9 Of The Best London Art Exhibitions This Autumn (2024)

Autumn in London is always a cultural explosion. October kicks off with the annual art fairs Frieze and Frieze Masters, the brilliant 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, plus the BFI London Film Festival, followed in November by the EFG Jazz Festival.

This year is no exception, with blockbuster shows at the major art museums, including Philip Guston at the Tate Modern, Marina Abramovic at the Royal Academy, Frans Hals at the National Gallery and the sold out Chanel at the Victoria & Albert. Disappointed fashion fans can instead enjoy the extravagant Gucci Cosmos exhibition at 180 The Strand, an immersive look at the famous brand’s 102 year history.

The commercial art galleries always follow suit, with exciting shows and extended opening hours. Here are nine highlights this autumn, with most extending on past October.

1.El Anatsui at October Gallery, Bloomsbury until 13 January 2024

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If you enjoyed seeing El Anatsui’s brilliant installation currently on show in Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, don’t miss seeing a selection of smaller works at his longtime London gallery. El Anatsui’s TimeSpace features new works, including new bottle-top wall sculptures, together with several earlier works.

2.Daniel Richter at Thaddaeus Ropac gallery, Mayfair until 1 December

This colorful new group of paintings portray biomorphic forms in a series of twisting, metamorphic poses. Since 2015, Richter has broken down compositional distinctions between background, foreground and subject to create renditions of the body in metamorphosis. Richter reverses the painting process, doing the background as one of the final stages of the work. While previous series of paintings drew upon visual source material as diverse as pornography and a historic postcard of injured World War I soldiers, this new group of paintings echoes Richter’s observations of the world around him. As he describes, “it’s based on random sketches and notes, [an] old woman passing by, [a] child at the dentist, boys playing basketball, stuff like that.”

3.Massimiliano Pelletti at Bowman Sculpture, Mayfair until 10 November

Bowman Sculpture is presenting the first UK solo exhibition of contemporary Italian sculptor Massimiliano Pelletti. Eredità (Heritage) precedes an exhibition at the Galleria at the distinguished Palazzo Doria Pamphilj in Rome, where Pelletti's work will be exhibited alongside Caravaggio, Titian and Raphael. Hand carved from exotic stones sourced from different parts of the world, the sculptures are inspired by antique models. Pelletti deliberately incorporates visible flaws, cracks, and fissures inherent in the material into his sculptures, inviting viewers to contemplate mankind's relationship with the past and question the idealisation of past cultures.

4.Ken Nwadiogbu at Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London Bridge, until 25 November

The final show at Kristin Hjellegjerde’s London Bridge Gallery, Fragments of Reality, is Nigerian artist Ken Nwadiogbu’s first London solo exhibition. A series of figures in a blazing color palette of red, orange and yellow emerge from or descend into textured, abstract backgrounds. These represent personal memories and reflect on the artist’s experiences of adjusting to life in London, of building a sense of community and longing for home. There’ll be a new London gallery for the ambitious Norwegian gallerist, opening on nearby Tanner Street next month. And with four galleries in the UK and Europe, she’s is set to open her first US gallery later this month, in West Palm Beach featuring a show by Sara Berman.

5.JW Anderson at Offer Waterman, Mayfair, until 28 October 2023

Based in a five-storey Georgian townhouse that was once William Morris’s home, Offer Waterman is open for a rare public exhibition. Many of the big fashion brands are collaborating with artists and you can see their works in the shop windows on chic Bond Street. By contrast, Offer Waterman gallery has collaborated with designer JW Anderson who shows his recent fashion designs alongside art works from artists including Frank Auerbach, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Lucian Freud, Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney, L. S. Lowry, Henry Moore and Walter Sickert.

6.José Parlá at Ben Brown Fine Arts, Mayfair, until 17 November

This exhibition of new abstract paintings by New York-based Cuban artist José Parlá were inspired by the artist’s near-death experience with Covid (2021). The eleven vivid, multilayered paintings are filled with energy and draw on recurring themes in his practice, including urban space, human markings, memory and energy.

7.United Visual Artists, Synchronicity at 180 The Strand, until 17 December

London-based art collective United Visual Artists’ impressive new show Synchronicity marks the group’s 20th anniversary. Taking over the subterranean spaces of 180 The Strand, the exhibitiom features eight site-specific, audio-visual works and sensory-heightening installations that explore our perception of space and time. An underlying theme of musicality and performance runs throughout the exhibition which includes new diverse collaborations with bioacoustician Bernie Krause (Polyphony), Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack (Present Shock II) and choreographer Dana Gingras (Ensemble). At the heart of the exhibition is a brand-new immersive installation that features a mesmerising soundscape inspired by field recordings from the Central African Republic, recorded by legendary bioacoustician Bernie Krause and ethnomusicologist Louis Sarno. UVA’s experimental practice uses the interplay of light, space, sound and custom-made “kinetic instruments” to create dynamic “choreographed environments” and immersive, atmospheric experiences that envelop the viewer and transfigure architectural space.

