While every new year offers a slate of fresh cultural attractions, the 2026 exhibition calendar across the United Kingdom is shaping up to be truly extraordinary. From high fashion and iconic animation to profound artistic masterpieces and literary legends, the coming year promises a rich programme designed to delight crowds and stimulate deep reflection. This guide spans the nation, from Plymouth to Dundee, with essential stops in London, ensuring your cultural diary is filled with unmissable bookings.
Artistic Icons and Cultural Pioneers
The year begins with a vibrant celebration of a uniquely British voice. Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy opens at The Box in Plymouth on 24 January 2026, running until 31 May 2026. This exhibition honours the painter's joyful and comic depictions of pub life, seaside outings, and everyday revelry, affirming her singular position in 20th-century art.
London's art scene welcomes back one of its most famous sons with a major retrospective. David Hockney will be on display at the Serpentine North Gallery from 12 March to 23 August 2026. The show will traverse decades of the artist's career, showcasing his vivid landscapes, intimate portraits, and pioneering digital works.
Two global icons will be examined in depth in the capital. Frida: The Making of an Icon at Tate Modern (25 June 2026 – 3 Jan 2027) explores how Frida Kahlo constructed her identity and enduring legacy. Meanwhile, the National Portrait Gallery presents Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait (4 June – 6 September 2026), looking beyond the starlet image to explore her relationship with fame and media.
For lovers of historical mastery, a landmark event awaits. Van Eyck: The Portraits at The National Gallery (21 November 2026 – 11 April 2027) will gather the exquisite, psychologically penetrating portraits by the Early Netherlandish pioneer, Jan van Eyck.
Fashion, Spectacle and Royal Style
The boundary-pushing world of fashion takes centre stage in several key exhibitions. The V&A South Kensington delves into the surrealist-inspired world of Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, opening on Saturday, 28 March 2026. It examines how Elsa Schiaparelli transformed couture into a daring artistic medium.
Further exploring the performative side of the industry, Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show at V&A Dundee (3 April 2026 – 17 January 2027) investigates how designers create unforgettable cultural spectacles through sound, space, and movement on the runway.
A unique perspective on modern history will be offered at Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at The King's Gallery (10 Apr 2026 – 18 Oct 2026) traces the late Monarch's life through her wardrobe, revealing clothing as a tool of diplomacy and identity.
Storytelling from Animation to Mystery
British creativity in narrative forms is well represented. Fans of beloved characters can step behind the scenes at the Young V&A in London for Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends, opening on Thursday, 12 February 2026. The immersive display celebrates the studio's stop-motion craft with original models and sets.
For literary enthusiasts, the British Library will host a deep dive into the world of suspense with Agatha Christie (30 October 2026 – 20 June 2027). The exhibition will use manuscripts and personal items to explore how the novelist crafted her enduring mysteries and iconic detectives.
Other notable exhibitions include Renoir and Love at The National Gallery (3 October 2026 – 31 January 2027), focusing on themes of intimacy, and The 90s at Tate Britain (8 October 2026 – 14 February 2027), examining the art and culture of that transformative decade.
With such a diverse and high-quality roster of exhibitions scheduled across the country, 2026 is poised to be a landmark year for culture in the UK. Early planning and ticket booking are highly recommended to secure access to these compelling showcases of art, fashion, and storytelling.
