Must-see Central London Exhibitions this Autumn

While the Autumn in London brings with it stunning parkland walks and dramatic scenery, there are also days where you may prefer to be inside. This is why it’s so great that the Autumn also tends to bring with it a range of exciting art and cultural exhibition launches. From the classics to the disrupters, the ancient world to modernism, we take a look at which London exhibitions are a must-see this Autumn.

Last Chance – The Currency at Newport Street Gallery

Closing on the 30th October is one of London’s most unusual exhibitions of the year. Of course it can be by no other than Damien Hirst. This is a collection of 10,000 original artworks by Hirst. Collectors were given the choice between keeping the original piece or the NFT of the piece with a deadline for exchange in July 2022. Now, just under half of the 10,000 pieces which were not exchanged are being burned daily at Newport Street Gallery in Vauxhall.

Sculpture – Frieze at Regents Park

OK, perhaps this is not one for a rainy day but it can’t be left out! Frieze Sculpture runs its annual exhibition of large scale works in Regents Park until 13th November. These works are free to view and transform Regents Park into an immersive experience of sculpture. There’s no better way to spend a crisp Autumn day than wandering amongst the sculptures while they’re in situ.

Ceramics – Strange Clay at the Hayward Gallery

This harmony of art and craft runs from 26th October to 8 January. It features 23 international artists and offers an exploration of the form with a huge range of scale and finish. You’ll experience everything from enormous installations to small abstract works. This is a unique exhibition and really shows the potential of ceramics as an artistic medium. 

History – Hieroglyphs at the British Museum

This exhibition marks 200 years since ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs were deciphered. It’s an immersive experience that charts the journey to deciphering this ancient written language. So not only will you be able to marvel at examples, but you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian civilisation. Running until 19th February. 

Painting – Lucien Freud at the National Gallery

Open until 22nd January, this is the first major exhibition of Lucien Freud’s work in a decade. It features over 60 paintings that cover 70 years of practice. As the title New Perspectives suggests, this exhibition follows the development of Freud through his life. There will feature both well-known public pieces and also private studies that are more domestic. 

Classics – Cezanne at the Tate Modern

A trailblazer of modern art, this is an exhibition that takes visitors through the life of the artist and the changing political landscape at the time. The show features many works that have never been seen in the UK before. There is an extended opening on 28th October for evening visitors. 

Immersive – William Kentridge at the Royal Academy

At the Royal Academy this Autumn, and running until 11th December, enter the immersive world of South African artist William Kentridge. Using installation, animations, drawing, collage, and music to name just a few disciplines, this promises to be a truly unforgettable multi-sensory show. 

International – Rebel Rebel at the Barbican

This exhibition is the first major UK show by Iranian artist Soheila Sokhanvari. In it, she has created miniature portraits of cultural female figures from pre-revolutionary Iran. These pieces are set against a hand-painted geometric backdrop and are immersed in a soundtrack by iconic Iranian singers from the period.