Van Gogh to Kubrick – London’s Spring Exhibitions Shine Out

Spring in London is not just about blooming gardens — it’s about blooming creativity. Every year, the capital’s museums and galleries unveil a spectacular line-up of exhibitions celebrating art, fashion, film, and design. Whether you’re a lifelong art lover or simply looking for a cultural weekend getaway, London’s spring exhibitions promise inspiration, imagination, and insight around every corner.

This season, masterpieces by Van Gogh, fashion icons like Christian Dior and Mary Quant, and cinematic genius Stanley Kubrick all take centre stage. Let’s explore the unmissable exhibitions lighting up London this spring.

Tate Britain’s Van Gogh Exhibition: A Master’s Brushstroke Returns

If you’ve ever been captivated by Van Gogh’s Sunflowers or the swirling sky of Starry Night, this exhibition is your dream come true. Tate Britain is hosting a landmark display celebrating the life, work, and influence of Vincent van Gogh, one of the most beloved painters in history.

Visitors can admire a collection of Van Gogh’s most famous pieces — many rarely seen in the UK — while learning how his time in Britain shaped his artistic journey. The exhibition explores how his use of colour, emotion, and brushwork inspired generations of modern artists across Europe and beyond.

From his early sketches to his expressive oil paintings, each artwork tells a story of passion, struggle, and brilliance. Whether you’re an art historian or a casual admirer, this exhibition is a must-see highlight of London’s spring art scene.

Manga Mania at the British Museum: The Largest Exhibition Outside Japan

Ever wondered where the global obsession with anime and manga began? Head to the British Museum, where the largest-ever exhibition of manga art outside Japan opens this spring.

This is not your typical art show — it’s an immersive, colourful journey through Japan’s vibrant visual storytelling tradition. The exhibition showcases rare pieces that have never left Japan until now, including original drawings, animation stills, and concept sketches by leading manga artists.

Visitors can step into a recreation of Tokyo’s oldest manga bookstore, meet virtual editors, try on character costumes, and even capture the moment in themed photo booths. It’s a celebration of art that has influenced everything from comics and film to video games and fashion — proof that manga is far more than just entertainment; it’s a cultural phenomenon.

For anyone fascinated by Japanese culture or visual storytelling, this exhibition is simply unmissable.

ashion Forward: Christian Dior and Mary Quant at the V&A

After a delicious breakfast at one of the restaurants in Kensington, make your way to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) — where fashion reigns supreme this spring.

The museum presents two headline exhibitions dedicated to style icons Christian Dior and Mary Quant, both of whom transformed how the world dressed.

• Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams explores the timeless elegance of Dior’s creations, from the romantic florals of the New Look to exquisite haute couture gowns. Visitors can explore hundreds of garments, sketches, and accessories that showcase Dior’s devotion to craftsmanship and beauty.

• Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary celebrates the designer who brought youth, energy, and fun to 1960s fashion. Expect vibrant colours, geometric patterns, and of course, the iconic mini skirt that defined a generation.

Together, these exhibitions trace how fashion evolved from classic elegance to bold individuality — making the V&A a must-visit for anyone passionate about design and creativity.

Stanley Kubrick at the Design Museum: Inside a Filmmaker’s Mind

The Design Museum pays tribute to one of cinema’s greatest visionaries — Stanley Kubrick.

This exhibition explores Kubrick’s meticulous approach to filmmaking, from concept to camera. Visitors can dive deep into his creative process behind masterpieces like 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, and Full Metal Jacket.

The display features authentic props, costumes, set designs, and cameras used during production, many of which are being shown publicly for the first time. It also explores how London — a city Kubrick called home — influenced his work and visual storytelling style.

If you’re a film enthusiast or simply admire Kubrick’s genius, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the art of cinematic perfection.

For Families: Pirates, Animals, and Imagination

Spring in London isn’t just for adults — the city’s museums have plenty for younger visitors too.
At the V&A Museum of Childhood, the exhibition Pirates Life for Me invites families to step into a world of adventure. Meet characters like Captain Hook and Captain Pugwash, explore shipwreck scenes, and learn about the real and fictional pirates that have captured imaginations for centuries.

Meanwhile, the Museum of London presents a fascinating and fun exhibition dedicated to the animals that shaped London’s history. Discover stories of lions, elephants, pigeons, and even rats that played surprising roles in the city’s past. Narrated by well-known British voices such as Nish Kumar, Joe Pasquale, and Angellica Bell, this interactive exhibit brings the capital’s beastly history vividly to life.

Planning Your Cultural Weekend in London

Whether you’re a fan of fine art, film, or fashion, London’s spring exhibitions offer the perfect excuse for a cultural city break. Many of the top museums, including Tate Britain, the British Museum, and the V&A, are easily accessible from South Kensington — one of London’s most convenient and elegant districts.

Stay at a hotel near royal albert hall to make the most of your visit. Enjoy breakfast at a local café, spend your mornings at the museums, and unwind in one of Kensington’s charming restaurants after a day of cultural exploration.

Final Thoughts: Springtime Art That Inspires

From the swirling skies of Van Gogh to the cinematic brilliance of Kubrick, London’s museums this spring are bursting with creativity, colour, and curiosity. Each exhibition tells a story — not just about the artists themselves, but about how their ideas continue to inspire the world today.

So whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a day trip, don’t miss the chance to experience the best spring exhibitions in London — where art, history, and imagination collide in unforgettable ways.