London is awash with some fabulous inspiring exhibitions this year. It could be design, it could be the beauty of an unseen painting… it could be photography. Never underestimate the impact power of art has on our mind and well being.

I thought with so much going on this summer I would share my 7 Exhibitions to see this year in London, with a few extras. The list ranges from historical and contemporary exhibitions in public museums to historical homes.

My Top Exhibitions

  • Hilma af Klimt & Piet Mondrian at Tate Modern until 3 September. I was totally surprised by how little I knew, and how much I was drawn into her paintings. The similarity between the two artists considering they never met is extraordinary.
  • Berthe Morisot at Dulwich Picture Gallery until 10 September. What an exquisite and beautiful painter she was. I’d no idea. The exhibition is small and utterly gorgeous. This is the first time her work has been shown in the uk in a major exhibition. A formidable female impressionist and once you’ve seen her work, you definitely wont forget it.
  • After Impressionism at National Gallery until 13 August. There are many unseen works from private collections here. Some 32% to be exact, that haven’t been seen in the open market for quite some time. There may be artists you do not know, or if you do, you may not have ever seen the painting. It’s a gem of an exhibition, I’ve already been back once!
  • Civilization at The Saatchi Gallery until 17 September. Featuring over 150 photographers from every continent and over 350 original works through 8 rooms. It’s definitely one not to miss if photography is your thing.
  • The National Portrait Gallery has re-opened and I could not be more excited. I think they’ve done a great job with a new entrance and the new restaurants, the space feels bigger and more exciting. They opened with the Yvoned | Life and Colour and the Paul McCartney photography exhibition Eyes of the Storm 1963-4.
  • The Offbeat Sari at Design Museum until 17 September. How the traditional sari has evolved is quite something, and the Design Museum has gone all out to get the finest selection on display, including this breathtaking sari worn at the Met Gala.
  • DIVA at V&A until March 2024. This opened whilst I was away, and I’m going this week. Reports back are that it is incredible. Good news ahead of the Chanel exhibition which opens in September.
  • Summer Exhibition at Royal Academy closes 20 August. I think one of my favourites over the last few years. Catch it before it closes and let me know what you think.

Houses with a difference

  • Cosmic House | Sign up immediately for their email ticket release. This was the private home of architect Charles Jenks and has recently been converted to a museum. Entry is free, but only by booking ticket. When tickets are released they go very quickly. From malachite floors to art deco rooms and a true cosmic staircase, this is architecturally a stunning home and a real little secret gem in London’s Holland Park.
  • Chiswick House open now for the summer. If you haven’t ever thought to go inside, let me change your mind. Built by Richard Boyle the 3rd Earl Burlington with the help of William Kent. This stunning neo-palladian building was built to house and show off The Earl’s art collection, it was never built as a home. Chiswick House isn’t big, but boy is it stunning. You entry ticket also gives access to the Kitchen Gardens which are as captivating as the house.

Immersive Art

  • Frameless is an immersive art installation, that I personally think is better than most in London. You can read my Frameless blog post before you visit here.
  • Serpentine Gallery has Web(s) of Life by Tomás Saraceno until 10 September. The Serpentine Pavilion is the annual immersive cafe, this year designed by Lina Gohtmeh – open until 29 October.

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