Art and Photography Exhibitions to See in London Right Now

A Golden Moment for Visual Art in London

Whether you're drawn to bold self-portraits, immersive installations or documentary photography that tells the story of cities, London's galleries are putting on a spectacular show this summer. From South Bank powerhouses to leafy South London gems, here are the art and photography exhibitions you simply cannot miss right now.

Frida Kahlo Takes Over Tate Modern

The headline act of the season is undoubtedly Frida: The Making of an Icon at Tate Modern. Running until 3 January 2027, this is the first major UK retrospective of Frida Kahlo in over twenty years. The exhibition brings together more than 130 works, including paintings, drawings, photographs, personal clothing and jewellery, alongside pieces by artists she influenced.

This isn't a simple chronological survey—the curators explore how Kahlo became one of the most recognisable figures in modern art, examining her politics, her image, and how her legacy has been reappropriated by social movements and contemporary artists. Tickets start from £25, and given the extraordinary demand, booking well in advance is essential.

While you're at Tate Modern, don't miss the Ana Mendieta survey, also running through to January 2027. This is the first major UK exhibition devoted to the Cuban-American artist in more than a decade, featuring over 120 films, photographs, drawings and reconstructed installations that explore her groundbreaking earth-body sculptures.

Pan-African Art at the Barbican

Over at the Barbican, Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica runs until 6 September 2026 and is one of the most ambitious exhibitions the centre has ever mounted. Bringing together more than 300 works—from paintings and installations to posters, journals and film—this is the first major exhibition to explore both the influence of Pan-Africanism on visual culture and the critical role artists have played in shaping Pan-African visions.

Highlights include Lynette Yiadom-Boakye's new paintings, David Hammons's iconic African-American Flag, and Chris Ofili's Union Black. The exhibition spans Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, North America and Western Europe, and is accompanied by more than thirty events across cinema, music, performance and talks.

American Photography at Dulwich Picture Gallery

For photography lovers, Portrait of a City: A Century of American Photography at Dulwich Picture Gallery is essential viewing. Running from 28 July to 4 October 2026, this exhibition features over 100 photographs by 38 of the most influential American photographers of the twentieth century.

From Alfred Stieglitz and Lewis Hine's early urban views to Diane Arbus's intimate portraits and Bruce Davidson's vivid Subway series, this show traces how photography evolved alongside the modern American city. Many of the photographers weren't American-born—as curator Alexander Moore notes, they were "people analysing the US as outsiders," making this a fascinating exploration of the immigrant experience and the melting pot of influences that shaped American visual culture. Tickets are £14.50 online.

Last Chance: Shows Closing Soon

If you haven't yet caught David Hockney at the Serpentine North Gallery, time is running out—the show closes on 23 August. One of the most influential artists of our time, Hockney has created new paintings specifically for this presentation, and the exhibition brings his celebrated ninety-metre-long frieze A Year in Normandy to London for the first time.

At Tate Modern, Tracey Emin: A Second Life closes on 31 August. Spanning 40 years of bold, intimate contemporary art, this retrospective is a must for fans of one of Britain's most provocative artists.

Exploring London's Art Scene with a Local Guide

London's gallery scene can be overwhelming—from free collections to ticketed blockbusters, from South Bank to Shoreditch. Exploring with a local guide who knows the backstreet galleries, the best times to visit major institutions, and the stories behind the art can transform your experience from a tick-box exercise into something truly memorable.

Planning Your Gallery Visits

Practical tips:

• Book Tate Modern exhibitions online in advance—the Frida Kahlo show is particularly busy
• Dulwich Picture Gallery is a short train ride from Victoria or London Bridge to West Dulwich station
• The Barbican can be tricky to navigate; arrive early and pick up a map
• Weekday mornings tend to be quieter at most venues
• Many galleries offer late openings—check individual websites for details

Whether you have an afternoon or a week, London's current art and photography exhibitions offer something extraordinary at every turn. Happy gallery-hopping!