London’s Must-See Exhibitions This Summer

Grab some cultural sunshine with these Big Smoke star attractions

The summer season is well under way, so for those of us in the UK, it’s umbrellas at the ready. While both we and the sun do our best to dodge the rain clouds, it’s the perfect time to take a look at some of the must-see London-centred exhibitions that’ll keep us spellbound – with the added convenience of a roof over our heads, of course.

Destination number one – Anselm Kiefer: Finnegans Wake at White Cube Bermondsey.

It’s amongst those ‘givens’ in life that each year one London gallery will blow our minds. In 2023, it’s the White Cube’s turn to be inducted into that elite club with a superbly surreal presentation. You’ll need to get your skates on though, as White Cube is only hosting ‘Anselm Kiefer: Finnegans Wake’ until 20th August. We can promise you that it won’t be time wasted, as this is an extraordinary offering.

It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that the nucleus around which Anselm’s exhibition spins is James Joyce’s brain-curdling novel Finnegans Wake. The entire gallery space is transformed with monumental sculpture, paintings and photography that overwhelm in their scale. As arguably one of the world’s most important living artists, this is a rare opportunity to fully immerse yourself inside the mind of a genius. Also, it’s free. We’ll repeat that – it’s free.

Next up, you can let your mind relax, as we’re heading to a brilliant permanent fixture at the Museum of Brands, The Time Tunnel.

Don’t expect anything less than brands, brands, and more brands… but with a historical vibe – household names of the past and present come thick and fast in physical form. From washing powder and board games, to toys, food and even telephones, this thoroughly immersive exhibition isn’t merely a history of marketing, it’s a lorry load of personal memories in the form of goods. Here’s a clip of the ever-entertaining Harry Hill visiting The Time Tunnel to get you in the mood.

While you’re there, the Museum is also putting on a new, but temporary display, featuring artwork from ‘en plein air’ and studio painter Steven Smith. ‘Brushstrokes to Brands’ gives heritage brands a classical revival as still-life oil paintings. Running until 25th November, ‘Brushstrokes’ also includes a one-off chance to take part in an interactive draw-along workshop on 9th August with the artist himself.

Our next offering comes as a three-part road trip for all the fashionistas amongst us. This trio of complementary exhibitions will keep you occupied for days:

Style and Society: Dressing The Georgians – The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham  Palace

Your first fashion-stop should be Buckingham Palace, where this amazing display is running right now up until 28th October. The exhibition curators and designers have gathered together a collection of luxurious clothing, sparkling jewellery, and a range of accessories from snuff boxes to swords. These are simultaneously given context via dozens of magnificent paintings, prints and drawings by artists including Gainsborough, Zoffany and Hogarth. From the glittering gowns shown off at court, right down to the practical dresses of laundry maids, this exhibition tells the story of how trade, travel and tech fuelled fashion trends all the way from milking parlours to Bluestocking salons.

Crown to Couture at Kensington Palace

Now you’re up with your Georgian trends, the ideal companion exhibition is currently running two miles down the road in Kensington Palace. It’s on until 29th October, and it’s definitely not what you’d expect. Billed as one of KP’s largest ever exhibits, this isn’t just another collection of antique clothes for couture history buffs, but a gathering of styles from the Georgian court to creations for the Met Gala. The whole point is to understand how fashion today continues to be influenced by the past – with this in mind, the exhibition focuses on the parallels between the red carpet and the Royal Court in the 18th century. The glitter and glamour fills Kensington Palace’s spectacular State Apartments, with over 200 objects telling a story of how the rules and politics of dress continue to influence, shock and create conversation.

Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto – V&A

Whether those glamorous Georgians inspired Gabrielle Chanel’s more minimalist-based look won’t be revealed until the end of the summer, as it doesn’t open until 16th September. But one thing’s for sure, if the V&A has anything to do with it, it’s going to be well worth the wait to find out, and won’t disappoint, whatever’s in the reveal.

As the very first UK exhibition to be dedicated to the work of the French couturière, the museum’s design directive was to chart the evolution of “Coco’s” unique style from the opening of her first millinery boutique in Paris in 1910, to the showing of her final collection in 1971. The intricately considered presentation will include the jewellery, accessories, cosmetics and perfumes that continue to influence the way women dress today.

For our final exhibition of interest, we’re staying at the V&A for ‘Fabulous: DIVA’. Running from right now until 7th April 2024, DIVA examines how the moniker has been used to insult, flatter and deify celebrities from Marilyn Monroe and Elton John to Mariah Carey. Flamboyant outfits and beautiful photographs are arranged by the V&A’s flock of creative curators in such a way that us mere mortals can understand how divas can interact with society to drive positive social and political change.

More than 250 objects are on display, including dresses worn by Marilyn Monroe, and Elton John’s 50th birthday costume. Feather boas are compulsory.

Do you have the creative ideas to turn the heads of museum exhibition directors towards you?

If so, mustard XP needs to talk to you about some brilliant jobs that regularly come our way. Our fabulous XP team is waiting for your call, so get your dialling finger at the ready. 0117 929 6060 is the number you’re looking for.