Exhibitions in London: What’s On in 2026

Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait is a major National Portrait Gallery exhibition in London marking Monroe’s centenary in 2026. Through photography, painting, film-related imagery and personal belongings, it explores how Marilyn helped shape her own image — from Norma Jeane’s early modelling years to her enduring status as a twentieth-century icon. Tickets from £25, until 6 September 2026.

Whistler’s atmospheric portraits and nocturnes come to Tate Britain in a major 2026 exhibition. Tickets from £24, until 27 September 2026.

Rising Voices is a landmark V&A exhibition developed in partnership with QAGOMA, Brisbane. It brings together contemporary art from across the Asia Pacific region, foregrounding First Nations perspectives, ancestral knowledge, colonial histories and contemporary systems of belief. Until 10 January 2027

Discover Zurbarán at the National Gallery, London: Spain’s Baroque master of saints, still lifes and silence. Tickets from £20, until 23 August 2026.

A rare survey of Early Netherlandish Drawings at the British Museum. Free entry, until 20 September 2026. Highlights, context and practical tips.

The largest exhibition of Queen Elizabeth II's fashion ever staged, at The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, until 18 October 2026. Visitor guide with highlights, tickets and tips.

Fairy Tales is a family-friendly exhibition at the British Library in London that explores the origins, evolution and lasting appeal of fairy tales through rare books, illustrations, manuscripts, puppets and interactive displays. On view until 23 August 2026.

Step into the world of Elsa Schiaparelli at the V&A in London and explore a dazzling exhibition where fashion, art and surreal imagination meet. On view until 8 November 2026

Discover Tracey Emin at Tate Modern: a major exhibition spanning 40 years of bold, intimate contemporary art. Tickets & tips. On view until 31 August 2026.

Discover Hawaiʻi: a Kingdom Crossing Oceans at the British Museum. Rare treasures, royal journeys and cultural exchange. On view until 25 May 2026.

Discover Wright of Derby: From the Shadows at the National Gallery, London — a glowing journey into candlelit masterpieces running until 10 May 2026.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum — dates, tickets and a preview of the most breathtaking photographs