May in London offers a wealth of art exhibitions, including Do Ho Suh at Tate Modern and the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing reopening. Other notable shows include Giacometti at Barbican and Hiroshige at the British Museum, ensuring that art enthusiasts have plenty to see this month.
May is shaping up to be a fabulous month for art enthusiasts in London. With two bank holidays and significant institutional openings, the options to engage with new artistic vistas are manifold. Notably, the V&A East Storehouse is set to welcome visitors, and the National Gallery will reveal the refurbished Sainsbury Wing. Art lovers are definitely in for some treats!
When it comes to fresh exhibitions, London’s calendar is flush with options. One standout is the Tate Modern’s ‘Genesis Exhibition’, featuring Do Ho Suh’s incredible fabric installations that grossly reshape familiar spaces. This new show dives deep into the realms of migration and global displacement, showcasing Suh’s oeuvre over thirty years, including new site-specific pieces. It runs from May 1 through October 26.
Moving on to Raven Row, there’s ‘Fake Barn Country’, organised by a trio of Londoners reflecting a year of dialogue. This exhibition spotlights creativity among artists, presenting works showcasing realism through found objects and repurposed materials. Well-known artists contributing include Terry Atkinson and Andrea Büttner. Don’t miss this one from May 8 to July 6.
Then we have ‘Encounters: Giacometti’ over at the Barbican. Here, viewers can get up close with Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti’s iconic elongated figures. These sculptures dive into existential themes while also shining light on contemporary sculptors. Launching in May, it kicks off with Huma Bhabha’s work, running until May 24, 2026.
Next is ‘Hiroshige: Artist of the Open Road’ at the British Museum, a rare opportunity to see Utagawa Hiroshige’s prints capturing landscapes and daily life. This exhibition celebrates Hiroshige’s extensive 40-year career and features works never seen in London for over 25 years. It opens on May 1 and lasts until September 7.
Celebrating another milestone, the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery reopens on May 10 after two years of refurbishment. This space now boasts an increased focus on themes like gold, among other updates. With significant pieces from Byzantine altarpieces to Paolo Uccello’s renowned artwork, this mixed collection is bound to make waves.
If you’re a photography fan, check out Photo London at Somerset House. This is the tenth anniversary of this event where galleries flock in from around the globe showcasing talents across various photography techniques. Expect to see brilliant work from artists such as David Bailey and Jamie Hawkesworth from May 15 to 18.
Lastly, ‘Leonardo Drew: Ubiquity II’ takes over the South London Gallery. Drew’s installations depict chaos and are designed with distressed wood to reflect nature’s power. It is Drew’s first solo exhibition in London and is completely free to visit, running from May 30 until September 7.
In summary, May 2025 presents a vibrant array of art exhibitions in London. From groundbreaking installations at the Tate Modern to historic prints at the British Museum, there is plenty to explore. The reopening of the National Gallery adds further excitement. Whether you’re keen on contemporary art or rich history, this month’s events should definitely be on your radar.
Original Source: www.timeout.com