Featured Events in London in December 2025 (August Updated)

A Virtual Reality Art Exhibition that you can view in any location and on any device. Please see the above picture instructions for how you can view it on a tablet/mobile. You can view the exhibition with or without a virtual reality headset. Copy this link to view the Virtual Reality Art Exhibition on a computer/laptop: https://edu.cospaces.io/PMB-KAV The Virtual Private View of the Exhibition was held on Thursday 14th of May 2020 at 8:15pm on Zoom (Virtual drinks provided.)

The artwork is displayed on powder-coated steel gates, designed by Whittle and made at Glasgow Sculpture Studios. It was unveiled on 5 October 2023 at the Queen’s House in Greenwich. Feeling Blue has been developed in response to RMG’s large and varied collections, as well as the history and cultural significance of Greenwich. The 160 x 155 cm tapestry is filled with richly evocative textures, symbolic shapes, and tropical colours. It was woven by hand over a period of six months by Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios. They used a variety of techniques, yarns, and over 150 colour mixes to add variety and depth to the surface of the tapestry. Dominating the tapestry is the phrase ‘feeling blue’ which stands out from a background of blues and greens, the combination of different shades resembling water in motion. Blue is immediately associated with oceans and seas but there are also more emotive connotations which Whittle chose to explore. The colour blue, and in particular the term ‘feeling blue’, is used to describe sadness or depression. While the exact origin of the term is uncertain it has been suggested that it comes from the tradition of ships flying blue flags and officers bearing a painted blue band when a captain or officer died. For others, blue symbolises tranquillity. In the Queen’s House the colour blue is used throughout for decoration, notably the balustrade of the Tulip Stairs. Drawing on her research of the British naval uniform, Whittle also reflects on the legacies of British colonialism. From the mid-eighteenth-century, the Royal Navy introduced a uniform for officers made from a deep blue fabric. The colour was achieved using a dye from the indigo plant that was native to India. Until the end of the eighteenth century the indigo plant was grown, harvested and processed by enslaved people on North American plantations. Indentured labourers in India and modern-day Bangladesh also produced indigo for the East India Company. Today, Navy blue endures as a colour of authority from police to military officers, though the history of the colour and connection to colonialism is little known. Whittle continues her exploration of maritime worlds by the inclusion of coloured ropes – reminiscent of those used on ships. For Whittle, rope is a symbol of both hope and oppression. Ropes are associated with bondage, imprisonment and even execution but are equally symbolic of lifelines for people in distress. Whittle’s ongoing engagement with the climate crisis is found in the decorative coral that frames the tapestry. The delicate pastel pinks and vibrant yellows evoke the beauty of tropical oceans and are a reminder of the importance of reefs. Decorative cultured freshwater pearl beads have also been stitched onto the tapestry. As well as representing an oceanic realm, Whittle connects Feeling Blue with two sixteenth-century paintings the Armada Portrait and Sir Francis Drake which will be displayed alongside the tapestry. In both portraits, pearls are used as a symbol of wealth, some of which was derived from colonial trade and exploitation. The tapestry is hung on a set of blue ‘gates’, which are an important component of Whittle’s work. Whittle sees the ‘gates’ as reminiscent of fencing, suggesting containment and control. Placed within the gallery space the gates no longer act as a barrier. Instead, Whittle uses the gates to expand rather than restrict as visitors are free to walk around them and view the tapestry from both sides. The decorative fretwork on the panels evokes the architecture of the Queen’s House, in particular the Tulip Stairs. Alberta Whittle, said: “The commission has been a wonderful opportunity to think deeply about maritime histories and consider the powers in place that decide how these histories are portrayed. This new tapestry is a chance to explore these ideas of power alongside the rhythms of the ocean and its vulnerability under climate colonialism. The commission has also provided me with the opportunity to continue to work with Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios and the rest of the fantastic weaving team.” Celia Joicey, Director of Dovecot Studios, said: "This commission represents the contemporary significance of tapestry as a collective medium. Started in the midst of the 2021 lockdown, it is testimony to a group of people responding creatively and collaboratively to the Museum collections. Feeling Blue embodies the passion, focus and skill of Dovecot’s weavers, Alberta Whittle’s endlessly interesting ideas and the care and enterprise of the commissioning team." Katherine Gazzard, Curator of Art, Royal Museums Greenwich, said: “At Royal Museums Greenwich, we are committed to working with contemporary artists whose practice engages with our historic sites and collections, as well as with the present challenges facing our communities and our planet. The opportunity to commission a contemporary tapestry from Alberta Whittle and Dovecot Studios spoke powerfully to this ethos. The finished tapestry will go on public display in the Queen’s House, our flagship art gallery. When the Queen’s House was built in the early 17th century, it was at the cutting edge of art and design. Commissions like Feeling Blue help us to honour that legacy, ensuring that, four centuries after the building’s completion, the Queen’s House continues to showcase artistic innovations and new perspectives.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feeling Blue Alberta Whittle Tapestry by Dovecot Studios 2023, cotton, linen, synthetic yarn, cultured freshwater pearl beads Tapestry woven for Dovecot by Naomi Robertson, Master Weaver, and Elaine Wilson Displayed on powder coated steel gates made by Glasgow Sculpture Studios Purchased with assistance from the Contemporary Art Society

