If your New Year's resolution involves filling your diary with unforgettable cultural experiences, look no further. The Independent's critics have curated the definitive list of the most anticipated artistic events of 2026, spanning galleries, cinemas, bookshops, and theatres across the UK and beyond.
Blockbuster Art Exhibitions & Must-Read Books
The visual arts scene promises an extraordinary year, headlined by major retrospectives and thematic blockbusters. Tracey Emin will be the subject of her largest-ever survey at Tate Modern, running from 27 February to 31 August 2026. The show, titled 'A Second Life', will chart the YBA artist's remarkable journey from controversial figure to established dame, juxtaposing early works like 'My Bed' with her recent, melancholic paintings.
Meanwhile, David Hockney brings the Normandy countryside to Kensington Gardens with a free exhibition at Serpentine North (12 March – 23 August 2026). It will feature his 90-metre-long frieze, 'A Year in Normandy'. Later in the year, Tate Britain turns its focus to The 90s (1 October 2026 – 14 February 2027), curated by Edward Enninful, exploring the era of Kate Moss and Damien Hirst.
The literary world is equally vibrant. Nobel laureate Han Kang releases 'Light and Thread' on 12 March, her first book since winning the prize. Investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe delves into a mysterious London death in 'London Falling' (7 April), and Lena Dunham offers a candid memoir, 'Famesick', on 14 April, reflecting on fame and health.
Highly Anticipated Film & Theatre Premieres
Cinema in 2026 is set to dominate conversations, beginning with Emerald Fennell's provocative take on 'Wuthering Heights', starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, released on 13 February. The year also brings a star-studded sequel to 'The Devil Wears Prada' (21 May) and Steven Spielberg's return to alien epics with 'Disclosure Day' (12 June). Christopher Nolan follows 'Oppenheimer' with a monumental adaptation of Homer's 'The Odyssey', starring a huge ensemble cast, on 17 July.
On London's stages, Cynthia Erivo will perform a staggering one-woman adaptation of 'Dracula' at the Noel Coward Theatre (4 February – 31 May), playing all 23 characters. The National Theatre's highlight is a revival of 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' (21 March – 6 June), starring Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner. In a major coup, Tilda Swinton returns to UK theatre after 30 years in 'Man to Man' at the Royal Court (5 September – 24 October).
Essential Television & Streaming Highlights
Streaming services are launching major series, with Netflix at the forefront. Lisa McGee, creator of 'Derry Girls', presents 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast' in February, following three friends on an unexpected adventure. A new 'Pride & Prejudice' adaptation, starring Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden with Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet, is also due on Netflix in 2026.
The BBC will air 'Dear England', James Graham's acclaimed play about Gareth Southgate, adapted for television with Joseph Fiennes reprising his role. ITV tackles a difficult true story with 'Believe Me', a drama about the victims of John Worboys, starring Daniel Mays and Aimée-Ffion Edwards.
With such a rich array of culture on offer, from the Royal Academy's 'Painting the French Riviera' to Douglas Stuart's new novel 'John of John', 2026 is shaping up to be a year where diaries will be essential. Start planning your cultural calendar now.
