Welcome to the vibrant city of London, where exciting experiences await you this month! In this edition of “What’s On in London 2025,” we’re thrilled to showcase the best temporary attractions that are making waves in the city. London’s dynamic cultural scene is constantly evolving, offering visitors unique opportunities to immerse themselves in limited-time events and experiences. From captivating art exhibitions and dazzling theatre productions to thrilling festivals and extraordinary pop-up installations, there’s something for everyone.
Get ready to discover the magic of London as we guide you through the must-see temporary highlights that will leave you with unforgettable memories of your visit to the city. Let’s dive into the thrilling world of “What’s On in London 2025” and explore the extraordinary array of temporary delights that await you this month!
Contents
- Temporary Exhibits and Events
What’s on at The British Museum
Embark on a captivating journey through history at the iconic British Museum, where temporary exhibits offer a limited opportunity to witness extraordinary treasures from around the world. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of these fleeting exhibitions, unveiling captivating artefacts and untold stories that will leave a lasting impression long after your visit.
Silk Roads
Exhibition Until 23rd February 2025
The Silk Roads were more than just trade routes—they were vast, interconnected networks linking Asia, Africa, and Europe. This fascinating exhibition explores how the movement of people, goods, and ideas along these routes shaped cultures and histories across continents.
Focusing on AD 500–1000, a period of great connectivity and the spread of universal religions, the exhibition showcases stunning artifacts from across the Silk Roads. From Tang Chinese ceramics headed to the Middle East to Indian garnets discovered in Suffolk, these objects highlight the far-reaching influence of these networks.
Picasso
Printmaker
Exhibition 7 November 2024 – 20 March 2025
Explore the genius of Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists in the world of printmaking. Over his career, Picasso created more than 2,400 prints, using this medium to develop ideas, tell stories, and push creative boundaries.
This exhibition delves into Picasso’s life and art, revealing his complex relationships with women and his collaborations with printers and artists. It spans his entire career, from early works in Paris to his later years in the South of France.
Check out our British Museum Highlights Guide.
What’s on at The Natural History Museum
Discover the wonders of the natural world at the renowned Natural History Museum in London. Don’t miss the chance to explore their remarkable temporary exhibits, showcasing rare specimens and immersive displays that bring the natural world to life in extraordinary ways. From fascinating temporary installations to captivating interactive experiences, these limited-time exhibits offer a unique and enriching journey that will leave you in awe of our planet’s biodiversity.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
11 October 2024 to 29 June 2025
Embark on a journey across Earth’s diverse habitats, from bustling cities to polar seas, and encounter remarkable creatures. Witness the impact of human activities on nature, exploring stories of endangered species and successful rescues. Through immersive experiences and stunning photography, delve into our interconnectedness with nature. Leave inspired to protect our planet’s resources and continue your conservation journey.
Dino Snores
1-2 dates per month, sells out quickly!
Experience an unforgettable sleepover adventure surrounded by extraordinary creatures at the museum. Set up camp in the galleries and embark on an evening of exploration, torchlight expeditions, and engaging activities. From a dinosaur t-shirt workshop to an educational science show presented by a Museum scientist, you’ll be immersed in a world of excitement. After a cozy night’s sleep, wake up to a delicious breakfast and continue your journey with a captivating trail through iconic galleries, discovering fascinating facts about the natural world. This exclusive sleepover is an opportunity not to be missed, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre
24 May 2024 – 5 January 2025
Birds fill our mornings with song and brighten our skies, but how much do we truly know about them? Our new exhibition invites you to explore their world like never before. Experience a murmuration up close, listen to the dawn chorus, and even sniff a seabird egg! From feeling their heartbeats to seeing through their eyes, you’ll get to know these fascinating creatures in new ways.
Discover ancient species like the “wonderchicken,” uncover the link between pigeons and T. rex, and learn how birds survived the mass extinction. With over 11,000 species thriving in unique ways—from blood-sucking to acid-bathing—this exhibition reveals the secrets behind their success and explores how we can protect their future.
Check out our Natural History Museum Highlights Guide.
What’s on at The National Gallery
Indulge your love for art at the esteemed National Gallery in London. Step into a world of artistic brilliance and take advantage of the opportunity to witness captivating temporary exhibits, featuring masterpieces from renowned artists. From captivating exhibitions showcasing diverse artistic styles to thought-provoking installations, these limited-time displays offer a unique chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and creativity of the art world. Don’t miss out on this chance to experience the temporary wonders that await you at the National Gallery.
NG Stories: Making a National Gallery
4 October 2024 – 12 January 2025
Step into 200 years of remarkable National Gallery stories, told through the lives of the people who shaped its history. From a family of 11 living in the Gallery, to a wartime pianist, and even a guard dog named Rex, you’ll uncover the fascinating personal tales behind this iconic institution.
