The Rossettis 6 April 2023 – 24 September 2023 Tate Britain Nearest Station: Pimlico This shows how siblings Christina and Dante Gabriel Rossetti forged a counter-cultural circle in 19th Britain, inspired by new ideas about life, love, sex, society, and art. This is the largest exhibition of Dante Gabriel Rossetti's paintings in two decades and the first time all … [Read more...] about London Events in April 2023 – What’s On for April
Culture
Preparations to prevent collision at Queen’s 1953 coronation part of new display at Lambeth Palace
Coronation artifacts including hand-drawn ceremonial diagrams designed to avoid a “collision” of key players during the anointing of the late Queen are to go on show. A new exhibition at Lambeth Palace Library features material dating back to Henry I’s coronation in the Middle Ages. It includes detailed notes and plans set out to ensure “a smooth and dignified sequence … [Read more...] about Preparations to prevent collision at Queen’s 1953 coronation part of new display at Lambeth Palace
New fashion exhibition brings the Met Gala to Kensington Palace
Outfits once worn by Beyonce, Blake Lively, Billy Porter, Nicola Coughlan and Katy Perry populate the rooms of Kensington Palace, as part of a blockbuster new fashion exhibition. Crown To Couture explores the similarities between fashion and celebrity in the 18th-century court and the red carpet today. Nearly four years in the making, it is the biggest exhibition ever … [Read more...] about New fashion exhibition brings the Met Gala to Kensington Palace
After Impressionism: Inventing Modern Art – National Gallery
We often talk about the National Gallery having all the big hitters in the art world. Well, this exhibition has brought a lot of household names together. There are over 100 paintings and sculptures by artists such as Cézanne, Van Gogh, Rodin, Picasso, Matisse, Klimt, Kandinsky and Mondrian. Essentially, After Impressionism: Inventing Modern Art includes some of the most … [Read more...] about After Impressionism: Inventing Modern Art – National Gallery
Paddington Bear immersive experience to open in London
Paddington Bear has inspired a new large-scale interactive experience in London. The multi-sensory show will take up residence in County Hall on London’s Southbank later this year across 26,000 square feet. It will feature “ground-breaking design, live performance and video to capture the hearts of the entire family”, organisers said. The children’s book character, who … [Read more...] about Paddington Bear immersive experience to open in London
More than 200 looks to feature in V&A exhibition on Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel
More than 200 Chanel looks will be seen together for the first time in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s (V&A) forthcoming exhibition on the work of French fashion designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto will unfold over 10 sections, charting the evolution of her design style and the establishment of the House of Chanel, from the opening of … [Read more...] about More than 200 looks to feature in V&A exhibition on Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel
Souls Grown Deep like the Rivers: Black Artists from the American South at The Royal Academy
The latest exhibition at the Royal Academy is Souls Grown Deep like the Rivers: Black Artists from the American South. Open from 17 March 2023, it showcases unique African American artistic traditions and methods of visual storytelling. The exhibition presents the work of Black artists born between 1887 and 1965 who spent their careers in the American South. While many left … [Read more...] about Souls Grown Deep like the Rivers: Black Artists from the American South at The Royal Academy
National Portrait Gallery to reopen with exhibition on pioneering color photographer
The National Portrait Gallery is set to reopen with more than two dozen newly discovered works from trailblazing 20th-century British photographer Yevonde. Yevonde: Life And Colour will explore the life and career of Yevonde Middleton, who pioneered the use of color photography in the 1930s, and will run from June 22 to October 15. The exhibition will feature more than 25 … [Read more...] about National Portrait Gallery to reopen with exhibition on pioneering color photographer
Natural History Museum named most visited indoor UK attraction again
The Natural History Museum was the most visited indoor attraction in the UK for a second consecutive year, research shows. The London museum had 4,654,608 visitors last year, more than three million above the previous year’s figure of 1,571,413, a report by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (Alva) found. However, the South Kensington museum’s ratings were … [Read more...] about Natural History Museum named most visited indoor UK attraction again
The Ugly Duchess: Beauty and Satire in the Renaissance at the National Gallery
The Ugly Duchess: Beauty and Satire in the Renaissance is a free exhibition at the National Gallery. Open from 16 March to 11 June 2023, it sheds new light on Quinten Massys's An Old Woman (about 1513). Quinten Massys Also known as Metsys, Quinten Massys (1465/6–1530) was born in the university town of Leuven in Belgium. He was documented by 1491 as a master craftsman … [Read more...] about The Ugly Duchess: Beauty and Satire in the Renaissance at the National Gallery
Sir Mark Rylance brings role as Dr Semmelweis to West End
Sir Mark Rylance is set to reprise the titular role in Dr. Semmelweis as the play opens in London’s West End this summer. The 63-year-old Oscar-winning actor and theatre director portrayed the maverick Hungarian doctor Ignaz Semmelweis in last year’s Bristol Old Vic production. Sir Mark, who developed the idea, said: “Here is a person who makes one of the most important … [Read more...] about Sir Mark Rylance brings role as Dr Semmelweis to West End
Shire horses prepare Tower of London moat for next wildflower display
The Tower of London has employed a pair of shire horses to transform its moat into a permanent haven for wildflowers. Around 20 million seeds were planted in the famous fortress’s moat last year for its first-ever floral display. Now the dark brown and white stallions, named William and Joey, have plowed the ground ahead of this summer’s bloom after being brought over … [Read more...] about Shire horses prepare Tower of London moat for next wildflower display
In Video: Watch pianist Lang Lang perform at St Pancras station