8.Shubha Taparia at Prahlad Bubbar, Little Venice and North London. Both galleries open by appointment 20-27 October

To celebrate London's Indian and Islamic Art Week, Prahlad Bubbar presents a selection of masterworks from the Indian Subcontinent. A highlight is a rare 17th- century embroidery panel from Gujarat, made for the walls of Ashburnham Place, an English country house in Sussex. Examples of the same are at the V&A London and the Metropolitan Museum, New York. Other highlights include a rare illustrated page from the 16th-century 'Third' Akbarnama depicting the Mughal Emperor Akbar, and an exquisite jade dagger, also from the Mughal court. At the gallery's contemporary art space Unit 7, in North London, are Shubha Taparia's beautiful new works from her series 'Illumination', delicate but powerful sculptures combining industrial tarp and gold leaf.

9.Shirin Neshat at Goodman Gallery, Cork Street, until 8 November

Goodman Gallery presents the UK premiere for Iranian American artist Shirin Neshat’s most recent work, The Fury, a double-channel video installation and a series of black and white photographs. Shot in June 2022, The Fury portrays a sense of foreboding and dread sparked by the resurgence of fascism showing a female prisoner inside an Iranian prison. The Fury’s photographic subjects are women of all races, creeds, and ethnicities. Their bodies are abused, sometimes mutilated and bear physical signs of social alienation. The message is clear: the bedrock of power and authoritarianism is the subjugation and control of the female body.

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Autumn in London: Art and Cultural Events

The autumn in London is always a vibrant time for cultural events, with a plethora of art exhibitions, film festivals, and music events. This year, the city is hosting several blockbuster shows at major art museums, commercial art galleries, and other cultural venues. From the annual art fairs like Frieze and Frieze Masters to the EFG Jazz Festival, there's a wide range of events to explore. Notable exhibitions include Philip Guston at the Tate Modern, Marina Abramovic at the Royal Academy, Frans Hals at the National Gallery, and the sold-out Chanel exhibition at the Victoria & Albert. Additionally, fashion enthusiasts can enjoy the extravagant Gucci Cosmos exhibition at 180 The Strand, offering an immersive look at the brand's 102-year history.

Highlights of Autumn Art Exhibitions in London

  1. El Anatsui at October Gallery, Bloomsbury

    • El Anatsui's TimeSpace features new works, including new bottle-top wall sculptures, together with several earlier works. The exhibition is on display until 13 January 2024.
  2. Daniel Richter at Thaddaeus Ropac gallery, Mayfair

    • This colorful new group of paintings portrays biomorphic forms in a series of twisting, metamorphic poses. The exhibition is open until 1 December.
  3. Massimiliano Pelletti at Bowman Sculpture, Mayfair

    • This exhibition presents the first UK solo exhibition of contemporary Italian sculptor Massimiliano Pelletti. The sculptures are hand-carved from exotic stones sourced from different parts of the world and are inspired by antique models. The exhibition is open until 10 November.
  4. Ken Nwadiogbu at Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London Bridge

    • Fragments of Reality is Nigerian artist Ken Nwadiogbu’s first London solo exhibition, featuring a series of figures in a blazing color palette of red, orange, and yellow. The exhibition is open until 25 November.
  5. JW Anderson at Offer Waterman, Mayfair

    • Offer Waterman gallery has collaborated with designer JW Anderson, showcasing his recent fashion designs alongside artworks from various artists. The exhibition is open until 28 October 2023.
  6. José Parlá at Ben Brown Fine Arts, Mayfair

    • This exhibition features new abstract paintings by New York-based Cuban artist José Parlá, inspired by the artist’s near-death experience with Covid in 2021. The exhibition is open until 17 November.
  7. United Visual Artists, Synchronicity at 180 The Strand

    • London-based art collective United Visual Artists’ impressive new show Synchronicity marks the group’s 20th anniversary, featuring eight site-specific, audio-visual works and sensory-heightening installations. The exhibition is open until 17 December.
  8. Shubha Taparia at Prahlad Bubbar, Little Venice and North London

    • Prahlad Bubbar presents a selection of masterworks from the Indian Subcontinent, including a rare 17th-century embroidery panel from Gujarat and other exquisite pieces. The exhibition is open by appointment from 20-27 October.
  9. Shirin Neshat at Goodman Gallery, Cork Street

    • Goodman Gallery presents the UK premiere for Iranian American artist Shirin Neshat’s most recent work, The Fury, a double-channel video installation and a series of black and white photographs. The exhibition is open until 8 November.

These exhibitions and events offer a diverse range of artistic experiences, from contemporary sculptures and paintings to immersive audio-visual installations and historical masterworks from the Indian Subcontinent.