Discover how paintings were safeguarded in a Welsh slate mine during WWII and explore the memories of visitors who have had life-changing experiences here. Through immersive soundscapes and digital displays, this exhibition reveals the untold human stories that have defined the National Gallery over two centuries.
Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers
Exhibition 14 September 2024 – 19 January 2025
Prepare to be enchanted by Van Gogh’s mesmerizing paintings in our once-in-a-century exhibition.
Take a stroll beneath a starry night with a pair of lovers. Marvel at swirling clouds and cypress trees dancing in the wind. Find tranquility in Van Gogh’s cherished ‘Poet’s Garden’ or under a shady tree in Saint-Rémy.
We’re bringing together Van Gogh’s most beloved paintings from around the world, some rarely seen publicly, paired with his remarkable drawings.
During just two transformative years in the south of France, Van Gogh revolutionized his style, inspired by poets, writers, and artists. This period in Arles and Saint-Rémy marked a decisive moment in his career, where his storytelling ambition gave rise to landscapes of poetic imagination and romantic love.
Witness masterpieces like ‘Starry Night over the Rhône’ (1888, Musée d’Orsay), ‘The Yellow House’ (1888, Van Gogh Museum), alongside resident treasures like ‘Sunflowers’ (1888) and ‘Van Gogh’s Chair’ (1889).
Check out our National Gallery Highlights Guide.
What’s on at Westminster Abbey
Step into the timeless beauty of Westminster Abbey, an iconic symbol of British history and culture. While exploring this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, be sure to seize the moment and visit the temporary exhibits, offering a rare glimpse into the rich tapestry of royal events and significant historical moments. From captivating displays illuminating the lives of past monarchs to immersive installations that bring centuries of architectural grandeur to life, these limited-time exhibits provide a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the captivating history and sacred traditions of Westminster Abbey.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries
Monday – Friday: 10.00am – 3.00pm (last entry)
Saturday: 9.30am – 3.00pm (last entry)
Sunday: Closed
Tickets from £5 (in addition to entrance ticket)
Experience the architectural marvel of the new Weston Tower, an exquisite addition to the historic Westminster Abbey since 1745, designed by Ptolemy Dean. Inspired by the abbey’s Gothic patterns, this star-shaped structure seamlessly blends with the existing Gothic architecture, featuring stone, glass, lead, and oak materials. Inside, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries offer breathtaking views of the Great West Door and Cosmati Pavement, while showcasing a fascinating collection of around 300 objects spanning a millennium of history. From Queen Mary II’s coronation chair to Queen Elizabeth I’s corset and artifacts reflecting worship and daily life at the abbey, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Westminster Abbey’s past.
Hidden Highlights: Westminster Abbey
October, November and December 2024
Tickets £15 (in addition to entrance ticket)
Tickets sell out very quickly!
Embark on an exclusive experience that takes you behind the scenes of Westminster Abbey, granting access to areas typically off-limits to the public. Lasting 75 minutes, this immersive experience unveils the lost medieval sacristy, unveiled during a monumental archaeological endeavour. Additionally, you will explore the Florence Nightingale & Nurses’ Chapel, a poignant tribute to nursing professionals who perished during World War II, as well as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, showcasing a wealth of treasures from the abbey. Lastly, step into history within the Jerusalem Chamber, the medieval chamber where Henry IV breathed his last and Henry V ascended the throne. Prepare for an extraordinary journey into the hidden realms of Westminster Abbey’s past.
Check out our guide to Everything you need to know about Westminster Abbey
What’s on at St Paul’s Cathedral
Experience the awe-inspiring majesty of St. Paul’s Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Delve into the extraordinary temporary exhibits on display, offering a glimpse into the cathedral’s storied past and its role as a witness to historic events. From immersive displays showcasing the cathedral’s remarkable architectural details to captivating exhibitions unveiling the stories of those who have left their mark within its hallowed walls, these limited-time exhibits provide a unique opportunity to explore the hidden treasures and profound significance of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge
Exhibition Ongoing
Free with a regular entrance ticket
Join us in commemorating the incredible life of Sir Christopher Wren, the visionary scientist, mathematician, and architect behind the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral. In our exhibition, “Sir Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge,” we delve into the early years and career of this remarkable figure, shedding light on his lesser-known accomplishments in mathematics, astronomy, and physiology. Explore the design and construction of his greatest masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral, while immersing yourself in a treasure trove of archival materials, drawings, photographs, and personal artefacts that offer a captivating glimpse into Wren’s extraordinary world.
Check out our guide to everything you need to know about St Paul’s Cathedral