The latest Fourth Plinth commission 'Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times in an Instant)’ by Mexican artist Teresa Margolles was unveiled on Wednesday 18.09.2024. The monolithic sculpture was made with plaster cast molds of the faces of 726 transgender people from Mexico and the UK. The molds were made by applying plaster directly onto each individual’s face. The resulting object is both a visual record of their respective features and, imbued with hair and skin cells, a material infusion of their physicality.

Priscilla The Party! is an immersive reimagining of the iconic and award-winning musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Delivered in three acts with breaks between for fine dining in the Mezzanine or bar snacks on the Dance Floor. Featuring the dance-floor classics like I Will Survive, It's Raining Men and Finally, doors open one hour before show time where two cocktails cost just £15 and a pre-show entertains you before the main event. The performance ends with a dazzling finale show-casing the award-winning costumes and head-dresses which the show is famous for. The evening ends with a disco from our resident DJ. The audience can expect an extravagant display of eye-popping costumes, an exhilarating soundtrack that encourages everyone to sing along and a show which unfolds all around them. There will be immersive dance floor tickets as happens at Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, with DJ and pre-show entertainment similar to Here Lies Love at the National Theatre, a party sing-a-long atmosphere like ABBA Voyage at the ABBA Arena, cabaret tables with dining options similar to Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre and dining options and post-show party as happens at Mamma Mia! The Party – in other words, something for everyone! From its dazzling debut in Sydney in 2006, the musical created by Allan Scott and Stephan Elliott has taken the world by storm. It initially graced the London stage in 2009, before conquering Broadway in 2011. The enduring message of acceptance and inclusivity that Priscilla carries remains as significant today as it was when the curtains first rose.

On the first Saturday of each month Abbas Zahedi hosts a support group for the collective processing of ecological grief. In collaboration with thinkers, artists and musicians, participants are invited to consider ‘How can we make sense of a world increasingly shaped by loss and disconnection?’. The discussions take place in a new commission entitled Begin Again. As part of the installation, instruments and playback devices have been plugged into Tate Modern’s utility pipes and deeper architecture. The sound composition shifts between moments of harmony and disintegration. Each sonic collapse prompts the piece to rebuild, emphasising the power of renewal and beginning again. The commission creates a space for collective listening where participants can reflect on how to protect and restore ecological connectivity.

Step into the world of regal elegance with Royal Style in the Making, a captivating new exhibition at Hillsborough Castle. Unveiling the intimate bond between royal clients and fashion designers, discover how the British fashion industry has crafted the iconic style of the British royal women. The exhibition showcases three stunning outfits on display, including the extraordinary toile used in the design of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s coronation gown, worn in 1937. Original design drawings feature some of Britain’s finest designers including Madame Handley Seymour, Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies and Oliver Messel. Don’t miss sketches from David Sassoon, for Diana, Princess of Wales, including her handwritten comments. A thrill for fashion fans, don’t miss this unique journey into regal elegance and history, only until 04 January 2026.

