All Summer Long in London
THE EXHIBITIONS, PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS DEFINING THE SEASON
London in summer is less about one headline event and more about a steady rhythm of culture — museum blockbusters, outdoor performances, and a city-wide atmosphere that unfolds over the season. COMO The Halkin and COMO Metropolitan London are located at the heart of the action, within easy reach of the best that London has to offer. From landmark exhibitions to the Wimbledon tennis championships and the annual Serpentine Pavilion unveiling, these are the dates and destinations to have in your diary.
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
The V&A’s latest blockbuster explores the radical vision of Elsa Schiaparelli, one of the 20th century’s most inventive designers of the 20th century. Bringing together over 400 garments, accessories, and artworks, it traces her collaborations with Surrealist figures including Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau. Until 8th November
Image credit: V&A
Zurbarán
The National Gallery is hosting the first major UK retrospective of Francisco de Zurbarán. The Spanish Baroque master is known for his dramatic use of light and spiritual imagery. The exhibition explores his influence on the 17th-century Spanish Golden Age and his lasting legacy in European painting. Until 23rd August
Image credit: The National Gallery
Summer Exhibition 2026
The Royal Academy’s annual open-submission show returns with its signature salon-style hang. It’s one of London’s most established calendar events; held every year since 1769. Thousands of works — painting, sculpture, photography, film and architecture — are displayed side by side, mixing established names with emerging artists. From 16th June to 23rd August
Image credit: The Royal Academy of Arts
Inter Alia
Currently showing at Wyndham’s Theatre, Suzie Miller’s sharply observed drama examines power, relationships and the legal system. Rosamund Pike’s portrayal of a Crown Court judge balancing professional and personal pressures has earned her the 2026 Olivier Award for Best Actress. Until 20th June
Image credit: Inter Alia Production shot photos by Manuel Harlan
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s beloved comedy of love, magic, and mischief will be staged outdoors at both the Globe Theatre (until 29th August) and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (20th June to 18th July). Outdoor theatre is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience theatre in London during the summer months, with productions making full use of the setting.
Image credit: Production photos by Helen Murray
Treasure House Fair
The Treasure House Fair takes place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, bringing together leading international dealers in fine art, antiques, jewellery, and design. Exhibitors include major galleries such as Dickinson, Colnaghi, and Wartski, alongside specialists in everything from Old Masters to contemporary works and rare objets d’art. From 24th to 30th June
Image credit: The Treasure House Fair
Grace Pervades
Ralph Fiennes and Miranda Raison take to the stage at Royal Theatre Haymarket to perform in Grace Pervades, a new play by David Hare. It explores the on- and off-stage relationship between the great Victorian stage actors Henry Irving and Ellen Terry, and the legacy their partnership left on British theatre. Until 11th July
Image credit: Theatre Royal Haymarket
Fairy Tales
A family-friendly exhibition at the British Library tracing the global history of fairy tales from oral storytelling to modern retellings. Manuscripts, rare books and illustrations chart how stories like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood have evolved across cultures. Immersive elements make it a strong rainy-day option for children. Until 23rd August
Image credit: British Library Board
Serpentine Galleries
Until 23rd August, Serpentine North is hosting a major exhibition of recent work by David Hockney, featuring immersive, large-scale pieces exploring landscape and digital experimentation. Across the road, the 2026 iteration of the annual Serpentine Pavilion is open from 6th June to 25th October, designed by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo of Atelier Lanza.
Image credit: George Darell
Tracey Emin: A Second Life
This expansive retrospective at the Tate Modern charts Emin’s career from the 1990s to today, spanning painting, neon, textiles and installation. Alongside well-known works — including her iconic 1998 My Bed — the exhibition foregrounds new pieces made following her recent illness, with themes of love, loss and resilience running throughout. Until 31st August
image credit: Tracey Emin
For more information, or for assistance booking tickets, please contact the concierge at COMO The Halkin or COMO Metropolitan London.
