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With colder months approaching, cultural season is in full swing across the UK. Museums and galleries nationwide are unveiling stellar exhibitions, featuring rare royal garments, Renaissance masterpieces, nostalgia-fueled animation, and cutting-edge contemporary art.
The Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum (September 2026 - July 2027)
An opportunity to see one of the most important artefacts in England’s long and storied history. The tapestry, returning for the first time since it was embroidered in Canterbury almost 1,000 years ago, depicts the Battle of Hastings and the subsequent Norman conquest of England. It features a marvellous medieval medley of ships, castles, horses and clothing with much, much more to explore. Tickets sold out almost instantly, but you can sign up to the mailing list here to find out when the next batch is released.
British Landscapes: A Sense of Place at the Pallant House Gallery in Chichester (open until 1 November 2026)
Experience the beauty of the British Isles like never before with British Landscapes: A Sense of Place. From pre-romantics such as Thomas Gainsborough to postwar modernists such as Barbara Hepworth, this exhibition provides an immersive view of how some of Britain’s greatest artists captured the innate splendour of our homeland.
Hokusai: Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji from the Iuchi Collection at Dulwich Picture Gallery (20 October 2026 - 17 January 2027)
Heralded as 'one of the world’s most iconic print series', Hokusai’s Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji from the luchi Collection promises to be one of the must-see exhibitions for art enthusiasts in the coming months. Hokusai’s exemplary use of colour and perspective brings his works to life, lending an extraordinary sense of depth and movement to each print. The exhibition features a beautifully preserved impression of perhaps the most recognisable print of all time, Under the Wave off Kanagawa, which has captured the imagination of audiences around the world for almost two centuries.
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style at the King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace (10 April 2026 - 17th April 2027)
Dive into the world of royal fashion with Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, featuring clothing from all ten decades of the late Queen’s illustrious life. From the dress she was married in almost 80 years ago to the array of brightly-coloured hats she was rarely seen without; this exhibition provides a comprehensive look into a part of Elizabeth II’s life that is often understated.
Van Eyck: The Portraits at the National Gallery: (21 November 2026 - 11 April 2027)
Step back 600 years to the Northern Renaissance and, for the first time ever, experience all of Jan Van Eyck’s brilliant portraits in the same room. Dubbed the 'inventor of oil-painting' by some of the art world’s most respected figures, the attention to detail and vibrance of colour in Van Eyck’s work is instantly recognisable. Among the pieces on display is the revered Arnolfini portrait, which captures a 15th century merchant and his wife with such vivid realism it’s as if you can reach out and touch them.
Frank Bowling: Seeking the Sublime at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (27 March 2026 - 17 January 2027)
Contemporary British painter Frank Bowling’s Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion show is packed full of vibrant colours and clever geometrical techniques. Boasting a collection of his work that encompasses his entire 70-year career, the exhibit demonstrates Bowling’s transformative artistic journey; from his earlier figurative works to the abstract style he is renowned for today.
The 90s: Art and Fashion at Tate Britain (8 October 2026 - 14 February 2027)
Revisit a decade of cultural transformation with The 90s: Art and Fashion, an exhibition exploring the relationship between contemporary art and fashion during one of the most influential periods of recent history. Curated by distinguished fashion editor and stylist Edward Enninful OBE, it features work from leading designers and artists and offers a nostalgic look back at a decade whose influence still permeates British mainstream culture today.
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at the Young V&A (open until 15 November 2026)
Wallace and Gromit have been a staple of British television for the better part of four decades. As part of Bristol animation studio, and creator of the iconic series, Aardman’s 50th anniversary, they are offering a peek behind the curtain at their claymation techniques, showing visitors how the pair are brought to life. Alongside Aardman’s beloved comedic rendition of man and his best friend, the exhibition will feature other longstanding characters such as Shaun the Sheep and Morph.
Frida: The Making of an Icon at the Tate Modern (open until 3 January 2027)
Explore the life and legacy of one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists with Frida: The Making of an Icon. Featuring more than 30 of Frida Kahlo’s most renowned works, alongside personal photographs, jewellery and other memorabilia, the exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the woman behind the paintings. It also examines her enduring cultural influence, showcasing over 200 works by artists she inspired and highlighting how her image and ideas continue to resonate around the world.
Renoir and Love at the National Gallery (3 October 2026 - 31 January 2027)
Renoir and Love at the National Gallery provides a glimpse at the softer side of the renowned painter, exploring how he navigates themes of romance, companionship and affection throughout his career. His most iconic work, Bal au Moulin de la Galette, is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the exhibit, showcasing his classic impressionist style in its most pure and unadulterated form.
Marc Chagall: The Circus at the Hepworth Wakefield (21 November 2026 - 25 April 2027)
Step into the magic world of the circus with Marc Chagall at the Hepworth Wakefield. Through a litany of lithographs, paintings and writings, Chagall theatrically illustrates the joy of the circus, caveating it with an underlying sense of wistful nostalgia. Rarely seen together, Chagall’s works offer a glimpse into the mind of a true master of his craft.
Korea at the British Museum (1 October 2026 - 31 January 2027)
Unearth more than two millennia of Korean art at the British Museum, drawing from the stunning collection of over 23,000 artefacts bequeathed by the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-Hee. From ancient Buddhist sculptures to contemporary works influenced by Korea’s 20th century instability, the exhibition offers a comprehensive view of Korean arts and society over the last 2,000 years.