London’s art scene never stands still, with major exhibitions opening across the best art galleries in London alongside vibrant independent spaces. Curated by the Visit London team – who keep a close eye on the capital’s cultural calendar – this guide brings together the best art exhibitions in London right now so you can get your art fix.
Take your pick from multisensory immersive exhibitions, thought‑provoking fine art, creative photography and captivating sculpture. Showcasing some of the best of what’s on, each exhibition is selected for its cultural significance, creativity and appeal to the curious art lover.
Planning your visit? We recommend booking in advance for many of these popular shows, while others are free – making up some of the best free things to do in London. If you’re exploring more of the city, don’t miss more of the best things to do in November.
What not to miss: Art exhibitions in London this November
👑 Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, King’s Gallery – Best for royal fashion
✨ Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, V&A South Kensington – Best for avant‑garde couture
📺 The 90s: Art and Fashion, Tate Britain – Best for 90s nostalgia
🎨 Frida: The Making of an Icon, Tate Modern – Best for striking self-portraiture
🕺 Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things, V&A South Kensington – Best for legendary looks
How we chose the best art exhibitions in London
Our selection is based on a mix of:
- First-hand insight from the Visit London team
- Galleries and institutions of global significance, hosting standout shows
- Strong visitor appeal, with exhibitions that consistently spark excitement
- A memorable overall experience for every art enthusiast
The best art exhibitions in London right now
- The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards , FRAMELESS
- The Last Princesses of Punjab, Kensington Palace
- Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, King's Gallery
- Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things, V&A South Kensington
- The 90s: Art and Fashion, Tate Britain
- Frida: The Making of an Icon, Tate Modern
- The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon, V&A South Kensington
- Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, V&A South Kensington
- Ana Mendieta, Tate Modern
- Astronomy Photographer of the Year, National Maritime Museum
Nearest Tube: Marble Arch (Central)
When: Until Jan 2027, Mon-Thur: 11am-6pm, Fri: 10.30am-10pm, Sat: 10am-10pm, Sun: 10am-6pm
Duration: 15 minutes (full visit around 2 hours)
A standout highlight at FRAMELESS, The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards is a limited-run residency celebrating more than a decade of hilarious animal moments. Staged in FRAMELESS' Blank Canvas Gallery, the experience showcases 91 award-winning photographs across a 15-minute journey, inviting visitors to connect with the natural world in a fun and engaging way.
Travel through seven natural habitats and come face-to-face with some of nature’s funniest creatures, from surprised seals and sassy penguins to bewildered bears and ninja prairie dogs. With each image displayed within its original habitat and enhanced by immersive spatial sound, you can feel as though you’re stepping into these environments. This unique take on wildlife photography is the perfect addition to your FRAMELESS visit, which we recommend enjoying first before exploring the permanent galleries.
Best for: Wildlife lovers, photography fans and anyone looking for a fun, immersive experience.
Good to know: The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards Immersive Experience is included with your standard FRAMELESS admission ticket.
Nearest Tube: Queensway (Central)
When: Until 8 Nov, Daily: 10am-6pm
Duration: Around 1 hour
Uncover the remarkable story of Punjabi princess and pioneering suffragette Sophia Duleep Singh in The Last Princesses of Punjab at Kensington Palace. Marking 150 years since her birth, the exhibition traces six lives shaped by Empire through a rich display of rarely seen paintings, photographs, jewellery, letters and documents.
Seeing these objects up close offers a powerful glimpse into Sophia’s world, from her spoiled census form to a striking front‑page image of her selling The Suffragette outside her home.
We recommend taking time to watch the short films throughout the space, which explore identity, heritage and belonging, adding real emotional depth to the experience. If you’re looking for a history‑led exhibition this month, it deserves a spot on your itinerary. Read our full review on the Visit London blog for key highlights and what not to miss.
Best for: Art-history lovers interested in Empire, women’s rights and South Asian heritage.
Good to know: Entry to the exhibition is included with your Kensington Palace ticket. During your visit, explore the rooms where Queen Victoria was born and raised, walk through The King’s State Apartments and enjoy the beautifully landscaped Palace Gardens.
Nearest Tube: Victoria (Circle & District)
When: Until 18 Apr, Mon-Thu: 10am-5.30pm
Duration: 1-2 hours
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is one of London’s most in‑demand exhibitions right now, celebrating the late Queen’s wardrobe across ten extraordinary decades. At the King’s Gallery, around 200 pieces – many never shown before – reveal the craftsmanship, sketches and personal touches behind her most iconic looks.
From her bridesmaid and wedding dresses to her Coronation ensemble and outfits worn on the world stage, each piece offers an intimate glimpse into the making of a global style icon.