St Pancras was treated to a special performance by renowned pianist Lang Lang, who put on a show in the heart of the London station. Lang Lang, a judge on Channel 4 show The Piano, said he was “a little bit nervous” before performing on the public piano and found it “a great, great challenge”. … [Read more...] about In Video: Watch pianist Lang Lang perform at St Pancras station
Ten of the Best Fish & Chips Restaurants in London
Fish and chips is one of those iconic British foods. A good, fried piece of cod and what we Americans would call French fries is all you really need for a good meal. Naturally, there are chippies all over the UK and there are arguably as many in London as there are pubs, so figuring out which chippies to visit can be a challenge. Fortunately, we at Londontopia have helped to … [Read more...] about Ten of the Best Fish & Chips Restaurants in London
The Big Move Begins: 1st of 10,000 objects removed from Museum of London galleries
A prehistoric flint tranchet adze has become the first item to be removed from display at the Museum of London, following the closure of its London Wall site in December 2022. It marks the beginning of a 2 year process to remove 10,000 objects from its galleries as the museum prepares to move to a new home in West Smithfield. In use 10,000 years ago, the Mesolithic … [Read more...] about The Big Move Begins: 1st of 10,000 objects removed from Museum of London galleries
Emmeline Pankhurst immortalized by Madame Tussauds for International Women’s Day
Modern-day activists such as Florence Given joined Madame Tussauds London to unveil its new Emmeline Pankhurst waxwork ahead of International Women’s Day. The leading Suffragette has been immortalized by the London attraction 120 years after she co-founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), whose members were determined to win the right to vote for … [Read more...] about Emmeline Pankhurst immortalized by Madame Tussauds for International Women’s Day
London Events in March 2023
Here's our monthly round-up of new events and exhibitions coming to London this March. The biggest 'blockbuster' exhibition is The Ugly Duchess at the National Gallery, followed by the After Impressionism exhibition. And the most exciting thing is that the Boat Race is back later this month. Nalini Malani: My Reality is Different 2 March – 11 June 2023 National … [Read more...] about London Events in March 2023
Young V&A to open in summer after £13m redevelopment (and name change)
The V&A has announced its museum dedicated to children and young people will reopen this summer following a £13 million-plus redevelopment. The site in Bethnal Green, which dates back to 1872, was formerly called V&A Museum of Childhood but will relaunch on July 1 rebranded as the Young V&A. Designed with and for children under the age of 14, the space aims to … [Read more...] about Young V&A to open in summer after £13m redevelopment (and name change)
Celebration to mark 50 years since David Bowie released Aladdin Sane album at Southbank Centre
A 50th-anniversary celebration of David Bowie’s album Aladdin Sane will be launched at London’s Southbank Centre in April. The Aladdin Sane: 50 Years exhibition has been curated by Chris Duffy, the son of photographer Brian Duffy who worked with the late Bowie to create his highly recognizable lightning flash portrait. The show, which will celebrate 50 years since the … [Read more...] about Celebration to mark 50 years since David Bowie released Aladdin Sane album at Southbank Centre
Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution Extends Run at London’s County Hall Until 2024
Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution will extend its run at London County Hall until 28 April 2024, making it London’s longest-running site-specific theatre production. This will take the acclaimed production into its seventh year as the ninth cast are also announced today. Tickets for the new booking period are on sale now … [Read more...] about Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution Extends Run at London’s County Hall Until 2024
Extensive archive of David Bowie’s life to be made public in 2025 at new V&A museum in East London
An extensive archive of David Bowie’s life, work, and legacy will go on display to the public for the first time in 2025; it has been announced. Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum (V and A), the exhibition will include more than 80,000 items that span six decades of the cultural icon’s career. They will be made available to the public through the creation of The … [Read more...] about Extensive archive of David Bowie’s life to be made public in 2025 at new V&A museum in East London
Huw Edwards unveils Blue Plaque to ‘mathematical genius’ Richard Price
Newsreader Huw Edwards has unveiled a Blue Plaque dedicated to Richard Price who he described as an “mathematical genius and forward-thinking philosopher.” BBC News At Ten presenter Edwards, 61, said the memorial to Price at his former red brick home in Newington Green, London goes “some way” to giving him the “recognition he deserves” 300 years on from his birth in the … [Read more...] about Huw Edwards unveils Blue Plaque to ‘mathematical genius’ Richard Price
David Hockney ‘thrilled’ with new immersive exhibition, says arts venue boss
The chief executive of a new London arts venue has said David Hockney is “really thrilled” with his upcoming immersive experience. The experience, David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (Not Smaller & Further Away), has been created by the 85-year-old Bradford-born artist and will open at Lightroom in King’s Cross on Wednesday. Speaking ahead of the show’s public opening, … [Read more...] about David Hockney ‘thrilled’ with new immersive exhibition, says arts venue boss
London Transport Museum Acton Depot Opening Announced!
The London Transport Museum Acton Depot, basically its big warehouse where it stores stuff that doesn't fit in the Coven Garden museum, has announced its first opening days for 2023. Between 24 and 26 March, London Transport Museum is hosting its first Depot Open Days event of 2023, throwing open the doors of its working Museum store in Acton Town for the public to … [Read more...] about London Transport Museum Acton Depot Opening Announced!
Immersive exhibition featuring Stella McCartney kicks off London Fashion Week
A new exhibition dedicated to augmented reality in fashion has kicked off London Fashion Week. Curated by British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, the exhibition – called Vogue x Snapchat: Redefining the Body – explores how augmented reality (AR) can be used within fashion. Presented across several rooms dedicated to different designers – ranging from established brands like … [Read more...] about Immersive exhibition featuring Stella McCartney kicks off London Fashion Week