Explore the iconic career of supermodel Naomi Campbell, featuring highlights from her fashion shoots, runway appearances, and collaborations with top designers and photographers.
- Dates: June 22 – April 6
- Location: V&A Museum, South Kensington
- Nearest Stations: South Kensington, Gloucester Road
- Details: Celebrate Naomi Campbell’s influence on the fashion industry and her contributions to diversity and representation in modelling.
These exhibitions offer a diverse and enriching experience, showcasing the best of contemporary and historical art, fashion, and architecture in London.
