The very best of the city, from top sights & royal ceremonies to the must-see shows of 2025
2025 HOT LIST
101 events, exhibitions, shows and new openings you won't want to miss this year
CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
Italian
art at the National Gallery
It's all about the Italians at the National Gallery in 2025. First, the spotlight is on the Renaissance master Parmigianino, whose Madonna and Child with Saints is on display for the first time in a decade (until 9 March). Spring's big exhibition is Siena: The rise of painting 1300–1350, for which a stunning array of important works will be brought together, having been scattered across the world for centuries (8 March to 22 June). And for a splash of colour in summer don't miss José María Velasco: A View of Mexico (29 March to 17 Aug), celebrating the distinctive works of the 19th-century painter. nationalgallery.org.uk
Masters of Modernism
The Royal Academy of Arts is one of the oldest permanent collections of art in the UK. Its Summer Exhibition (17 June to 17 Aug) has run since 1769 and displays works from emerging and established talent. The RA’s big spring exhibition, Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism (28 Jan to 21 April), explores the art that emerged in Brazil in the early 20th century, informed by the country's vibrant cultures, identities and landscapes. royalacademy.org.uk
The Proms and more
Highlights at the iconic Royal Albert Hall include Cirque du Soleil's show-stopping Corteo (9 Jan to 2 March); the Mountbatten Festival of Music (21 & 22 March), featuring the bands of the Royal Marines; concerts by Ludovico Einaudi (30 June to 4 July) and Sigur Rós (30 Sept to 3 Oct); and the famous Proms concert season (July to Sept). royalalberthall.com
Trailblazers at Tate Britain
The surrealist artist and acclaimed fashion and war photographer Lee Miller’s extraordinary career will be the subject of a big retrospective this autumn at Tate Britain. Her groundbreaking work will be explored through 250 images, including some never previously displayed (2 Oct to 15 Feb 2026). The autumn's other blockbuster exhibition is Turner and Constable (27 Nov to 12 April 2026), bringing together Britain’s most famous artistic rivals, in the 250th anniversary year of their births. tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain
This page, top to bottom: Explore early 20thcentury Brazilian art at the Royal Academy; photographer Lee Miller's extraordinary career will be the subject of an exhibition at Tate Britain; see medieval works from Siena at the National Gallery in the spring
Palace of the Sun King
At the Science Museum don't miss Versailles: Science and Splendour (until 21 April). The Palace of Versailles is famous around the world for its opulent architecture and rich history, and in the 17th and 18th centuries it also became a major site of scientific thinking. Prepare to be be transported to the world of the French royal court to discover spectacular objects including Louis XV’s rhinoceros, the world’s most famous watch, designed for Marie Antoinette, and an extraordinarily detailed map of the moon by Jean-Dominique Cassini. sciencemuseum.org.uk
Fashion icons
The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s leading museum of art and design. The big spring exhibitions include the UK’s first major show in almost 30 years dedicated to the creations of Cartier (12 April to 16 Nov); and Marie Antoinette Style (20 Sept to 22 March 2026), exploring the origins of the style shaped by history's most fashion-conscious queen. vam.ac.uk
Fashion icons
Kensington Palace is also known for its fashion displays. In 2025, Dress Codes (from 13 March) will showcase never-before-seen royal fashion treasures, including items worn by Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. hrp.org.uk
See a stunning array of Italian works, which have been scattered across the world for centuries
FOREVER FESTIVAL
Born out of wartime ashes, London’s South Bank has never failed to put on an unforgettable performance and bring a smile to our faces
WORDS JENNY ROWE-PATEL
Traditional or quirky, afternoon tea in London is an unmissable experience. Here are our favourites for 2025
NEXT-GEN EXPERIENCES
From Gunpowder plotting to a marmalade festival with Paddington, London’s immersive experiences bring films, TV, art and history to life
WORDS LAURA SILVERMAN
DECO DELIGHTS
2025 marks the centenary of an architectural craze that quickly spread throughout London. We pick some of the capital’s finest examples of Art Deco, an iconic style that still beguiles
WORDS CATHERINE JONES