Three groundbreaking exhibitions position historic sculptures by Alberto Giacometti with new works by contemporary artists, in an intimate new space. One of the most significant European sculptors of the 20th century, Giacometti is known for his distinctive, elongated sculptures which experiment with the human form. Responding to the pain and devastation caused by the Second World War, his works proposed a new perspective on humanity and the collective psyche.

Touch a piece of Mars, wrap your hands around a fragment of the Moon and snap a selfie with the Allende meteorite, which – at 4.567 billion years old – is even older than Earth! Today, there’s more evidence than ever before to suggest that life could exist beyond Earth. Our newest exhibition explores the big question – are we alone in the universe? Travel from Earth’s extreme environments out into space, stopping off at asteroids, Mars, the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn and planets beyond our solar system in the search for life. Smell planets, touch parts of our solar system, design your own space mission and see what scientists believe could be out there in our out-of-this-world exhibition.

The Barber Institute of Art was founded in 1939 as an art gallery affiliated with the University of Birmingham in the UK. It aims to promote aesthetic education on campus and in society. Its collections include paintings, drawings, prints, coins, sculptures, decorative arts, etc. The Courtauld Art Gallery will exhibit some of its important collections during the Barber Institute of Art's closure for renovation from 2025 to 2026. The artists involved include Dutch Golden Age portrait painter Frans Hals, French portrait painter Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun, British Pre-Raphaelite painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti, French Post-Impressionist painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, etc. Some paintings will be displayed in the permanent exhibition hall of the Courtauld Art Gallery, leading the audience to discover the correlation between the collections of the two institutions.

Both a celebration and a call to action, Design and Disability showcases the radical contributions of Disabled, Deaf, and neurodivergent people and communities to design history and contemporary culture, from the 1940s to now.

How does our food today go from field to plate? How did food use to be produced in the past? And how will major advances in ecology and biotechnology change food in the future? Discover the answers to these and many more vital questions in an exciting new exhibition exploring how science is creating more sustainable ways of growing, making, cooking and eating food. From food production way back in ancient history to our industrialised systems of today, thought-provoking objects, hands-on interactive exhibits and compelling digital experiences will show us how we got here—and where we’re going.

When critics first saw Georges Seurat’s new style of painting, they thought it might bring about the death of painting itself. But what was it about artists like Paul Signac, Anna Boch, Jan Toorop and Henri-Edmond Cross, that ruffled so many feathers? Neo-Impressionists painted in small dots of pure colour. Viewed from a distance, the colours blend to create nuanced tones and an illusion of light. Now known as pointillism, this technique simplified form and played with colour in an entirely new way, verging on the edge of abstraction. Alongside this exciting approach to colour, their style went hand-in-hand with radical political ideas. They captured late 19th-century European society through luminous landscapes, portraits and interior scenes, while also depicting the struggles faced by the working class, in reaction against the industrial age. Most of the paintings we’re exhibiting were collected by Helene Kröller-Müller, one of the first great women art patrons of the 20th century. She assembled the most comprehensive ensemble of Neo-Impressionist paintings in the world. Collected with the aim of being publicly accessible, these works now form part of the Kröller-Müller Museum in the Netherlands, which Helene Kröller-Muller founded. See these radical visions of pure colour for yourself in Radical Harmony: Helene Kröller-Müller’s Neo-Impressionists. This exhibition is a collaboration between the National Gallery and the Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo

Agony and ecstasy go hand-in-hand in Pablo Picasso’s exuberant masterpiece The Three Dancers. A milestone in modern art from 1925, this painting now forms the centrepiece of an exhibition celebrating the work’s centenary. For Picasso, The Three Dancers marked a radical break away from his serene, classical phase and the beginning of a new period of emotional violence and expressionist distortion. It sits at a crossroads between madness, philosophy and the avant-garde: a place where identity is disrupted and the body itself is at stake. Tate Modern’s exhibition tells the story of this landmark painting through a selection of key works from across Picasso’s career, exploring themes of sex, death, and the politics of dance. A vibrant programme of live performances accompanies the exhibition, taking inspiration from one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and bringing The Three Dancers to life 100 years after its creation.

