Autumn art exhibitions in London: October 2024 and November 2024

As the summer fades in London, one consolation is that the London art scene is just warming up. The autumn months of September, October and November mark a busy time in the art world in London, from iconic art fairs to blockbuster exhibition openings. This is a guide to the best art exhibitions in London in September, October and November 2024.

Frieze Art Fair descends on London from the 9-13 of October, bringing with it a flurry of gallery shows and rival art fairs.

Blockbuster art exhibitions open in London, such as the celebratory van Gogh show at the National Gallery.

Be sure to visit the last days of London’s summer art exhibitions, and then plan ahead for your autumn calendar. Start pencilling in your art dates — here are the best current exhibitions in London.

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Free art exhibitions in London Autumn 2024

How to find free art exhibitions in London

There are dozens of galleries in London that offer museum-quality free exhibitions, but with so much going on it can be hard to figure out what to see.

I like to use ArtRabbit, a platform that tracks exhibitions in London as well as events and fairs. You can search for current and upcoming exhibitions here and it’s a good way to see what’s coming up. Not everything is listed here, or sometimes not until right before, so I also recommend following London’s commercial galleries on social media to keep abreast of the upcoming exhibitions.

October is an especially exciting time for galleries as they participate in Frieze week, or stage important shows alongside it.

Here is a selection of free art shows on in London in Autumn 2024:

Alvaro Barrington

Tate Britain Commission | 29 May 2024 – 10 November

Barrington has been commissioned for the Tate Britain’s annual installation in the central hall. Not many details have been released about his work yet, but he works from a multicultural perspective between the Carribean and New York, and has investigated links between London modernists and the Harlem Renaissance. He is primarily a painter, so it will be interesting to see what he does to fill the space.

Tracey Emin

White Cube Bermondsey, 19 September - 10 November

Tracey Emin returns to White Cube Bermondsey with I followed you to the end, an exhibition of new works that deeply explore themes of love, loss, mortality, and rebirth. Have a wander round Bermondsey, one of my favourite areas, on your visit.

Frieze Sculpture

Regent’s Park, 18 September–27 October

The free sculpture exhibition is held in Regent’s Park alongside Frieze Art Fair. This is one of my favourite autumn days out in London each year. Here’s my walk through Frieze Sculpture in 2024.

Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award

National Portrait Gallery, July 11 to October 27

Under a new sponsor but retaining its prestigious legacy, the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award continues to celebrate excellence in contemporary portrait painting. Open to artists aged eighteen and over, this competition has been a cornerstone of the art world for over four decades, highlighting innovative and compelling works from emerging and established artists alike.

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Current art exhibitions in London October 2024 and November 2024

Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers

National Gallery, 14 September - 19 January

This extraordinary exhibition showcases some of Van Gogh's most spectacular paintings, bringing together beloved works from around the globe, many rarely seen in public. This is definitely the highlight of the autumn exhibition season in London.

The exhibition highlights a transformative period in Van Gogh's career during his time in Arles and Saint-Rémy, where he revolutionized his style. Influenced by poets, writers, and artists, he created a symphony of poetic color and texture. The collection includes scenes of starry nights, swirling clouds, and serene gardens, capturing Van Gogh's poetic imagination and romantic vision.

In the Eye of the Storm: Modernism in Ukraine, 1900-1930s

Royal Academy, 29 June - 13 October

Experience the groundbreaking modernist art of Ukraine from 1900 to the 1930s. Amidst collapsing empires and the rise of Soviet Ukraine, this era saw bold artistic experimentation and cultural blossoming.

Discover 65 works, from oil paintings to theatre design, showcasing Ukraine's diverse artistic styles and cultural identities. Featuring artists like Kazymyr Malevych and Sonia Delaunay, this exhibition offers a unique insight into a period of unparalleled creativity amidst historic upheaval.

Grayson Perry: The Vanity of Small Differences

Pitzhanger Manor, July 10 to December 8 2024

Grayson Perry’s series of tapestries, the Vanity of Small Differences, is on display in the bright gallery space at Pitzhanger. The series was inspired by Hogarth’s Rake’s Progress, which was owned by John Soane (the original owner of the manor). Perry’s tapestries follow the journey of British social class that his protagonist, Tim Rakewell, takes over his lifetime. Full of Perry’s characteristic wit and colour, there is so much to explore within the tapestries and their craftsmanship is exquisite. The Hogarth series is on display at the manor to accompany the exhibition.

