From multi-sensory experiences and pioneering exhibitions to world-renowned theatrical performances, Britain’s cultural offering has plenty to capture the imagination. Whether you want to see what all the fuss is about at the world’s longest-running show, or take in something brand new, here are the exhibitions and shows set to take centre stage in 2025.
An unmissable opportunity to see the monumental paintings of indigenous Australian artist Emily Kam Kngwarray. With a story as fascinating as the work itself, Kam Kngwarray didn’t start painting until her late 70s, when she began creating a piece almost every day. Her huge paintings embody her wisdom, culture and community.
Set 19 years after Harry and his friends save the wizarding world, this show sees Harry’s son embark on a new mission to stop mysterious forces.
Free to enter, explore the L.S Lowry Collection at The Lowry, with the artist’s drawings and paintings depicting life in the industrial North West of England.
When? Ongoing
Explore how the legendary jeweller and watchmaker came to be and view more than 350 pieces of jewellery at this sparkling exhibition, Cartier at the V&A, from precious gemstones to elite watches.
When? 12th April 2025 – 16th November 2025
Barbie is turning 65, and in celebration the Design Museum is exploring the evolution of the world’s most famous doll over the years with Barbie®: The Exhibition.
When? 5 July 2024 to 23 February 2025
The Design and Disability exhibition at the V&A looks at the impact disabled people have had on the creative industries, from architecture to fashion. Disabled, d/Deaf and neurodiverse people have made radical contributions to design, in turn creating a more equal society for all.
When? 7th June 2025 – 15th February 2026
Delve into the weird and wonderful aesthetic of legendary director Tim Burton at the Design Museum. The collection features sculptures, drawings and installations from his personal archives, embodying the distinctively eerie themes of his cinematic creations.
When? 25th October 2024 – 26th May 2025
Five-metre-tall vases feature in this exhibition by a world-renowned ceramic artist. Following her collaborations with porcelain craftspeople in Jingdezhen, China, Felicity Aylieff brings her huge ceramic creations to London’s Kew Gardens.
When? 26th October 2024 – 23rd March 2025
40 years on, learn about the 1984 Miners’ Strike and the impact it had across communities in Wales. Listen to stories of struggle and comradeship from those who lived it at the National Museum Cardiff’s Streic!
When? 26th October 2024 – 27th April 2025
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical phenomenon about America’s lesser-known founding father embarks on a seven-city tour around Britain. Starting in Cardiff, the show will also visit Bradford, Southampton, Liverpool, Sunderland, Plymouth and Norwich.
Prepare to sing your heart out to the greatest hits of ABBA in this unforgettable love story. After opening in London’s West End 25 years ago, Mamma Mia! is bringing the party to Southampton, Bristol, Oxford and Edinburgh.
The Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical that’s seen audiences crying with laughter is going on tour! Follow the adventures of Elder Price and Elder Cunningham as they attempt to spread the gospel in this satirical show.
We all know the story of King Henry VIII, but it’s time to listen to a new perspective – from his six wives. The Tudor queens are reimagined as pop stars, retelling their histories through a feminist lens, with unforgettable song, dance and costumes.
More than 20 years may have passed since The Last One, but now Friends are swapping the screen for the stage in this hilarious musical. In FRIENDS! The Musical Parody, we’re back in the 1990s’ New York City with Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe, reliving some of the gang’s iconic moments.
Explore the story of life on Earth at this fantastic – and free – museum. A must-visit for all animal lovers and curious thinkers, it’s full of fascinations, including a piece of Moon rock and one of the world’s last dodos.
Revealing the human history of Britain’s conflicts, the world’s largest museum of war is both poignant and fascinating. Featuring uniforms, tanks, artworks and weaponry, all with their own unique stories. There is even a WWII Spitfire aircraft in the atrium.
Admire masterpieces by Dalí, Picasso, Matisse, Rothko and Warhol at this iconic art gallery on the bank of the River Thames. Tate Modern is one of the world’s most iconic galleries featuring great British artists like Barbara Hepworth as well as 800 artists from more than 50 countries, all based at the former Bankside Power Station.
London’s most famous art gallery houses one of the finest art collections in the world. From Botticelli to Van Gogh, eye-up over two thousand-plus paintings spanning 800 years. For almost 200 years one of Britain’s most-visited and most-loved galleries has been bringing people and painting together, but that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. Expect to see anything from paintings of royals to musicians and artists to celebrities like Ed Sheeran.
The world’s first national public museum covers two million years of history and highlights include the Ancient Egypt Gallery and the Rosetta Stone. The British Museum first opened its doors in 1759 – becoming the first national museum open to the public, in the world. Since then it’s gone on to show anything from coins and medals, to ancient scripts, spotlighting places like Ancient Iran, Greece, China and Roman Britain. There’s a large chunk on modern history too, where you can see the old dial telephones which always gets confused looks from teenagers.
From outdoor movie screenings in summer and an ice rink in winter, to its vibrant exhibitions of art, crafts and photography, there’s always something on at Somerset House. The mighty architecture dates back to 1547, when it was a palace for the Duke of Somerset.
