Must-see London art exhibitions this summer
As you make your summer plans, reserve some time to experience the incredible art exhibitions that will be on. London galleries will showcase everything from the earliest paintings in Europe to new works by emerging artists.
Even if art's not your thing, maybe the promise of a building with air-con during a heatwave will pique your interest. Whatever your motivation for heading to a gallery, these are the art exhibitions in London we're most excited to see.
Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300–1350 at the National Gallery
Discover some of the earliest Italian paintings in this year's summer exhibition at the National Gallery. Highlighting the innovative painting methods developed during the 14th century, the show brings together a stunning collection of altarpieces and other Biblical art.
The exhibition features accompanying special events, including walking tours, art history lectures, and a special discussion with writer Hisham Matar.
On until 22 June 2025
Trafalgar Square, WC2N | nationalgallery.org.uk
Edwardians: The Age of Elegance at The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace
If you're a fan of Edwardian painters or just want to have a peek inside Buckingham Palace, this summer you'll have the chance to experience both. The exhibition features over 300 items from the Royal Collection, including many that have never before been on public display. Paintings, sketches, jewellery, and clothing from the opulent Edwardian era paint a vivid portrait of life at the turn of the century in Britain.
For an even richer experience, the exhibition includes plenty of immersive events like an embroidery class, lectures on Edwardian clothing and dining etiquette, and an Edwardian Easter celebration. The gallery will also offer adaptive activities, including a dementia-friendly viewing period and a BSL tour of the gallery.
On from 11 April to 23 November 2025
Victoria, SW1A | rct.uk
Vista at Burgh House
The major blockbuster exhibitions can draw large, overwhelming crowds that often make it difficult to fully appreciate the art. For something a bit quieter, head to Hampstead Heath for the summer exhibition at the Burgh House. One of the oldest houses in Hampstead Village, Burgh House is now a lovely art gallery showcasing local artists.
Mahtab Clark's Impressionist-inspired paintings will be showcased in the Vista exhibition this summer. The Iranian artist draws on her experience as an immigrant in the UK and natural beauty to create vibrant, abstract landscapes.
On from 4–15 June 2025
Hampstead, NW3 | burghhouse.org.uk
Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur at The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection will hold its largest-ever contemporary exhibition this summer, celebrating the work of Sir Grayson Perry. Placing Perry's art in dialogue with the masterpieces of the permanent collection, the exhibition explores the contrast between digital and hand-crafted art.
Perry is known for blurring the line between gender constructs, using cross-dressing and a variety of artistic mediums to explore expressions of gender and sexuality.
On until 26 October 2025
Marylebone, W1U | wallacecollection.org
Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy
The Royal Academy's annual summer show has been a London tradition since 1769. As the oldest open submission exhibition in the world, it allows Londoners to see groundbreaking work from both established and up-and-coming artists. Works are chosen by RA members, including artists like David Hockney and Grayson Perry.
If you're in the market for art for your collection, the Summer Exhibition is also your chance to purchase prints and original works. Proceeds from the exhibition go directly to the artist and to support the Royal Academy's schools.
On from 17 June to 17 August 2025
Piccadilly, W1J | royalacademy.org.uk
Leigh Bowery! at Tate Modern
Tate Modern brings you into the world of 1980s London nightlife with its exhibition highlighting performance artist Leigh Bowery. Known for their avant-garde and gender-defying fashion, art, and performances, Bowery is cited as an inspiration for everyone from Boy George to Lady Gaga.
Bowery's art emerged from London club culture and has been transformed into an immersive exhibition. It's accompanied by a series of talks and events to provide greater insight into Bowery's creative and eclectic work.
On until 31 August 2025
Southbank, SE1 | tate.org.uk
Arpita Singh: Remembering at Serpentine Galleries
In her first solo exhibition outside of India, Arpita Singh presents a retrospective of her 60-year career. Drawing inspiration from Bengali folk art, Singh's work explores female experiences in public and domestic spaces through vibrant, crowded cityscapes and collages.
Singh has a particular interest in the effects of aging and global conflicts on women, shown through her canvases filled with the overwhelming amount of influences on a woman's life. At age 89, Singh was highly involved in curating this exhibition, so it is sure to be a touching and emotional display of her work.
On until 27 July 2025
Hyde Park, W2 | serpentinegalleries.org
Vogue: Inventing the Runway at Lightroom
The exclusivity of sitting front row at a fashion show is usually reserved for the crème de la crème of celebrities, but now Lightroom is making it possible for everyone to have the best seat in the house. The exhibition uses Lightroom's signature projection technology to create an immersive fashion experience, outlining the history of the runway show using Vogue's vast archives.
With narration by Cate Blanchett, Londoners will learn about top designers and get a larger-than-life look at fashion from the early 20th century to the modern day. The show has gotten the seal of approval from Anna Wintour herself, so it's sure to be incredible.
On until 29 June 2025
Coal Drops Yard, N1C | lightroom.uk
RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show 2025 at the Saatchi Gallery
From the people behind the Chelsea Flower Show, the Royal Horticultural Society also presents an annual Botanical Art & Photography Show featuring the very best art inspired by the beauty of nature. With several prizes up for grabs, the pieces are not only judged for their aesthetic qualities but also for their scientific accuracy.
This year's theme is plants that humans rely on, including plants used as ingredients, cosmetics, medicines, and more. Unlike previous years, this exhibition is free to the public with a suggested donation.
On 13 June to 27 July 2025
Chelsea, SW3 | saatchigallery.com
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