5 London Exhibitions To See Before The Year Is Up

By Tessa Dunthorne & Olivia Emily

2 days ago

From Marilyn Monroe to Picasso's prints


Looking for things to do in as the colder, gloomier evenings draw in? These London exhibitions will cut through the darkness with colour and intrigue.

5 London Exhibitions To Check Out This Winter

Two stone Roman busts at the Mythology Reinterpreted exhibition

Giulio Paolini, L’altra figura, 1983

Mythology Reinterpreted

Ancient inspiration is filtered through modern art at Mazzoleni London this season. Showcasing the work of Italian artists Giorgio de Chirico, Salvo and Giulio Paolini and Mexican artist Jorge Méndez Blake, Mythology Reinterpreted invites viewers to consider the continual relevance of ancient artefacts in contemporary visual culture.

Details: Until 6 December at Mazzoleni (15 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4AX). mazzoleniart.com

TASAKI Floating Shell exhibition

Floating Shell

TASAKI has been Japan’s premier luxury jewellery maison since 1954, utilising pearls and diamonds to craft modern, edgy jewellery. In its 70th year, the brand is celebrating its rich heritage with a special pop-up exhibition in Selfridges’ Wonder Room entitled Floating Shell. The titular motif symbolises the path TASAKI has taken – from its roots as a pearl cultivator to its glistening creative future – and statues and frames mirroring a pearl’s nacre appear to float in the air at this minimalist exhibition, which is accompanied by new pieces from TASAKI’s iconic ‘balance’ series as well as pieces created in collaboration with innovative Japanese eye wear, ear phones and sneaker brands.

Details: Until 5 January 2025 at Selfridges’ Wonder Room (400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB).

Norma Jeane Baker aka. Marilyn Monroe in 1946 at an early photo shoot

Norma Jeane Baker aka. Marilyn Monroe in 1946 at an early photo shoot with photographer Joseph Jasgur (© All copyrights reserved by Ted Stampfer Collection)

Marilyn – The Exhibition

Marilyn – The Exhibition takes you deep into the life – and wardrobe – of iconic starlet Marilyn Monroe. The exhibition draws out 250 historical objects from the world’s largest private collection, tracing her blazing path from Norma Jean to the Blonde Bombshell. Read all about it here.

Details: Until 23 February at Arches London Bridge (8 Bermondsey St, London SE1 2ER). Tickets start from £21.90 per person at can be booked at marilynlondonbridge.co.uk

An artwork from London exhibition Picasso: Printmaker

Pablo Picasso, Still life under the lamp, 1962 (© Succession Picasso, DACS, London 2024)

Picasso: Printmaker

Picasso’s prints are subject of a new British Museum exhibition. Though better known for his paintings, the artist was a frenetic printmaker, producing over 2,400 works throughout his life.

Details: Until 30 March 2025 at the British Museum (Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG). Tickets start from £11 and can be booked at britishmuseum.org

Surrounded, Tim Burton

Surrounded, 1996, © Tim Burton

The World Of Tim Burton

One of the best London exhibitions for film lovers this season. Take a peek into the mind – and sketchbook – of director Tim Burton, thanks to this new major exhibition chronically the director’s work (beyond his filmography). Explore his personal archives from childhood until today, be it drawings, sculptural instillations or costume designs, and be inspired by his whacky, wonderful worlds.

Details: Until 21 April 2025 at the Design Museum (224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG). Tickets start from £19.69 and can be booked at designmuseum.org