I hope this information provides a comprehensive overview of the art and cultural events taking place in London during the autumn season. If you have any specific questions about any of these exhibitions or related topics, feel free to ask!

9 Of The Best London Art Exhibitions This Autumn (2024)

FAQs

9 Of The Best London Art Exhibitions This Autumn? ›

London is a vibrant, buzzing city at any time of the year, and the crisp autumn air makes October an ideal time to visit. From sipping coffee in a cozy cafe to strolling through the latest museum exhibitions, you'll find plenty to see and do throughout this month.

What art exhibitions are on in London at the moment? ›

London's blockbuster exhibitions open now
  • Polka Dots #5 by Francesca Woodman, 1976. ...
  • Kokeshi artisan Okazaki Ikuo at his studio in Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture. ...
  • Polly Braden, Narine with her son Valentine, 9. ...
  • John Singer Sargent, Ena and Betty, Daughters of Asher and Mrs Wertheimer, 1901.
Mar 22, 2024

Where would you go to see beautiful paintings in London? ›

These places are best for art museums in London:
  • National Gallery.
  • The British Museum.
  • V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum.
  • Wallace Collection.
  • Tate Britain.

Should I visit London in October? ›

London is a vibrant, buzzing city at any time of the year, and the crisp autumn air makes October an ideal time to visit. From sipping coffee in a cozy cafe to strolling through the latest museum exhibitions, you'll find plenty to see and do throughout this month.

Is London pretty in October? ›

With mild temperatures, and two thirds of your days expected to stay rain-free, October is a pretty good time to be in London. All the summer tourists have long gone by now, reducing the crowds at some city attractions. With colourful autumn leaves and a cosy feel, October in London is lovely.

What is the coolest museum in London? ›

  • V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum. 32,897. Art Museums Kensington and Hyde Park. ...
  • Natural History Museum. 38,043. ...
  • Churchill War Rooms. 23,704. ...
  • Wallace Collection. 6,633. ...
  • Imperial War Museum London. 10,820. ...
  • Madame Tussauds London. 32,201. ...
  • The London Bridge Experience. 6,753. ...
  • Royal Air Force Museum London. 3,839.

What is the #1 museum in London? ›

The British Museum, founded in 1753, is a history, arts, and culture museum in London. With more than eight million objects in its collection, the British Museum has one of the world's biggest museum collections. Much of the collection is focused on human culture as it dates back to the earliest times.

Where is the best art in London? ›

These places are best for art galleries in London:
  • The Queen's Gallery.
  • London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE.
  • Guildhall Art Gallery.
  • Dulwich Picture Gallery.
  • Serpentine Galleries.

What is the most popular exhibit at the British Museum? ›

The Rosetta Stone at the British Museum

Thanks to it, modern humans were able to unlock ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. Pretty important, then. So, it's no surprise that it's the most visited exhibit in the museum. The stone is carved with ancient Greek, hieroglyphics and demotic Egyptian.

What free exhibitions are on in London now? ›

Current free exhibitions on display in London:
  • Rong Bao Is Me, Saatchi Gallery. ...
  • The Cult of Beauty, Wellcome Collection. ...
  • Flaming June, Royal Academy. ...
  • The Conservatory x Ranjani Shettar, Barbican. ...
  • Art Now: Zeinab Saleh, Tate Britain. ...
  • And The Winner Is…, 45 Park Lane. ...
  • Mantegna: The Triumphs of Caesar, National Gallery.
Apr 4, 2024

What is the name of London's most popular art Gallery? ›

Tate Britain Free

The gallery is home to the largest collection of British art in the world.

What is the best art gallery to visit in London? ›

  1. The British Museum. 74,056. Art Museums Bloomsbury. ...
  2. National Gallery. 40,661. Art Museums Trafalgar Square / Embankment Admission tickets from £20. ...
  3. V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum. 32,897. ...
  4. Wallace Collection. 6,633. ...
  5. Tate Modern. 10,621. ...
  6. National Portrait Gallery. 5,840. ...
  7. Tate Britain. 4,131. ...
  8. The Courtauld Gallery. 3,459.

Where are the most famous paintings in London? ›

One of the most famous paintings in the National Gallery, Titian's Bacchus and Ariadne illustrates a story told by the classical authors Ovid and Catullus. The Cretan princess Ariadne has been abandoned on the Greek island of Naxos by Theseus, whose ship sails away in the distance.

Is October museum and Galleries month? ›

About Museums and Galleries Month

The Museums and Galleries Month is being celebrated every October based on the Proclamation No. 798 s. 1991 signed by the late former President Corazon Aquino to highlight the culture of the Philippines, embracing all forms of art and culture, historical and religious artifacts.

What does London look like in October? ›

On average, you can expect at least some rain and cloudy skies for half the month, with rainfall totaling 5.4 cm. Daytime temperatures start October at around 18°C and end the month falling slightly to 14°C.

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