What's On in London

01

See The Queen and her Corgis at The Wallace Collection: Celebrate the life of Elizabeth II and her love for her four-legged companions. Until June 25th. 

This endearing exhibition showcases the late Queen's long association with this iconic breed. Carefully selected photographs capture the Queen and her companions in each decade of her life. It coincides with the Collection's major exhibition, "Portraits of Dogs from Gainsborough to Hockney," showcasing devotion to four-legged friends through art across the centuries. 

Image courtesy of: The Wallace Collection

02

Visit Alice Neel: Hot Off The Griddle at the Barbican: Lose yourself in the vivid portraits of this talented American artist. Until May 21st. 

Explore the UK's largest ever exhibition of American artist Alice Neel (1900-1984) featuring over 70 portraits celebrating marginalised people: including Greenwich Village eccentrics, civil rights activists, and queer performers. Neel's figurative paintings were unfashionable during her time, but her work has garnered a cult following among younger artists. Organised with the Centre Pompidou, Paris.

Image credit: © The Estate of Alice Neel

03

Marvel at stunning horticultural displays at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and rehome a plant or two. From May 23rd to 27th.

Enjoy the floral equivalent to London Fashion Week at the nation’s most famous flower show, attracting more than 150,000 visitors each year - including the Royal Family. Combining designers, florists, and nurseries, visitors can admire stunning gardens, discover rare plants, and marvel at stunning floral art. Be inspired by emerging trends, and purchase a range of horticultural products to take home. 

Video credit: RHS Chelsea Flower Show YouTube

04

Head to Saatchi Gallery for Beyond The Streets London: a unique curation of graffiti and street art by historian Roger Gastman. Until May 9th.  

Supported by adidas Originals, this powerful exhibition features over 100 international artists. Curated by Roger Gastman, the exhibition showcases works ranging from defiant train writers to bold large-scale muralists, exploring humanity’s need for public self-expression. It follows exceptional moments in the movement's history, including the emergence of punk, the birth of hip-hop, and the influence of street culture in fashion and film. 

Image courtesy of: Saatchi Gallery

05

Discover Ai Wei Wei: Making Sense at the Design Museum: mixing recent works and commissioned pieces. Until July 30th. 

Artist and activist Ai Weiwei explores the tension between past and present, hand and machine, precious and worthless, construction and destruction. The exhibition features some of his most significant works, alongside previously unseen collections of objects and new commissions, all placing traditional Chinese craftsmanship in dialogue with the history of demolition and urban development in China. 

Image courtesy of: the Design Museum

06

Journey to the heart of an epic science fiction story at the Science Museum’s Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination. Until May 4th.

Take a journey through the cosmos, guided by an alien AI. Ride a spaceship, scout an unknown planet, and unravel the mysteries of the universe using the latest scientific advancements. With exhibits from iconic sci-fi movies, TV shows, and books, prepare for an unforgettable adventure inspiring a deeper appreciation of the role of scientific imagination in shaping the future. 

Video credit: © Science Museum Group

08

Witness transition through art with celebrated Scottish painter Peter Doig at the Courtauld Gallery. Until May 29th. 

Step into the world of celebrated artist Peter Doig, one of the most celebrated and important painters working today. Showcasing exciting new works, including pieces created since the artist's move from Trinidad to London in 2021, witness his creative transition through paintings capturing a rich variety of places, people, memories and techniques. 

Image credit: Peter Doig 

09

Get up close and personal with a true giant: meet the Titanosaur at the Natural History Museum. Until 7th January 2024.

Prepare to be humbled as you come face-to-face with the colossal titanosaur, Patagotitan mayorum, one of the largest known creatures ever to roam the Earth. For the first time in Europe, explore the life-cycle of this gargantuan creature from birth to adulthood, including a ferocious predator attack which left a bite-mark on its tail. 

Image credit: Trustees of the Natural History Museum London

07

Dive into six decades of genius at David Hockney’s Bigger & Closer (not smaller and further away) at Lightroom, King’s Cross. Until June 4th.

Immerse yourself in 60 years of awe-inspiring art. Using a revolutionary sound system and large-scale projection, the exhibition takes you on a journey through Hockney's life-long fascination with new media. From his polaroid collages, to his breathtaking iPad paintings, see Hockney's innovative works like never before. With a specially composed score and Hockney's own commentary, dive into the world of a true artistic genius. 

Video credit: ©David Hockney

10

Catch a masterpiece of modern theatre, with ‘A Little Life’ at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Until June 18th.

Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Hanya Yanagihara, this stage adaptation follows four friends as they navigate life's challenges, from love and loss to trauma and healing. Powerful performances from a star cast bring to life this heart-wrenching tale of love, friendship and sacrifice. Certain to stay with you long after the curtain falls. 

Image credit: Harold Pinter Theatre