London in October 2024 offers an exceptional line-up of must-see art exhibitions, showcasing works by some of the most iconic artists of the last few centuries. From Vincent van Gogh to Francis Bacon and Yayoi Kusama, the capital will be brimming with inspiration for art lovers. Whether you’re seeking the emotionally intense portraits of Bacon, the transcendental Infinity Mirror Room by Kusama, or Van Gogh’s mesmerising brushwork, London is the place to be. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the best exhibitions you can visit in London during this culturally rich month.
Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers at the National Gallery
Dates: 14 September 2024 – 19 January 2025
Arguably one of the most significant exhibitions in London this year, Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers brings together some of Vincent van Gogh’s most poignant works from his time in Arles and Saint-Rémy. This exhibition provides a rare opportunity to witness these masterful pieces side by side, including iconic works like The Bedroom, Starry Night Over the Rhône, and Irises. These paintings are famed for their emotional intensity, vivid colours, and contemplative representations of the landscapes and people he encountered during his later life.
The exhibition focuses on Van Gogh’s deep emotional connection with nature, and the way his relationships with poets and literary figures influenced his art. Visitors will also gain insight into how the artist’s profound personal struggles and triumphs were mirrored in his creative process. The National Gallery has meticulously curated this exhibition, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors, especially for those who hold a deep admiration for Van Gogh’s work.
Haegue Yang: Leap Year at the Hayward Gallery
Dates: 9 October 2024 – 5 January 2025
Haegue Yang, a South Korean artist known for her exploration of cross-cultural themes, will present her first major UK survey titled Leap Year at the Hayward Gallery. This exhibition will delve into her unique ability to blend modernism, personal narratives, and global histories. With a focus on sensory perception, Yang often incorporates materials like bells, blinds, and lights in her installations and sculptures, creating immersive environments that challenge our notions of space and identity.
At Leap Year, you can expect to see large-scale installations and complex sculptural forms that reflect Yang’s exploration of geopolitical histories and her personal response to global uncertainties. A pivotal feature of this exhibition is its exploration of movement and migration—two recurring themes in Yang’s work—offering a poignant reflection on the modern world.
Francis Bacon: Human Presence at the National Portrait Gallery
Dates: 10 October 2024 – 19 January 2025
Francis Bacon is renowned for his evocative, often unsettling portraits that challenge conventional representations of the human figure. His ability to convey the complexity of human existence through distorted forms and intense emotional expression remains unparalleled. This major retrospective, Human Presence, at the National Portrait Gallery highlights Bacon’s fascination with the human condition and his evolution as an artist from the 1950s onward.
Visitors will experience Bacon’s mastery in depicting the fragility and resilience of the human form, with paintings that blur the lines between abstraction and realism. This exhibition features his iconic Pope Series, along with numerous self-portraits and studies of his close friends. A visit to this exhibition will give you a deeper understanding of how Bacon’s art reflected his turbulent personal life and his perspective on the existential dilemmas of the 20th century.
Frieze Art Fair 2024
Dates: 9 – 13 October 2024
While not a traditional exhibition, the Frieze Art Fair is one of the world’s leading contemporary art fairs, and its presence in London during October cannot be overlooked. Held annually in Regent’s Park, Frieze London brings together more than 160 galleries from across the globe, showcasing contemporary art in all its forms—from painting and sculpture to installation and performance art.
In addition to the galleries, Frieze also offers talks by leading artists and curators, as well as exciting performances and Frieze Sculpture in Regent’s Park. For art enthusiasts and collectors alike, Frieze is an unmissable event that draws both established artists and new talents, providing a comprehensive overview of the international contemporary art scene.
Yayoi Kusama at Victoria Miro Gallery
Dates: 25 September – 2 November 2024
For those fascinated by immersive experiences, Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition at Victoria Miro Gallery offers the chance to step inside one of her mesmerising Infinity Mirror Rooms. The exhibition also features her new series of paintings titled “Every Day I Pray for Love”, which continues to explore her signature themes of repetition, obsession, and infinity.
Kusama, who has been a defining figure in contemporary art for decades, consistently captivates with her ability to merge the deeply personal with the universal. Her works reflect her ongoing battle with mental health, and how this experience shapes her view of the world. Whether you’re familiar with her work or new to it, Kusama’s exhibition will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
Michael Craig-Martin at the Royal Academy of Arts
Dates: 21 September – 10 December 2024
The Royal Academy of Arts is set to host the largest-ever UK exhibition of work by Michael Craig-Martin, one of the most influential conceptual artists of our time. Known for his brightly coloured, bold graphic representations of everyday objects, Craig-Martin’s work reflects on the relationship between objects and their meaning. His use of technology, combined with hand-drawn and painted imagery, creates a fascinating intersection between the physical and digital worlds.
This retrospective will showcase key moments from Craig-Martin’s remarkable career, with paintings, drawings, and sculptural pieces on display. It’s a celebration of his innovative approach to visual language and his significant impact on contemporary art.
Monet and London: Views of the Thames at the Courtauld Gallery
Dates: 27 September 2024 – 19 January 2025
One of the most anticipated exhibitions this autumn is Monet and London: Views of the Thames at the Courtauld Gallery. For the first time in over 120 years, a stunning collection of Claude Monet’s Impressionist paintings of London will be reunited. These works, created during his time in the city, offer a unique glimpse of London’s evolving landscape at the turn of the 20th century.
This exhibition presents Monet’s fascination with the interplay of light and water, capturing London’s iconic river in all its atmospheric moods. From misty mornings to vibrant sunsets, Monet’s works are a visual testament to his brilliance in portraying transient moments in nature.
Free Art Exhibitions in London in October 2024
For those looking for free art exhibitions in October 2024, London has several exciting options to explore.
Tracey Emin: I Followed You to the End
Location: White Cube Bermondsey
Dates: 19 September – 10 November 2024
This free exhibition features new paintings, works on paper, and a monumental bronze sculpture by the renowned British artist Tracey Emin. Emin’s work often explores themes of love, loss, and identity, making this exhibition both emotionally charged and visually compelling.
Frieze Sculpture in Regent’s Park
Dates: Ongoing from 18 September 2024
As part of the Frieze Art Fair, the outdoor Frieze Sculpture exhibition in Regent’s Park is free and open to the public. This unique display features sculptures by artists from around the world, transforming the park into an open-air gallery. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy world-class art in a relaxed, natural setting.
Hard Graft: Work, Health, and Rights at the Wellcome Collection
Dates: 19 September 2024 – 27 April 2025
The Wellcome Collection offers another insightful free exhibition with Hard Graft, which explores the intersection of labour, health, and human rights. Blending science, history, and art, this exhibition sheds light on the challenges of workers throughout history and their ongoing fight for fairness and safety in the workplace.