Her influence on British fashion is clear from the first room. Follow the item labels in order to trace her evolving style, and we recommend pausing at the delicate sketches to catch the fabric notes and hand‑drawn details. With showstopping gowns, signature hats and silk scarves, it’s a vivid reminder of how clothing can tell a story. Read our review on the Visit London blog to discover more.
Best for: Fashion lovers interested in craftsmanship and the evolution of a personal style.
Good to know: This exhibition is selling out fast, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. Keep an eye out for private viewings, talks and creative courses inspired by the exhibition.
Nearest Tube: South Kensington (Circle, District and Piccadilly)
When: Until 17 Jan, Daily: 10am-6pm
Duration: Around 1 hour
Celebrate Freddie Mercury's extraordinary legacy with a free display of some of the star's most iconic costumes at V&A South Kensington. Marking what would have been Mercury's 80th birthday year, this theatrical exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the legendary performer's career, from rising rock star to global superstar.
Follow a trail of striking displays through the museum to discover unforgettable stage looks, including the famous Mercury Wing catsuit and outfits from his solo years. The finale showcases his iconic crown and cloak from Queen's 1986 Magic Tour, presented in one of his most recognisable performance poses. With dramatic set design and visual spectacle throughout, it's a fitting tribute to one of music's greatest showmen. Find out more on the Visit London blog.
Best for: Exploring Freddie Mercury's life, style and creative legacy.
Good to know: Look out for a programme of special events and activities taking place alongside the display throughout its run.
Nearest Tube: Pimlico (Victoria)
When: Until 14 Feb, Daily: 10am-6pm
Duration: Around 90 minutes
One of this year's most talked-about exhibitions, The 90s: Art and Fashion at Tate Britain captures a decade fuelled by creativity, attitude and cultural change. Curated through the lens of Edward Enninful OBE's lived experience, it brings together iconic photography and fashion from trailblazing designers including Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.
Bursting with energy, the exhibition offers a vivid snapshot of 1990s Britain, from era-defining magazine covers to intimate glimpses of everyday life. Expect provocative works that challenged social norms, including Ellen von Unwerth's memorable portrait of Naomi Campbell.
Don't miss the I Can't Get No Sleep gallery, an immersive celebration of 90s club culture and one of the spaces we found ourselves lingering in the longest. Make time for the multimedia experiences too, from catwalk footage and audio stories to interactive displays that bring the decade to life. For even more highlights, read our full review on the Visit London blog.
Best for: Lovers of 90s fashion, club culture and creative trailblazers.
Good to know: Listen to stories from curators, experts and contributors with the smartphone audio guide, which you can follow at your own pace using your own headphones.
Nearest Tube: Blackfriars (Circle and District)
When: Until 3 Jan, Sun-Thu: 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-9pm
Duration: 1-2 hours
Discover the life and legacy of Frida Kahlo in this unmissable exhibition at Tate Modern. Frida: The Making of an Icon brings together more than 30 of her most celebrated works, alongside garments, jewellery, photographs and over 200 pieces by contemporaries and artists she inspired. Highlights include her striking Self‑Portrait (With Velvet Dress) from 1926 and Self‑Portrait with Loose Hair from 1938.
The finale dives into the world of “Fridamania”, with a room filled with more than 200 mass‑produced objects – from T‑shirts and tequila bottles to Barbies and perfume – revealing how Kahlo became a global phenomenon. We recommend taking your time with the smaller personal items to catch the subtle details that shaped her self‑presentation and symbolism. Read our full review on the Visit London blog to discover the highlights and must-see pieces.
Best for: Frida fans drawn to her clothing, jewellery and bold visual identity.
Good to know: This is one of the gallery’s most anticipated shows, so make sure to book ahead. While you’re visiting Tate Modern, take the lift to Level 9 in the Blavatnik Building for an open‑air terrace with impressive views across London.
7. The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon at V&A South Kensington – Best for British fashion heritage
Nearest Tube: South Kensington (Circle, District and Piccadilly)
When: Until 3 Jan, Sat-Thu: 10am-5.45pm, Fri: 10am-10pm
Duration: Around 1 hour
Follow the evolution of the Burberry trench coat with The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon at V&A South Kensington, one of this month’s standout London exhibitions. This free display explores the trench coat’s journey from practical military outerwear to a globally recognised fashion icon, rooted in British design and craftsmanship.
Marking Burberry’s 170th anniversary, the exhibition brings together rare pieces from the Burberry Archive and the V&A’s collection across three sections. Discover Thomas Burberry’s invention of cotton gabardine in 1879, explore signature design details including the House Check lining and storm flap, and admire 19 standout runway looks from the last 25 years.
Many objects are on public display for the first time, including early 20th-century catalogues and a 1979 car coat made for couturier Hardy Amies – it’s not to be missed!
Best for: Design lovers looking to delve into 170 years of Burberry heritage.
