top of page
Search

Top 5 Temporary Exhibitions that are FREE

  • Writer: dandelion
    dandelion
  • Aug 9
  • 3 min read

  1. David Hockney: A Year in Normandie and Some Other Thoughts about Painting

    You have until 26 August to get to Kensington Gardens. Escape the scorching sun into the cool dark of the Serpentine North gallery. Watch the seasons unfold as you walk clockwise round a frieze of the gardens and fields surrounding Hockney's Normandy home. Created on his i-pad, it is like a digital tapestry on the inside of the gallery walls. Children will enjoy the saturated colours. Adults will be moved by the poignancy of a life lived in this, his very last, show. In the centre of the room, there is a series of new oil portraits. Friends, carers and some nuts use of perspective. Make sure you pop into the café next door afterwards and see the huge tree house canvas situated in the garden behind it. Serpentine North Gallery to 26 August. Remaining timed slots are sold out but space is reserved for walk-ups. It is still worth going, especially first thing (the gallery opens at 10am Tues–Sun, at noon on Mons). We have been several times and never had to queue. Late opening to 9pm Fri/Sat.


  1. Herbert Smith Kramer Portrait Award 2026

    One of our favourite annual shows, the £35,000 first prize attracts artists from around the world. This year's selection at the National Portrait Gallery has been drawn from 1,474 entries and the results are a diverse mixtures of styles, themes and techniques. All demonstrate enormous skill in the art of looking and in bringing to life the stories that different faces have to tell. A distinguished panel of judges has chosen their Top 3. See if you agree and vote for your own in the Visitors Choice section. A masterclass in observation for any budding artist. National Portrait Gallery to 7 October.

  2. Take One Picture

    Just across the road at the National Gallery's Roden Centre for Learning (at the back of the main gallery entrance) is the another annual summer show. This year's starting point is Canaletto's A Regatta on the Grand Canal, on display in Room 33. See the different responses of 35 primary schools - banners, jellyfish, gondolier figurines... - it's a joy to see how many places one painting can take you. If you enjoy it, do encourage your child's school to sign up next year. It is part of the National Gallery's excellent national programme for primary schools. Click here for details. National Gallery, Roden Centre for Learning to 31 August.

  3. Zineb Sedira: When Words Fall Silent, Cinema Speaks

    Oh, we loved this installation in the Duveen Galleries at Tate Britain. It is an immersive love letter to post-colonial Algerian cinema, complete with a travelling VW camper van cum mobile cinema and a French Algerian café (sadly NOT dispensing aromatic, slightly gloopy coffee). It is not for younger kids but older teens will enjoy slouching on the bean bags and letting the narrative (in French) wash over them. For any French A level students - especially ones studying Albert Camus - it is a must. Tate Britain to 17 January 2027

  4. Childhood in War

    The Imperial War Museum's latest show looks at how children have experienced conflict from 1914 to the present day. Moving, informative and entertaining, it is hugely interactive. Board the evacuation train, crawl through a 1940s fireplace, follow a trail of classic children's literature. Guess the smells in the wartime kitchen and play the family board games. Highly recommended. Ages 8+. Imperial War Museum to 28 February 2027


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page