Upcoming Art Exhibitions in London 2021

What was the last exhibition you saw? The team at iBestTravel has fond memories of racing to notable art shows before lockdown measures were enforced. Visiting the incredible exhibition at the National Gallery in July, amidst newly added floor arrows in an eerily empty space, felt like a rare privilege to be surrounded by Renaissance masterpieces.

Art galleries in England and Wales reopened from Monday, May 17. Scotland’s galleries had reopened earlier on April 26, with Northern Ireland following suit on May 24. Although this may seem like a long wait, Bernard Donoghue, director of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, remarked that the visitor experience this year will feel extraordinary. Patrons will have the chance to engage with art in ways that may never be replicated in the future, particularly with the absence of international visitors and the presence of timed tickets. Therefore, once reopened, art enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to experience art without the usual crowds.

During lockdown, virtual tours of galleries worldwide were made available, showcasing collections from renowned institutions such as the Louvre and the Guggenheim in Bilbao. Artistic initiatives like the Tate’s “Resilient Responses” series have provided personal reflections inspired by various artists. Nevertheless, with visitor numbers drastically reduced in 2020, many art galleries will face prolonged financial struggles. Those who wish to support the arts can consider initiatives like the Contemporary Art Society’s campaign aimed at acquiring new artworks for galleries across the country.

Exciting Art Shows to Anticipate in 2021

Some key exhibitions to look forward to in London include:

• Yayoi Kusama’s immersive Infinity Mirror Rooms at Tate Modern.
• The Making of Rodin, featuring the French artist’s iconic sculpture, The Thinker.
• A rare retrospective of Art Brut pioneer Jean Dubuffet at the Barbican.
• The reopening of Tracey Emin/Edvard Munch at the Royal Academy.
• The intriguing exhibition on the life and works of Eileen Agar at the Whitechapel Gallery, celebrating her connection with Picasso and Man Ray.
• Paula Rego’s works at Tate Britain later this year.