Our roundup of the best exhibitions to visit in London this May and beyond. From historical fashion exhibitions to immersive metaverse experiences, there is creative inspiration for all tastes.
Sarah Sze at Peckham Rye station
Where? Peckham Rye Station, Station Way, London SE15 4RX
When? On from 19th May - 16th September
Cost? FREE
About - In collaboration with with Artangel, New York-based artist Sarah Sze is transforming a large Victorian waiting room at Peckham Rye Station that has been empty for almost 50 years. She creates a mesmerising model of a fragile world, via a multitude of flickering videos will illuminate the structure, conveying the velocity and volatility of living in the age of the smartphone.
*Images: Artangel*
Crown to Couture, The Fashion Show of the Centuries
Where? Pigott Galleries, Kensington Palace
When? On Until 29th October 2023
Cost? Ticketed exhibition £25.40
About - The Crown to Couture exhibition features over 200 items from ball gowns to court suits, drawing fascinating parallels between today’s red carpet and the Georgian Royal Court in the 18th century. The curators focused on designers whose work has directly referenced 18th-century dress, including Erdem, Simone Rocha, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier and Richard Quinn.
*Images: Kensington Palace*
Where? Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane, London E1 6RU
When? On Until July 2023
Cost? Ticketed exhibition £25.40
About - This immersive experience gives a futuristic approach to absorbing art, paying homage to Salvador Dali’s forward-thinking approach. The artworks are bought to life with 360-degree digital treatment, using virtual reality, music and floor-to-ceiling projections.
*Images: BDA London*
Saatchi Gallery's RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden
Where? Royal Hospital Chelsea
When? Open between 22nd May – 27th May
Cost? RHS Chelsea Garden Show ticket required
About - In collaboration with David Green Gardens, the Saatchi Gallery presents an immersive garden installation featuring works by British multimedia artist Catriona Robertson. Created with re-claimed urban materials and plant life, the garden is designed to convey the importance of ecological growth without the interruption of human activity.
*Images: Saatchi Gallery*
Vivienne Westwood Corsets: 1987 to Present Day
Where? Vivienne Westwood Boutique, 44 Conduit Street, W1S 2YL
When? Open between 8 May 2023 - 13 May 2023, 10:00 - 18:00
Cost? FREE
About - This exhibition explores the house’s subversion of corsetry from 1987 to the present day, examining Vivienne Westwood's approach to underwear as outerwear. The exhibition illustrates the intrinsic links of the corset to historical dress, culture and fine art — which continue to serve as a constant source of inspiration for collections today.
*Images: Vivienne Westwood*
Isaac Julien: What Is Freedom To Me
Where? Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
When? Open until 20 August 2023
Cost? Ticketed Exhibition £17pp
About - The UK’s first-ever survey exhibition celebrating the influential work of British artist and filmmaker Sir Isaac Julien. Julien is internationally acclaimed for his compelling lyrical films and video art installations and this solo show will chart the development of his work from the 1980s through to the present day, documenting a career that is fiercely experimental and politically charged.
*Images: Tate Britain*
HALLYU: The Korean Wave
Where? V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL
When? Open until 25th June 2023
Cost? Ticketed Exhibition £20pp
About - Hallyu! The Korean Wave showcases the colourful and dynamic popular culture of South Korea, exploring the makings of the Korean Wave and its global impact on the creative industries of cinema, drama, music, fandom, beauty and fashion.
*Images: V&A*
