As summer comes to an end in 2024, the UK art scene is gearing up for a busy autumn season with a wide array of fantastic exhibitions. From timeless masterpieces to contemporary marvels, we’ve hand picked ten unmissable exhibitions across the country that promise to offer something for everyone, whether you’re a fine art aficionado or an avid amateur.
1. Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers
14 September 2024 - 19 January 2025
National Gallery, London
Book tickets here
As part of its NG200 celebrations marking its 200th anniversary, the National Gallery is hosting the much-anticipated exhibition "Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers”. The event focuses on the period between 1888 and 1890, when Vincent Van Gogh was in Arles and Saint-Rémy. During this time, inspired by poets, writers, and artists, Van Gogh’s work underwent a profound transformation, marked by a vibrant explosion of colour and emotion. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see some of Van Gogh’s most iconic works, including "Starry Night over the Rhone", "Sunflowers", and "The Yellow House". This exhibition is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the emotional depth and intensity of Van Gogh's later years.
2. Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter, and The Blue Rider
Until 20 October 2024
Tate Modern, London
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The Tate Modern’s exhibition, "Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter, and The Blue Rider," delves into the revolutionary work of a group of artists who sought to transform modern art in the early 20th century. Led by Wassily Kandinsky and Gabriele Münter, the Blue Rider movement was known for its bold use of colour, form, and abstraction. The exhibition highlights the collaborative and experimental nature of the group, showcasing works that range from Kandinsky’s vibrant compositions to Münter’s emotive portraits. This exhibition is a powerful exploration of how these artists pushed the boundaries of artistic expression, making it a must-see for fans of early modernism.
3. Monet & London: Views of the Thames
27 September 2024 - 19 January 2025
Courtald Gallery, London
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Claude Monet’s relationship with London is the focus of this stunning exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery. "Monet & London: Views of the Thames" brings together 21 of Monet’s paintings, created during his visits to London between 1899 and 1901. The exhibition captures Monet’s fascination with the city’s atmospheric effects, particularly the interplay of light and fog over the Thames. Iconic works such as Charing Cross Bridge and Waterloo Bridge are presented alongside rarely seen pieces, offering a comprehensive look at how London’s unique environment influenced Monet’s approach to landscape painting. This exhibition is not just a visual delight but also a testament to Monet’s innovative vision.
4. Turner Prize 40th Anniversary
25 September 2024 - 16 February 2025
Tate Britain, London
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The Turner Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in contemporary art, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024 with a retrospective exhibition at Tate Britain. This year’s prize, which is awarded on the 3rd December 2024, will highlight the works of the four shortlisted artists, offering visitors a chance to engage with cutting-edge contemporary art that challenges societal norms and expectations. The exhibition is expected to showcase a range of media, from painting and sculpture to video and performance art, reflecting the diversity and innovation that the Turner Prize has come to represent over the past four decades. For those interested in the future of art, this exhibition is indispensable.
5. Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk
Until 5 January 2025
V&A, Dundee
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The V&A Dundee presents "Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk," an exhibition that traces the evolution of the kimono from a traditional Japanese garment to a global fashion icon. The exhibition explores the kimono's cultural significance and its influence on fashion across the world, showcasing a wide range of kimonos, from historical examples to modern interpretations by contemporary designers. Visitors will see how the kimono has been reimagined by designers such as Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, as well as its impact on street style and popular culture. This exhibition is a fascinating look at the enduring appeal and versatility of one of the world’s most iconic garments.
6. Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection
Until 5 January 2025
V&A, London
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"Fragile Beauty" at the V&A in London offers a rare glimpse into one of the most important private photography collections in the world, owned by Sir Elton John and David Furnish. The exhibition features over 300 photographs, spanning from the 1950s to the present day, and includes works by legendary photographers such as Cindy Sherman, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Tyler Mitchell. The collection reflects the couple’s deep appreciation for the art of photography, with images that explore themes of identity, beauty, and the human condition. This exhibition is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts and anyone interested in the power of visual storytelling.
7. David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
10 December 2024 - 25 January 2025
The North Warehouse, Manchester
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David Hockney, one of Britain’s most beloved artists, returns with a new immersive exhibition in Manchester. "Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)" takes visitors on a journey through Hockney’s creative process, using large-scale projections and digital technology to explore his iconic works in new ways. This exhibition is not just a retrospective of Hockney’s career but also a celebration of his ongoing experimentation with new media and techniques. For fans of Hockney’s work, this exhibition offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience his art in an innovative and engaging format.
8. Discovering Degas: Collecting in the Age of William Burrell
Until 30 September 2024
The Burrell Collection, Glasgow
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The Burrell Collection in Glasgow is hosting "Discovering Degas: Collecting in the Age of William Burrell," an exhibition that delves into the life and work of Edgar Degas, one of the founders of Impressionism. The exhibition focuses on Burrell’s passion for collecting Degas’s work, particularly his fascination with Degas’s studies of dancers and horses. The exhibition features a selection of Degas’s drawings, pastels, and sculptures, offering insights into his artistic process and the themes that preoccupied him throughout his career. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to see some of Degas’s most intimate and personal works in a setting that emphasises the connection between the artist and his collector.
9. Francis Bacon: Human Presence
10 October 2024 - 19 January 2025
National Portrait Gallery, London
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"Francis Bacon: Human Presence" at the National Portrait Gallery is a powerful exploration of one of the 20th century’s most influential and enigmatic artists. This exhibition focuses on Bacon’s portrayal of the human figure, highlighting his ability to capture the raw emotion and psychological intensity of his subjects. The exhibition includes some of Bacon’s most famous works, alongside lesser-known pieces that reveal the depth and complexity of his approach to portraiture. For those interested in the darker aspects of human nature, this exhibition provides a compelling and thought-provoking experience.
10. Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking
Until 3 November 2024
Dulwich Picture Gallery, London
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The Dulwich Picture Gallery’s exhibition "Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking" celebrates the legacy of the Yoshida family, who have been at the forefront of Japanese printmaking for over a century. The exhibition showcases the work of three generations of the Yoshida family, from the traditional landscapes of Hiroshi Yoshida to the innovative and experimental prints of Toshi and Hodaka Yoshida. The exhibition highlights the family’s contribution to the development of modern printmaking in Japan and their influence on the global art scene. This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese art and the evolution of printmaking.
Autumn 2024 is shaping up to be an extraordinary season for art lovers in the UK. With exhibitions that span centuries and continents, from Van Gogh’s vibrant landscapes to the cutting-edge contemporary works of the Turner Prize, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Wherever you are in the country, these exhibitions offer a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and complexity of the world’s greatest art. Make sure to save the dates in your diaries and experience these must-see exhibitions before they close.
Can’t make it to any exhibitions? Explore our online art collections here and build your own gallery at home.