For a hit of culture, head to these fabulous exhibitions across the capital
We are lucky enough to have some of the world’s best art exhibitions in London, with collections that span centuries housed in buildings that are often masterpieces in their own right – which in turn means London exhibitions are world-class. From classical to contemporary works by era-defining artists and movement-making revolutionaries to high-tech immersive experiences with visual effects and virtual realities, these are the exhibitions in London that are inspiring the next generation and helping London’s creative scene to flourish. We update this piece weekly so you can stay in-the-know about the best upcoming London exhibitions in 2023.
1. Gucci Cosmos, 180 The Strand
This October, the iconic fashion house Gucci ventures out of its usual field – and seemingly this universe – with a new cutting-edge exhibition showcasing the House’s standout designs from its 102-year history. Having opened in Shanghai in April, Gucci Cosmos now emerges at 180 The Strand as a masterclass in immersive curation and multi-sensory experiences. Stepping into the exhibition is akin to Alice in Wonderland’s journey down the rabbit hole only to emerge into a land of topsy-turvy fantasy, illusion and delight. Each room, or ‘portal’, documents a different period in the fashion House’s rich history and the themes that have inspired various pieces and collections from the archive. From a replication of The Savoy’s lobby where a young Guccio Gucci worked in the 80s as a luggage porter and liftboy, visitors ascend and emerge into the present day before starting the journey backwards and forwards through time in a creative exploration of the House’s history.
Address: 180 Studios, 180 The Strand, in London
Website: 180studios.com
Price: From £18; concessions available; under 16s go free
Dates: 11 October 2023 – 31 December 2023
2. REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion, The Design Museum
REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion is a landmark collaboration between the British Fashion Council and The Design Museum, sponsored by Alexander McQueen. The exhibition tells the story of hundreds of fearless young designers who have transformed the fashion landscape and assembled myriad radical garments from the archives. Around 100 looks from ground-breaking debut and early collections, many of which have entered pop-culture history, feature. Expect to see the controversial swan dress Björk wore at the 2001 Oscars, Harry Styles’ Steven Stokey Daley outfit from his video for Golden, and Sam Smith’s viral inflatable latex suit by HARRI from the 2023 BRIT Awards. Go backstage at London’s most famed fashion shows using Snapchat’s AR technology and try on looks from iconic designers such as Richard Quinn and Henry Holland.
Address: Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG
Website: designmuseum.org
Price: Adult tickets from £16.33; concessions from £12.24; children aged 11 to 15 from £8.16; under 11s go free
Dates: 16 September 2023 – 11 February 2024
3. Great Houses & Gardens of England, Simon Dickinson Gallery
Portraitist Phoebe Dickinson’s latest exhibition at London’s Simon Dickinson Gallery features around 50 paintings completed over eighteen months, during which Phoebe navigated many of Britain’s most iconic houses and gardens. The new generation of homeowners who are transforming these great homes inspired the theme behind the collection, originally conceived during the creation of “The Cholmondeley Children” at Houghton Hall in 2017 – a painting that earned her a nomination for the BP Portrait Award. Thanks to the artist’s unparalleled access, spot properties such as Badminton House, Belvoir Castle, and Castle Howard – where Phoebe captured acclaimed interior designer Remy Renzullo at work redesigning the interiors.
Address: Simon Dickinson, 58 Jermyn Street, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6LX
Website: simondickinson.com
Dates: 7 – 24 November 2023
4. The Mother and The Weaver, Foundling Museum
The Foundling Museum’s autumn exhibition, The Mother and The Weaver: Art from the Ursula Hauser Collection, showcases the collections of the Foundling Hospital, a hospital established in 1739 as a home for children at risk of abandonment. The exhibition’s theme is ‘the unseen mother’, a central part of the museum’s story and fascinating topic encompassing motherhood, childhood, love, loss, sexuality and identity. More than 40 works have been sourced, all from women artists. Highlights include paintings, textiles, sculptures, and multimedia works from artists including Rita Ackermann, Louise Bourgeois, and Alina Szapocznikow.
Address: Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ
Website: foundlingmuseum.org.uk
Price: Adults £10.50 with donation; concessions £8.25 with donation; free for 21 and under
Dates: 22 September 2023 – 18 February 2024
5. The Makers: Portraits from Backstage, National Theatre
The National Theatre’s Lyttelton Lounge has welcomed a brand-new exhibition for 2023 – The Makers: Portraits from Backstage. Many of the works on display have been created by the theatre’s first artist in residence, Curtis Holder, while Kate Bryan (Soho House’s global director of art) is behind the curation of the wider showcase. The exhibition is a love letter to the creative forces that exist behind the scenes of theatre – expect captivating portraits of stage technicians, puppet makers and stage door supervisors hard at work.
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Address: National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX
Website: nationaltheatre.org.uk
Price: Free
Dates: Until 4 November 2023
