Unmissable London art exhibitions: January and February 2025

2025 is looking more exciting than ever as London’s art institutions announce a slate of show-stopping exhibitions opening throughout the year. We’re starting strong in the New Year with many incredible art exhibitions opening in January and February 2025, from Noah Davis to Hew Locke. There’s also several major exhibitions that are carrying on into the New Year, so make sure to see them while you still have the chance.

Read on to see a round-up of free exhibitions to see in London January and February 2025, followed by the full details of paid exhibitions.

Free art exhibitions in London: January and February 2025

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.

I will update the listing for free exhibitions over the coming weeks to keep you in the loop.

Christina Kimeze

South London Gallery, 31 January – 11 May 2025

Christina Kimeze’s debut solo exhibition in London examines solitude, identity, and emotional tension. Her paintings depict female figures in natural or abstract settings, using isolated architectural elements to convey disconnection. Inspired by her memories in Uganda and writings of 20th-century Black feminist authors, Kimeze explores memory and belonging, providing an intimate glimpse into the interplay of past and present emotions.

Citra Sasmita: Into Eternal Land

The Curve, Barbican Centre, 30 January – 20 April 2025

Indonesian artist Citra Sasmita’s first UK solo exhibition will transform The Curve into a dynamic exploration of ancestral memory, migration, and ritual. Renowned for her multidisciplinary practice, including painting, sculpture, and embroidery, Sasmita employs the Kamasan technique to challenge gender norms and address colonial history in Balinese culture. This immersive installation invites viewers to explore complex cultural narratives, examining personal and collective histories.

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Winter art exhibitions in London: January and February 2025

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.

Here’s a video of my visit to the Van Gogh exhibition:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, until 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.

Leigh Bowery

Tate Modern, February 27 – August 31, 2025

This landmark exhibition celebrates the life and work of Leigh Bowery, one of the most flamboyant and influential figures in fashion, performance, and contemporary art. Known for his provocative performances and boundary-pushing designs, Bowery captivated audiences and redefined notions of identity and self-expression.

The show features an extensive collection of his costumes, photographs, and videos, alongside archival material that captures his vibrant creativity and cultural impact. From his bold club looks to his role as a muse for Lucian Freud, this exhibition illuminates Bowery's multifaceted contributions to art and performance.

Noah Davis

Barbican Art Gallery, 6 February – May 11, 2025

This compelling exhibition shines a spotlight on Noah Davis, the influential American painter and curator whose work bridges the intimate and the surreal. Known for his dreamlike figurative paintings, Davis captured the complexities of Black life with emotional depth and poetic nuance. His evocative compositions draw viewers into quietly powerful scenes that resonate on both personal and cultural levels.

The exhibition also highlights Davis’s pioneering role in founding the Underground Museum in Los Angeles, an innovative space dedicated to showcasing art in underserved communities. Featuring over 40 key works, this show is a celebration of Davis's artistic vision and enduring legacy.

Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism

Royal Academy of Arts, January 28 – April 21, 2025

This exhibition traces the rise of Brazilian modernism from the 1910s to the 1970s, showcasing how artists blended international influences with Brazil’s vibrant cultural traditions. Themes of Indigenous heritage, Afro-Brazilian identity, and everyday life take center stage in works by Tarsila do Amaral, Anita Malfatti, and Rubem Valentim, among others. Self-taught talents like Alfredo Volpi and Djanira, as well as avant-garde performer Flávio de Carvalho, further illustrate this bold artistic evolution.

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