London is one of the best cities in the world for art, so if you are in the capital this autumn, it is definitely worth visiting its galleries to see some inspiring exhibitions that will be taking place over the next couple of months.
Here is our pick of the top ten events that every art enthusiast should visit this autumn.
Danielle Braithwaite-Shirley: The Delusion at Serpentine
Danielle Braithwaite-Shirley’s latest exhibition called The Delusion recently opened at Serpentine North Gallery and will continue until January 18th next year.
The artist and game designer’s latest event is an immersive experience centred around a post-apocalyptic world caused by the Day of Division.
This is an exhibition like no other, and includes a new series of video games and works. It has been described as a “live community play”, and provides a place for players to think, debate, discuss and connect with one another.
The installation was done with help of Lydian Chan, as well as other artists, technologists and people from Braithwaite-Shirley’s Black Trans and Queer community.
Gilbert & George: 21st Century Pictures at the Hayward Gallery
Followers of London-based artists Gilbert and George will be able to see their evolution as creatives over the last 25 years at the Southbank’s Hayward Gallery until January 11th 2026.
Their 21st Century Pictures exhibition, which opened on October 7th, includes 60 floor-to-ceiling installations of their reflections of society.
Visitors will be able to see the way as Gilbert and George view it, with technology helping to transform their pieces that have captured society over the years.
In doing so, their art is able to get people talking about everyday norms and taboos through its depiction of class, religion, nationalism, gender, and sexual orientation since the turn of the century.
Their exhibition opened earlier this month on October 7th, with tickets costing £20 for non-members.
Lawrence Lek’s Life Before Automation at Goldsmiths CCA
Lawrence Lek’s Life Before Automation exhibition at Goldsmiths CCA is his largest institutional exhibition in the UK so far.
The artist, who is well known for his pieces that bring together his love for video games, sound, installations and film, opened the latest showcase on September 25th. Visitors will be able to continue seeing his work until December 16th.
According to the gallery: “At turns dark and playful, his work is powerfully affective, featuring a recurring cast of characters who ask us what it means to exist in an age of machine consciousness and rapid social change – or what Lek calls a ‘science fiction that already exists’.”
Lek displays his interpretation of three centuries of the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the latest event, making it an ideal exhibition for those who love to discuss and debate the future world and the impact of AI on society.
Kerry James Marshall: The Histories at the Royal Academy of Arts
The Royal Academy of Arts is a great gallery to head to this autumn as it will host Kerry James Marshall’s The Histories exhibition.
This is the artist’s largest ever exhibition in Europe and shows off his talent at expressing Black American experience throughout history.
The event, which opened on September 20th, includes 70 powerful paintings that depict civil rights, science fiction, and personal memories.
Art enthusiasts will have until January 18th 2026 to see Marshall’s works, and it is well worth heading to the Royal Academy of Arts if you have not seen his pieces before.
Karimah Ashadu: Tendered at the Camden Art Centre
Karimah Ashadu’s Tendered exhibition is the artist’s first institutional solo event in the UK.
The winner of the Silver Lion for Promising Young Artist at the Venice Biennale 2024 will feature at the Camden Art Centre until March 22nd 2026, having recently opened on October 10th.
People can expect to see Ashadu’s experience of growing up between Nigeria and the UK, and the most recent pieces of work look at Nigeria’s people, history, landscapes and social struggles.
This is a great insight into Nigerian culture, and with free entry, art fans should not miss out on this exciting event.
These exhibitions are just a few of the many art installations being held in the capital this autumn. So if you get your hands on a new piece of art, do not forget to order a bespoke frame to fit it perfectly.