Good to know: While you're visiting the V&A South Kensington, explore the museum’s extensive fashion galleries, showcasing centuries of clothing, textiles and accessories from around the world.
Nearest Tube: South Kensington (Circle, District and Piccadilly)
When: Until 8 Nov, Sat-Thu: 10am-5.45pm, Fri: 10am-10pm
Duration: 1-2 hours
Step into the visionary world of Elsa Schiaparelli in the UK’s first exhibition dedicated to her groundbreaking designs. At V&A South Kensington, Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art spans a century of creativity, pairing her bold fusion of fashion and art with contemporary pieces by creative director Daniel Roseberry. It’s a must‑see for anyone with a love of high fashion.
More than 200 garments, accessories, jewels and objects reveal how Schiaparelli turned clothing into a daring artistic language. Highlights include the Surrealist Tears Dress (1938) and the extraordinary Skeleton Dress (1938), both created with Salvador Dalí.
Projections of catwalk footage and vintage clippings immerse you in the buzz of Paris. We suggest pausing to study the embroidery – the sculptural craftsmanship is astonishing. You can read our full review on the Visit London blog to find out what not to miss.
Best for: Fashion lovers who want to see couture at its most imaginative.
Good to know: Book ahead – this is one of the V&A’s most in‑demand exhibitions, especially at weekends. The museum stays open until 10pm on Fridays if you prefer a quieter visit. Afterward, the V&A’s Fashion galleries make a perfect follow‑on, offering wider context for Schiaparelli’s influence.
Nearest Tube: Blackfriars (Circle and District)
When: Until 17 Jan, Sun-Thu: 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-9pm
Duration: 1-2 hours
Discover Ana Mendieta’s trailblazing exhibition at Tate Modern, featuring more than 120 works by the Cuban-born American artist. Encounter many of her most iconic pieces alongside newly remastered films, early paintings, late sculptural works and installations extending beyond the gallery walls.
Renowned for her deep connection to nature, Mendieta’s multidisciplinary practice helped shape the course of contemporary art. Highlights include Ñañigo Burial, where black candles arranged in the outline of her body are regularly lit throughout the exhibition, creating a striking silhouette in molten wax. Don’t miss Untitled: Silueta Series, a forest-like installation recreated using locally sourced natural materials, offering a powerful example of Mendieta’s ephemeral sculptures and her enduring exploration of identity, landscape and ritual.
Best for: Contemporary art lovers interested in identity, nature and groundbreaking performance art.
Good to know: Make time to explore Tate Modern beyond the exhibition, from its free galleries and striking Turbine Hall installations to the riverside terrace overlooking the Thames.
Nearest Tube: Cutty Sark (DLR)
When: Until 31 July, Daily: 10am-5pm
Duration: Around 1 hour
Marvel at some of the world’s most breathtaking space photography at Astronomy Photographer of the Year at the National Maritime Museum. This annual exhibition showcases around 100 spectacular images capturing glittering galaxies, distant nebulae, fiery suns and shimmering moons, all taken by talented photographers from across the globe.
Displayed on striking illuminated lightboxes, the shortlisted and winning photographs reveal the beauty and mystery of the universe in remarkable detail. We love how the exhibition showcases the wonders of the cosmos, offering a fascinating journey beyond our planet and a chance to see the night sky through a new lens.
Best for: Stargazers, space enthusiasts and photography lovers.
Good to know: Tune into the online awards ceremony on 17 September to see all the shortlisted and winning images revealed and find out which photograph is crowned the overall winner.
Art exhibitions in London FAQs
Are there any free art exhibitions in London?
London has plenty of free art to explore. The National Gallery, Tate Britain and the Hayward Gallery all offer free permanent collections filled with major works. You can also see free displays at the Serpentine Galleries.Do I need to book tickets for art exhibitions in London?
Most major exhibitions in London are ticketed, and popular shows often sell out fast, so it’s best to book in advance. Most free exhibitions – including permanent collections at leading galleries – do not require a ticket, so you can usually drop in whenever it suits your day.Where are the best places to see art exhibitions in London?
Kensington Palace and the King’s Gallery offer standout royal art. For broader exhibitions in London, the National Portrait Gallery, Moco Museum, Tate Modern and the V&A deliver a strong mix of contemporary, historical and design-focused shows.What types of art exhibitions can you see in London?
London’s exhibitions span royal displays, bold contemporary shows, sculpture, immersive installations and world‑class fine art across major museums and galleries.How long do art exhibitions in London usually take to visit?
Most London exhibitions take around an hour to see, while more detailed displays often need two or more if you want to read, explore and take everything in. For a deeper look, guided options such as the National Gallery Highlights Tour help you experience key works with expert insight.Find more of the latest free art exhibitions in London, see our pick of the best museum exhibitions, or download the Visit London app for more inspiration on the go.
