10 best art exhibitions to visit in London in September 2025

Join a multisensory journey through the magnificent oak tree’s four seasons with Of the Oak. The six-metre-high LED portal in Kew Gardens focuses on the oak tree as a key player the web of life. The first outdoor digital art commission at the Royal Botanical Gardens, make sure to see this magical installation by Marshmallow Laser Feast on your next visit. Until 28 Sep

Book your tickets now to see Of the Oak at Kew Gardens.

Discover never-before-seen royal fashion treasures in Dress Codes at Kensington Palace. Showcasing both instantly recognisable and rarely seen highlights from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, explore the codes and conventions of royal clothing as well as the modern “dress codes” we all follow today. Included with entry, marvel at pieces worn by a young Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Queen Victoria and more royal figures. Until 30 Nov

Book your tickets now for Dress Codes.

Explore the opulence and glamour of the Edwardian age by delving into the lives of two of Britain’s most fashionable royal couples at The King’s Gallery. The exhibition The Edwardians: Age of Elegance, which is included with entry, showcases more than 300 objects from the Royal Collection, including fashion, jewellery, paintings and photographs by many of the period’s most celebrated names. Until 23 Nov

Book your tickets now for The Edwardians: Age of Elegance.

Step into the glamorous world of Versace with Gianni Versace Retrospective, the UK’s largest exhibition dedicated to the legendary designer. On display at Arches London Bridge, discover more than 450 original Versace pieces including looks worn by Princess Diana, Naomi Campbell and Elton John. This transportive exhibition celebrates Versace’s dazzling journey through fashion history, complete with rare sketches, runway footage and iconic garments. Until 1 March 

Book your tickets now for Gianni Versace Retrospective.

Explore four decades of royal travel through the works of Britain’s most talented artists at Buckingham Palace. Bringing together more than 70 pieces of art from His Majesty King Charles III’s private collection, The King’s Tour Artists exhibition provides visitors with an extraordinary visual diary of royal travel. This special exhibit can be seen with a standard entry ticket to Buckingham Palace. Until 28 Sep

Book your tickets now to see The King's Tour Artists exhibition at Buckingham Palace.

Celebrate the very best in contemporary portraiture at the National Portrait Gallery’s annual portrait award. Exploring the variety of approaches to portraiture, from the classic to the contemporary, see 46 portraits chosen for final display in a free exhibition. Keep an eye out for the winner of the prestigious competition – selected from over 1,000 entries from around the world. Until 12 Oct

Celebrate 100 years of Picasso’s The Three Dancers in a bold exhibition that transforms Tate Modern into Theatre Picasso. Contemporary artist Wu Tsang and curator Enrique Fuenteblanca reimagine the painting’s legacy through a theatrical lens, showcasing more than 45 works from Tate’s Picasso collection and key European loans – including paintings, sculpture, textiles and works on paper – many on view in the UK for the very first time. 17 Sep-12 Apr

Move across Seoul, New York and London through life-sized replicas of past and present homes at Tate Modern. The must-see exhibition, Walk the House, invites visitors to wander through the passages of Suh's renowned fabric architectures. See renowned sculptures alongside rarely seen early works and recent video, drawing and rubbing projects. Until 19 Oct

Explore the impact of digital technologies on the ideas of beauty at Somerset House. Featuring over 20 international artists showcasing interactive installations and groundbreaking works, Virtual Beauty delves into the influence of artificial intelligence, social media, and virtual identities on self-image. Until 28 Sep

Celebrate Sir Grayson Perry’s 65th birthday with the artist’s new exhibition at The Wallace Collection. Showcasing over 40 new works in the largest contemporary exhibition ever held at the museum, discover standout ceramics, textiles and sculptures at Delusions of Grandeur – exploring themes from the meaning of home to the contrast between perfection and authenticity. Until 26 Oct

Discover the compelling works of renowned Australian artist Emily Kam Kngwarray at Tate Modern. Known for her powerful artworks reflecting her extraordinary life as an Anmatyerr woman born in Alhalker, Australia, visitors can explore rich textiles, paintings and audio elements that embody Kngwarray’s ancestral country and culture. Until 11 Jan

Head to Kew Gardens’ breathtaking Temperate House for Material World, a vibrant fusion of art, fashion and horticulture. This thought-provoking exhibition explores the deep-rooted connections between plants, textiles and sustainability, with striking large-scale sculptures nestled among living gardens. Discover how nature shapes the clothes we wear and the futures we imagine, in Kew’s latest cultural showcase included with entry. 20 Sep-2 Nov

Book your tickets now to see Material World at Kew Gardens.

Step into the dazzling world of fashion photography at the National Portrait Gallery with this stylish tribute to Cecil Beaton, the man dubbed “the King of Vogue.” Known for his signature blend of Edwardian glamour and modern elegance, Beaton captured the stars of Hollywood, high society and royalty in unforgettable portraits. Expect to see timeless images of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Queen Elizabeth II. 9 Oct-11 Jan

Discover the fierce rivalry and artistic brilliance of Britain’s greatest landscape painters in this landmark exhibition at Tate Britain. Marking 250 years since their births, Turner and Constable: Rivals and Originals explores how competition shaped their careers and inspired bold new visions of the natural world. With more than 170 works on display – including Turner’s dramatic The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons and Constable’s masterful The White Horse – this is a rare chance to see both artists side by side. 27 Nov-12 Apr