The best art shows to see in London this year

London continues to be a global hub for the arts, offering diverse exhibitions that captivate its global visitors year-round. In 2025, the city will host an impressive line-up of shows, featuring works that span centuries – from historical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary installations. Whether you're drawn to the brilliant landscapes of the 19th century or intrigued by thought-provoking technological innovations, London's art museums promise a rich cultural experience. Below are the top eight exhibitions that have already been announced for 2025, selected by our in-house art specialist.  

Tate Britain: Turner and Constable 
Tate Britain, 18th March–6th July 6 

Tate Britain’s Turner and Constable will delve into the rivalry and shared genius of two of Britain’s most beloved landscape painters. JMW Turner and John Constable each had a profound impact on the way landscapes were depicted in art. The exhibition will compare and contrast their most celebrated works, from Turner’s dramatic, atmospheric scenes to Constable’s pastoral, serene landscapes. By showcasing works from both artists, Tate Britain will reveal how their innovative approaches to light, colour, and nature influenced the trajectory of British art and the landscape genre itself. 

Kiefer/Van Gogh 
Royal Academy of Arts, 22nd February–25th May 

The Royal Academy of Arts will present a unique pairing in 2025 with Kiefer/Van Gogh, which explores the connections between two iconic artists: German painter Anselm Kiefer and Dutch master Vincent van Gogh. The exhibition will feature works by both artists side by side, examining their shared themes of suffering and nature, and the intense emotional landscapes that pervade their art. Through Kiefer’s large-scale mixed-media pieces and Van Gogh’s vivid oil paintings, visitors will learn how both artists responded to their environments and inner turmoil – a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition. 

Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet 
Tate Modern, 16th April–31st August 

Tate Modern’s Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet will take visitors on a journey through the intersection of art and technology, exploring how artists in the mid-20th century engaged with new technological advancements before the internet. The exhibition will feature works from pioneers like Nam June Paik, Judy Chicago, and Harold Cohen, who used early computers, video, and electronic devices to create ground-breaking art. This fascinating exhibition will show how technology shaped artistic practices and pushed the boundaries of what was possible in visual culture, offering a fresh perspective on the roots of today’s digital art world.  

José María Velasco: A View of Mexico 
The British Museum, 10th February–18th May 

This major 2025 exhibition will explore the life and work of one of Mexico's most celebrated landscape painters. Known for his romantic depictions of the Mexican landscape, Velasco’s work helped shape national identity through his portrayals of the country’s vast natural beauty. The exhibition will feature a selection of Velasco’s most important pieces, alongside historical and cultural context that demonstrates how his work reflects Mexico’s political and social evolution during the 19th century. A View of Mexico offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes that defined a nation. 

Noah Davis 
Barbican Centre, 15th May–30th August 

The Barbican Centre will host a major retrospective of the late American artist Noah Davis this year. Known for his emotionally resonant and visually striking paintings, Davis' work explores themes of race, identity, and the complexities of the African American experience. His figurative style, blending surrealism with poignant narrative, creates a haunting sense of presence. The exhibition will feature a range of Davis’ works, from his vibrant portraiture to his larger-than-life figurative scenes, allowing visitors to engage with an artist whose work continues to have a profound impact on contemporary art. 

Mickalene Thomas: All About Love 
Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, 1st June–7th September 

Mickalene Thomas: All About Love is a highly anticipated exhibition touring major institutions in the US and UK in 2025, concluding at the Hayward Gallery at the Southbank Centre. Known for her bold and vibrant paintings that celebrate Black female identity, Thomas’s work combines elements of portraiture, collage, and decorative arts. All About Love explores themes of empowerment, beauty, and desire, showcasing Thomas’s signature glittering works and offering a new perspective on love through a feminist lens. A powerful experience for all visitors. 

Millet: Life on the Land 
The National Gallery, 25th June–12th October 

Known for his evocative portrayals of peasant labour, Millet’s paintings and drawings offer a poignant view of agrarian life in 19th-century France. This exhibition will feature some of his most famous works, such as The Gleaners and The Angelus, showcasing his deep empathy for the working class. It will also highlight how Millet’s work influenced the broader social and political movements of his time, offering a unique lens through which to understand the complexities of rural life and labour. 

Cartier: The Exhibition 
Victoria and Albert Museum, 3rd July–5th October 

A glamorous and in-depth look at the luxury French jeweller’s 170-year history. Through over 300 pieces, including iconic tiaras, watches, and necklaces, visitors will be immersed in the artistry and craftsmanship that made Cartier a symbol of elegance. The exhibition will explore how the brand has shaped the worlds of royalty, film, and fashion, with pieces worn by some of the most famous figures in history. With its dazzling jewellery and behind-the-scenes insights, this exhibition promises to be a glittering celebration of luxury and design.