London’s world-renowned Tate museums have announced their 2026 exhibition calendar, featuring an impressive array of iconic artists that should be on every American visitor’s London itinerary. With exhibitions dedicated to celebrated figures like Tracey Emin, Frida Kahlo, and James McNeill Whistler (an American artist who made his mark in Europe), the Tate’s 2026 program offers compelling reasons to plan your London trip around these extraordinary art experiences.
AMERICAN CONNECTIONS AND GLOBAL ICONS
The Tate Britain will host the biggest European retrospective of American-born James McNeill Whistler in 30 years, featuring his world-famous paintings alongside rarely seen works. This exhibition offers American visitors a unique opportunity to connect with one of their country’s most influential artists in a European context.
Meanwhile, Tate Modern will explore how Frida Kahlo became not just an artistic powerhouse but a genuine cultural phenomenon, showcasing her best-known paintings alongside photographs and memorabilia that demonstrate her lasting influence on artists worldwide.
ONLY-IN-LONDON EXPERIENCES
Perhaps the most distinctive exhibition of the year will be “The 90s” at Tate Britain, guest curated by Edward Enninful OBE. This nostalgic journey through a transformative decade in British culture will feature iconic images from photographers like Juergen Teller and Corrine Day, works by artists including Damien Hirst, and fashion pieces from quintessentially British designers like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.
Equally unmissable is the once-in-a-lifetime restaging of Duncan Grant’s studio at Tate Britain, specially relocated from his Sussex home, Charleston, as part of the “Vanessa Bell & Duncan Grant” exhibition exploring their remarkable 50-year creative partnership.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITORS
For budget-conscious travelers, remember that all 16-25-year-olds can get £5 tickets by joining Tate Collective. Those planning multiple museum visits should consider Tate Membership, which provides free entry to all exhibitions throughout the year.
While Tate Liverpool, normally a must-visit destination when exploring the UK beyond London, will be closed for transformation until 2027, visitors with time to explore beyond the capital should consider Tate St Ives, which will showcase work by visionary Lithuanian American artist Aleksandra Kasuba and British artist Wilhelmina Barns-Graham.
EXHIBITION LISTINGS 2026
Tate Modern
- Tracey Emin (26 Feb – 31 Aug 2026)
- Julio Le Parc (11 Jun 2026 – 3 May 2027)
- Frida: The Making of an Icon (25 Jun 2026 – 4 Jan 2027)
- Ana Mendieta (9 Jul 2026 – 10 Jan 2027)
- Light and Magic: The Birth of Art Photography (8 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027)
- The Infinities Commission (opening June 2026)
- Hyundai Commission (opening Oct 2026)
- UNIQLO Tate Play (throughout the year)
Tate Britain
- Hurvin Anderson (26 Mar – 23 Aug 2026)
- Tate Britain Commission: Zineb Sedira (12 May 2026 – 17 Jan 2027)
- James McNeill Whistler (21 May 2026 – 27 Sep 2026)
- The 90s (1 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027)
- Vanessa Bell & Duncan Grant (12 Nov 2026 – 11 Apr 2027)
- Art Now (throughout the year)
Tate St Ives
- Aleksandra Kasuba (2 May 2026 – 4 Oct 2027)
- Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (24 Oct 2026 – 11 April 2027)