If you love art exhibitions, be sure to get yourself to the capital this summer for the chance to soak up some of the world’s most unique creations. It’s set to be a busy few months, so here are the exhibitions to pop on your itinerary for 2024.
Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection
Head to the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington from now until 5 January 2025 for a rare glimpse into the private photography collection of Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish. In partnership with Gucci, this exhibition promises to be one of the most talked about of the summer, offering a selection of 300 prints by 140 of the world’s leading modern and contemporary photographers. This includes Robert Mapplethorpe, Cindy Sherman, William Eggleston, Diane Arbus, Sally Mann, Zanele Muholi, Ai Weiwei and Carrie Mae Weems – as well as plenty more.
The exhibition explores everything from fashion and celebrity to the male body. Take it in before heading to Little India for lunch or dinner. Our Indian restaurant in South Kensington is just a stone’s throw from the V&A Museum, and a perfect place to enjoy some authentic Indian cuisine.
Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920
Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920 kicked off at the Tate Britain on 16 May and will be open to visitors until 13 October 2024. The exhibit documents the battle women faced to be seen as respected artists, breaking barriers and defying societal norms of the time. Enjoy over 200 works of art from big names including Artemisia Gentileschi, Angelica Kauffman, Julia Margaret Cameron and Gwen John. The exhibition begins in the time of the Tudor court and goes right through to the Victorian period, ending in the early 20th century with women’s suffrage and the First World War. It’s a fascinating journey through time, so don’t miss out.
Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII’s Queens
Make your way to the National Portrait Gallery between 20 June and 8 September 2024 for a phenomenal unravelling of Henry VIII’s marital life. Learn more about his six wives in this first exhibition of historical portraiture since the NPG reopened, and imagine walking in the footsteps of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Katherine Parr. Works include drawings, paintings, costume and film, as well as contemporary photography by Hiroshi Sugimoto. The Tudor era is truly fascinating and this is your chance to see it from a completely different angle. This time, King Henry VIII is not centre stage.
If you’re looking for an Indian restaurant near South Kensington after a day of summer art exhibitions, don’t miss Little India. Our establishment is a stone’s throw from some of this year’s best art displays and serves up deliciously authentic dishes. Book a table at our Indian restaurant in South Kensington London or get a takeaway – the choice is yours.