Here’s a peek inside:

Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920

Tate Britain, May 16 to October 13

Across 400 years, this exhibition traces the journey of women striving to establish themselves as professional artists. From the Tudor era to World War I, figures like Mary Beale, Angelica Kauffman, Elizabeth Butler, and Laura Knight forged new paths, challenging societal norms and pursuing commercial careers in art. With over 150 artworks, the exhibition challenges stereotypes, revealing how these trailblazing artists defied expectations and tackled traditionally male subjects like history painting and the nude. By advocating for equal access to art training and academy membership, they shattered barriers and redefined the role of women in the art world.

Monet and London: Views of the Thames

Courtauld Gallery, September 27 to January 19 2025

This exhibition brings together Claude Monet's iconic depictions of the River Thames, showcasing his fascination with London's atmospheric qualities. From his early works capturing the bustling river scenes to his later, more abstract studies of light and fog, this collection highlights Monet's innovative approach to landscape painting. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see these masterpieces in one place, exploring the artist's relationship with the British capital and its river.

Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection

V&A, May 8 to January 5

This stunning showcase of over 300 photographs is from one of the most exquisite private photography collections in the world. The exhibition spans from the 1950s to today, featuring iconic images that explore themes such as fashion, celebrity, reportage, and the male body.

Highlights include works by renowned photographers like Cindy Sherman, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Tyler Mitchell. This exhibition not only celebrates the artistic achievements of these photographers but also offers a unique glimpse into the cultural and historical moments they captured. The collection reflects the passion and dedication of Sir Elton John and David Furnish, who have amassed over 7,000 images over three decades. Their commitment to acquiring the finest prints ensures that "Fragile Beauty" is a visual feast not to be missed.

Mike Kelley: Ghost and Spirit

Tate Modern, October 3 to March 9

Explore the intricate and thought-provoking worlds of experimental artist Mike Kelley. Spanning from the late 1970s to 2012, this exhibition showcases Kelley’s diverse oeuvre, including his iconic 'craft' sculptures crafted from textiles and plush toys, as well as his renowned multimedia installations like Day Is Done. Drawing inspiration from popular and underground culture, literature, and philosophy, Kelley delves into how societal roles intertwine with historical truths and fictional narratives. Even more than a decade after his death, Kelley’s reflections on identity and memory remain profoundly relevant.

Anthony McCall: Solid Light

Tate Modern, June 27 to April 27 2025

Witness as artworks come alive through movement and interaction. Beams of light penetrate a fine mist, shaping vast three-dimensional forms that evolve and morph over time. Traverse through these translucent sculptures, unveiling new perspectives and shapes with each step.

Anthony McCall's installations transcend traditional boundaries, blending sculpture, cinema, drawing, and performance. Since his groundbreaking Line Describing a Cone in 1973, McCall has redefined the possibilities of light in sculpture, captivating audiences with his innovative vision.

Haegue Yang: Leap Year

Hayward Gallery, October 9 to January 5

Explore the innovative and immersive installations of Haegue Yang in her latest exhibition "Leap Year." Known for her use of diverse materials and sensory experiences, Yang's work blurs the boundaries between sculpture and performance. This exhibition showcases her unique approach to art-making, featuring kinetic sculptures, light installations, and intricate paper collages. Dive into Yang's exploration of movement, transformation, and the passage of time.

Expressionists: Kandinksy, Munter and the Blue Rider

Tate Modern, April 25 to October 20

Explore the art of The Blue Rider, a tight-knit collective of innovative artists who reshaped modern art in the early 20th century. Led by Wassily Kandinsky and Gabriele Münter, this diverse group united in their quest to redefine artistic expression through vibrant experimentation with colour, sound, and light. Expressionists invites you to delve into the intimate friendships and individual creative journeys that defined The Blue Rider movement, from Franz Marc's exploration of colour to Alexander Sacharoff's captivating performances. With a spotlight on the pivotal role of women artists like Gabriele Münter and Marianne Werefkin, the exhibition showcases a captivating array of masterpieces spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and performance. Thanks to a collaboration with Lenbachhaus, Munich, Tate presents over 130 works from The Blue Rider collective, offering a rare opportunity to experience their groundbreaking art in the UK for the first time in over six decades.

