This season, London’s art scene is thriving, with new and exciting free exhibitions that will lift you out of your winter slump. This winter, Londoners will be treated to Renaissance masterpieces, South American modernism, intricate portraiture, Roman legends, and everything in between. 10 Must-See Free Art Exhibitions in London include new exhibitions at Tate, the National Gallery, Gagosian, and other venues. This season brings the best. Don’t let the cold keep you indoors—explore the galleries and see the art that is gaining popularity throughout London.
Parmigianino at the National Gallery
Dec 5-Mar 9 2025
The National Gallery’s small, free exhibitions, each carefully focused on just one or two paintings, have quietly earned a reputation as some of the city’s most remarkable art showcases. Up next is a special spotlight on ‘The Vision of Saint Jerome’, a captivating masterpiece by 16th-century Italian artist Parmigianino. This exquisite work is set to return to public view for the first time in ten years, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience its beauty up close.
For more, visit here.
Takashi Murakami at Gagosian
Dec 10-Mar 8 2025
Takashi Murakami, known for his brash, bold, and vibrant style, is widely regarded as the king of Japanese pop art. However, his latest exhibition takes a more sophisticated turn, diving into Japanese art history through his unique lens. Murakami blends traditional influences with modern elements like anime, AI imagery, and otaku-inspired graphics. It’s a more polished approach, but it certainly doesn’t hold back on creativity or impact.
For more, visit here.
Bloomberg New Contemporaries at ICA
15-Mar 23 2025
The annual showcase of the UK’s top art graduates is back, now in a fresh new venue. New Contemporaries offers a glimpse into the latest talent emerging from art schools, giving visitors the chance to discover future stars and get a feel for the current landscape of young UK art.
For more, visit here.
‘Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism’ at the Royal Academy
Jan 28-Apr 21 2025
Brazilian modernism has been making waves in the art world lately. Earlier this year, Raven Row impressed with its standout exhibition ‘Some May Work As Symbols,’ while the Whitechapel Art Gallery’s Lygia Clark show fell a bit short. Now, it’s the RA’s turn to dive in, promising a thorough exploration of the origins and development of this vibrant and dynamic chapter of modern.
For more, visit here.
Jonathan Baldock: ‘0.1%’ at Bloomberg SPACE
Jan 30-July 2025
Jonathan Baldock’s latest installation will bring mythological, folkloric, and pagan-inspired sculptures to life in the ancient Roman Temple of Mithras. Using natural materials like hessian and clay, the work offers a deeply personal exploration of the artist’s family history as hop-gatherers, weaving in themes of divinity and ritual drawn from shamanistic traditions.
For more, visit here.
Noah Davis at Barbican
Feb 6-May 11 2025
Noah Davis’s paintings blend pure realism with a touch of hazy fantasy, offering a dreamlike portrayal of Black life in contemporary America. Though he passed away in 2015, Davis left behind a lasting impact as one of the foremost young figurative painters in the US, with a powerful and often stunning legacy.
For more, visit here.
Donald Rodney at Whitechapel Gallery
Feb 12-May 4 2025
In his brief yet impactful career (1961-1998), Donald Rodney produced a remarkably diverse range of work, using various mediums to challenge the deep-seated prejudices within British society. His pieces address themes of racial identity, chronic illness, and colonial history, offering a compelling insight into the issues that shaped 1990s Britain—issues that continue to resonate today.
For more, visit here.
Leigh Bowery! At Tate Modern
Feb 27-Aug 31 2025
Exhibition titles with exclamation marks are rare, but then again, not many shows focus on the multi-talented Leigh Bowery—artist, performer, model, TV personality, club promoter, fashion designer, and musician. Sorry, Leigh Bowery! Blending performance, club culture, and fashion design, Bowery’s ‘Looks’ had a huge influence on today’s artists and pop stars. His bold, avant-garde fashion was subversive and thrilling, the kind of style that might make you feel out of place at Costa.
For more, visit here.
Edvard Munch Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery
Mar 13-Jun 15 2025
Edvard Munch Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery: When he wasn’t capturing the essence of existential dread, Norway’s most famous artist was focused on painting those closest to him. This first UK exhibition dedicated to his portraits will feature images of family, friends, lovers, writers, artists, patrons, and collectors—along with, perhaps, some of those trademark anguished expressions of life’s pain if we’re fortunate.
For more, visit here.
‘At Home: Alice Neel in the Queer Worldat Victoria Miro
Jan 30-Mar 8 2025
Alice Neel was one of the most significant observers of modern life, capturing the people around her with both tenderness and brutal honesty. This exhibition, following up 2022’s outstanding ‘There’s Still Another I See,’ focuses on her portraits of figures from queer communities—politicians, philanthropists, writers, performers, artists, friends, and neighbours. It offers a powerful exploration of life on the margins and what it’s like to live with unapologetic individuality, and piercings in all the unspoken places.
For more, visit here.
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