London's cultural calendar for 2026 is set to be spectacular, with major institutions across the capital preparing a diverse and thrilling lineup of temporary exhibitions. From a historic tapestry's rare visit to deep dives into fashion, music, and beloved animation, there is something to captivate every interest.
Historical Treasures and Design Icons
Making headlines is an extraordinary loan: the Bayeux Tapestry will be displayed in Britain for the first time in 900 years. This meticulously embroidered 70-metre-long narrative of the 1066 Battle of Hastings will be on show at the British Museum from September 2026 until June 2027. Having resided in Normandy for centuries, its arrival is a unique historical event.
Meanwhile, the V&A will celebrate the surreal and avant-garde world of fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Opening in March, 'Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art' will trace the iconic house's evolution, from its paradigm-shifting early creations to its contemporary direction under creative director Daniel Roseberry.
This autumn, the Design Museum will host the first UK museum exhibition dedicated to the work of visionary stage artist Es Devlin. The retrospective will explore her 30-year career, featuring kinetic sculptures and monumental installations, including new works created specifically for the show.
Celebrating Music, Fandom and Ageing
The new V&A East will launch its temporary exhibition programme with a landmark show titled 'The Music is Black'. Opening in April, it will explore how Black British music has shaped global culture, featuring artefacts like Joan Armatrading's childhood guitar and outfits worn by Little Simz, alongside photography and immersive sound.
Somerset House will turn its focus to the powerful phenomenon of fandom with 'Holy Pop!' in May. This 'pay what you can' exhibition will use art, memorabilia, and interactive displays to examine modern idolisation, from internet beauty trends to the rituals of celebrity devotion.
In a characteristically thought-provoking move, the Wellcome Collection will investigate global perceptions of ageing in 'The Coming of Age'. Opening in March, the free exhibition will blend art, science, and pop culture through over 120 objects, ranging from 16th-century woodcuts to contemporary collages by Deborah Roberts.
Family Fun and Literary Legends
For a brilliant family day out, the Young V&A presents 'Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends' from February. The exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Bristol studio, featuring hands-on activities where children can learn the basics of stop-motion animation and create their own short films.
Finally, the British Library will put the 'Queen of Crime' under the microscope in 'Agatha Christie' from October 2026. The exhibition will delve into the origins of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot, examining the inspirations behind her novels and her enduring impact on the detective genre.
With such a rich variety of topics—spanning history, design, music, society, and entertainment—London's museums are ensuring that 2026 will be a year of unforgettable cultural discovery. Advance planning is highly recommended for these anticipated shows.