Medieval Women

British Library, October 25 to March 2

Medieval Women explores the lives and contributions of women in medieval society through a fascinating collection of manuscripts, artifacts, and artworks. From queens and saints to writers and artists, this exhibition sheds light on the diverse roles and achievements of women during the Middle Ages. Discover the stories of influential figures such as Hildegard of Bingen and Christine de Pizan, and gain insight into the everyday lives of women from various social backgrounds.

Zanele Muholi

Tate Modern, June 6 to January 26, 2025

Zanele Muholi, a celebrated photographer, is renowned for their powerful activism through visuals. Their exhibition showcases over 260 photographs, offering a comprehensive overview of Muholi's career. Through series like "Only Half the Picture" and "Faces and Phases," Muholi documents and celebrates the lives of South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ community, challenging societal norms and advocating for equality. The exhibition, originally presented at Tate Modern in 2020-21, features new works created by Muholi since then, offering a fresh perspective on their impactful and thought-provoking artistry.

Francis Bacon: Human Presence

National Portrait Gallery, October 10 to January 19

This exhibition focuses on the powerful and often unsettling portraits by Francis Bacon, one of the most influential painters of the 20th century. Featuring a range of works that depict his close friends and lovers, the exhibition highlights Bacon's intense emotional expression and innovative use of color and form. These portraits reveal the raw and visceral nature of human existence as seen through Bacon's eyes.

Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking

Dulwich Picture Gallery, June 19 to October 20

Explore the rich heritage of Japanese printmaking with this exhibition that spans over a century of artistic innovation. This exhibition features the work of three generations of the Yoshida family, renowned for their significant contributions to the art form. Highlights include works by Yoshida Hiroshi, whose prints from the Fukuoka Art Museum in Japan are being displayed in the UK for the first time. The exhibition will culminate in a new site-specific installation of cherry blossom by Yoshida Ayomi.

Michael Craig-Martin

Royal Academy, September 21 to December 10

Renowned for his significant impact on conceptual art and his influential role as a teacher to the Young British Artists, Michael Craig-Martin is celebrated in this extensive survey. The exhibition spans his prolific career, showcasing his Pop/Minimalist style across various media including sculpture, installation, painting, drawing, and print. This is the most comprehensive retrospective of his work to date.

Turner Prize 2024

Tate Britain, September 25 to February 16, 2025

Marking its 40th anniversary, the Turner Prize 2024 continues to be a vital platform for contemporary British art. This year’s exhibition revitalizes the award with dynamic entries that reflect current artistic and cultural dialogues. With a significant prize fund, it remains one of the most influential awards in the art world, providing a critical snapshot of contemporary British art.

The Silk Roads

British Museum, September 26, 2024 to February 23, 2025

Explore the interconnected trade routes that spanned from East Asia to the Roman Empire during a 500-year period in this exhibition. Rather than focusing solely on trade, The Silk Roads examines the cultural, religious, and intellectual exchanges that flourished along these paths, shaping civilizations. Expect a detailed look at how the Silk Road influenced global development.

Hew Locke

British Museum, October 17, 2024 to February 9, 2025

This groundbreaking exhibition, co-curated by renowned artist Hew Locke, will explore the British Museum’s collection through the lens of colonial history. Displaying both well-known objects and Locke’s newly commissioned works, the show promises to spark dialogue around Britain’s imperial past and the legacies it left behind. This highly anticipated exhibition is set to offer a fresh and provocative perspective on museum collections.

Lygia Clark: The I and the You & Sonia Boyce: An Awkward Relation

Whitechapel Gallery, October 2, 2024 to January 4, 2025

This autumn, Whitechapel Gallery brings together two groundbreaking exhibitions in dialogue: Lygia Clark: The I and the You and Sonia Boyce: An Awkward Relation. Both explore key moments in these artists’ careers where they began pushing the boundaries of traditional art by involving the viewer as an active participant. Clark, a pivotal figure in Latin American art, and Boyce, a leading British artist, share a focus on the relationship between the artist, artwork, and audience, encouraging direct interaction with their pieces. The pairing of these exhibitions offers a unique opportunity to compare their participatory practices and cultural contexts, inviting audiences to engage with and reflect on both their shared and distinct approaches to contemporary art.

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