Marie Antoinette, the famous queen who was regarded as a symbol of vanity by later generations and was guillotined during the French Revolution, was the godmother of fashion that led the trends in France and even Europe in the 18th century and was known as the "Rococo Queen". The V&A Museum in London will explore the story between this luxurious queen and Britain. It is said that Marie regularly sent courtiers to Britain to obtain fashion information, which triggered a craze for tracking British clothing, books and gardening at the time. In addition, this special exhibition will also analyze the profound influence of Marie on today's fashion and popular culture.

Set against the backdrop of cultural and artistic rebellion, Nigerian Modernism celebrates the achievements of Nigerian artists working before and after the decade of national independence from British colonial rule in 1960. Nigerian Modernism tells the story of artistic networks which spanned Zaria, Ibadan, Lagos and Enugu, as well as London, Munich and Paris. Through groups like the Zaria Art Society and Mbari Artists' and Writers' Club, they fused Nigerian, African and European techniques and traditions to create vibrant, multidimensional works. Explore a diverse range of paintings, sculpture, textiles and poetry from over 50 artists including Uzo Egonu, El Anatsui, Ladi Kwali and Ben Enwonwu MBE.

Renowned as a fashion illustrator, Oscar-winning costume designer, social caricaturist and writer, Cecil Beaton – ‘The King of Vogue’ – was an extraordinary force in the 20th-century British and American creative scenes. Elevating fashion and portrait photography into an art form, his era-defining photographs captured beauty, glamour, and star power in the interwar and early post-war eras.

Experience an exciting new work in Tate Modern's iconic Turbine Hall Since Tate Modern opened in 2000, the Turbine Hall has hosted some of the world’s most memorable and acclaimed works of contemporary art, reaching an audience of millions each year. The annual Hyundai Commission gives artists an opportunity to create new work for this unique context.

From Philadelphia to Gloucestershire, hear the story of a great American artist and his finest painting. See Edwin Austin Abbey’s huge study for ‘The Hours’, the celestial scene that decorates the ceiling of the Representatives Chamber, Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg. His most important work, created late in his career, it was to be his last. A friend of John Singer Sargent, Royal Academician, successful artist and illustrator – Abbey, born 1852 in Philadelphia, left the US in 1878 for the UK, never to return. He produced ‘The Hours’ in his Gloucestershire studio, then the largest art studio in Europe, from where both the study and mural were shipped to the US. Abbey’s career spanned an age of renewal in America, one of national expression, optimism and ambition that drove new, grand public architectural commissions like the State Capitol building and inspired literature and the arts.

The first retrospective exhibition of the work of film director Wes Anderson will follow the evolution of his films from his first experiments in the 1990s, right up to his most recent, Oscar-winning frescoes.

The two most famous British landscape painters of the 18th century - Turner used an almost abstract expression method to depict magnificent sunsets and surging oceans; Constable used precise and realistic brushstrokes to depict classic British landscapes. This year, the British Tate Gallery commemorated the 250th anniversary of the birth of the two artists and specially brought the two artists together in the double exhibition "Turner and Constable". Their paintings are like "the collision of water and fire". The exhibition specially restores how the two artists created very different but equally fascinating paintings 250 years ago, allowing us to appreciate their competing and different charms side by side.

The definitive exhibition of two pivotal British artists in the 250th year of their birthsTwo of Britain’s greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner and John Constable were also the greatest of rivals. Born within a year of each other – Turner in 1775, Constable in 1776 – they used landscape art as a way to reflect the changing world around them.

Inspiral Carpets, the iconic band known for their distinctive blend of alternative rock and psychedelic sounds, is set to electrify London at the renowned O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire. On December 11, 2025, at 19:00, fans will gather at this historic venue to experience a night of unforgettable music. With a legacy that spans decades, Inspiral Carpets has captivated audiences with hits like "This Is How It Feels" and "Saturn 5," showcasing their unique ability to blend catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. The O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, located in the heart of London, provides the perfect backdrop for this highly anticipated event, offering an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere that enhances the concert experience. Attendees can expect a meticulously curated setlist that pays homage to the band's rich history while delivering the energy and passion that Inspiral Carpets is renowned for. This event promises to be a highlight of the year for music enthusiasts, making it a must-attend for those seeking an evening of exceptional live performance.

