When the summer weather fades away and the days grow shorter, London comes alive with a new season of art and culture. From major museums to galleries, the city opens its doors to a range of exciting exhibitions that are sure to captivate art enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. Here is a glimpse of the top exhibitions to visit in London this autumn.
National Gallery: ‘Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers’
From now until January 19, 2025, the National Gallery is presenting a ‘once-in-a-century’ exhibition of Vincent van Gogh’s most renowned works. Featuring iconic pieces such as ‘Starry Night over the Rhône’, ‘The Yellow House’, and ‘Sunflowers’, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore a diverse collection of the Dutch painter’s masterpieces. Focusing on van Gogh’s transformative years in the south of France, the exhibition even reconstructs his favorite locations in Saint-Rémy. Tickets start at £24, with free admission for under-18s. Pre-booking is available until October 13.
Tate Gallery: ‘Turner Prize 2024’
Running from September 25, 2024, to February 16, 2025, the Turner Prize exhibition at the Tate Gallery showcases the best of contemporary British art. This year, the four shortlisted artists – Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, Jasleen Kaur, and Delaine Le Bas – present a diverse range of drawings, paintings, sculptures, and textile art. The exhibition delves into themes such as colonial history, marginalization, death, and renewal, offering a thought-provoking experience for visitors. Tickets are priced at £14, with a concession rate of £5 for under-25s. Pre-booking is now open.
British Museum: ‘Silk Roads’
From September 26, 2024, to February 23, 2025, the British Museum presents ‘Silk Roads’, a groundbreaking exhibition that redefines the traditional concept of the Silk Road as a network connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe between AD 500-1000. Featuring artifacts from across the Silk Roads, the exhibition narrates the stories of the people who traversed this ancient trade route. Tickets start at £22, with free entry for under-16s. Pre-booking is currently available.
The Barbican: ‘The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998’
From October 5, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the Barbican Art Gallery showcases an exhibition featuring over thirty Indian artists, exploring the tumultuous period in India from 1975 to 1998. Marked by a state of emergency under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, this era played a significant role in shaping the nation’s identity. Through works by artists such as Tyeb Mehta, Nalini Malani, and M. F. Husain, the exhibition delves into this transformative period through various mediums, including photography, painting, and sculpture. Tickets are priced from £20, with free entry for under-14s. Pre-booking is now open.
In addition to these major exhibitions, London also offers a diverse range of art and cultural experiences that are sure to pique your interest this autumn. Whether you’re a fan of classical masterpieces or contemporary works, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the vibrant art scene of the capital city. So grab your umbrella, brave the rainy weather, and immerse yourself in the world of creativity and inspiration that London has to offer.