Clutch: Fortune Tellers Make a Killing Nowadays European Tour 2025 is set to mesmerize audiences at the iconic Roundhouse in London on December 20, 2025, at 19:00. This highly anticipated event promises an evening of captivating performances by renowned fortune tellers, who will showcase their extraordinary talents and mystical insights. Attendees can expect an unforgettable experience as these gifted individuals delve into the realms of the unknown, revealing secrets and predictions that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The Roundhouse, known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, provides the perfect backdrop for this unique tour stop. With its blend of historical charm and modern amenities, the venue ensures a comfortable and immersive experience for all guests. Clutch: Fortune Tellers Make a Killing Nowadays European Tour 2025 is a must-see event for anyone intrigued by the mysteries of fortune telling and the allure of the supernatural.

With the hottest headliners and music legends both past and present, this is the ultimate festival experience that you do not want to miss!

Bringing together art from across Tate’s Collection, this exhibition highlights the connection between environmental and social justice, inviting us to reimagine our relationships with the natural world and each other. Artists Outi Pieski, Abbas Akhavan, Bruce Conner, Zheng Bo, Gauri Gill & Rajesh Vangad, Edgar Calel and Carolina Caycedo feature, as well as a new commission by Abbas Zahedi. Through their work, these artists honor Indigenous knowledge, nurture queer multispecies relations and document issues such as displacement and destruction of land and waterways.

Carpenters Workshop Gallery presents Maison Démountable, one of Jean Prouvé’s models of the 6×6 house from 1944, which will be a permanent installation in Ladbroke Hall’s Garden. At the end of World War II, Ateliers Jean Prouvé was commissioned to build 800 temporary houses of 6×6 meters to be used in Lorraine and the Franche-Comté. Designers used this construction boom as an opportunity to experiment with new materials like metal and concrete, as well as to explore industrialised modes of production. These innovations were applied with the goal of improving the lives of the people interacting with them and the 6×6 house exemplifies Prouvé’s participation within this humanist design movement.

Fresh water is the source of life. The exhibition spans time and culture, from ancient Mesopotamia and Victorian London to contemporary Nepal and Singapore, exploring the important value of "fresh water" through 125 works. The exhibition also displays new works commissioned by Raqs Media Group, Karan Charesta, Zhou Feifei and Zahi Suhaimi.

London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE showcases a series of contemporary art commissions, responding and bringing fresh perspectives to the site’s archaeological history. Our next commission will be Performance of Entrapment by Jane and Louise Wilson.

Kerry James Marshall is an internationally acclaimed artist. Marshall enhances the presence of Black figures in paintings built on principles codified in the tradition of Western picture-making he encountered in books and museums available during his childhood. He places Black bodies front and centre in his lyrical, frequently large-scale figurative paintings and murals.Marshall’s work is informed by his own memories, art historical styles and genres, contemporary culture and science fiction, among other points of reference. He uses these to comment on the past, celebrate everyday life, and imagine more optimistic futures.Organised thematically, this exhibition features 70 works including a new series of paintings made especially for the show and his commemorative sculpture Wake which evolves each time it is exhibited.

A major exhibition of the trailblazing surrealist photographer Lee Miller With the most extensive retrospective of her photography yet staged in the UK, Tate Britain celebrates Lee Miller as one of the 20th century's most urgent artistic voices. First exposed to a camera by working in front of it, Miller was one of the most sought-after models of the late 1920s. She quickly stepped behind the lens, becoming a leading figure in the avant-garde scenes in New York, Paris, London and Cairo. The exhibition will showcase Miller’s extraordinary career, from her participation in French surrealism to her fashion and war photography. Exploring her artistic collaborations, the exhibition will also shed light on lesser-known sides of her practice, such as her remarkable images of the Egyptian landscape in the 1930s.